this_o be_v but_o too_o manifest_a isa_n 55._o 2._o labour_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n not_o bread_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o for_o that_o which_o can_v satisfy_v their_o soul_n god_n christ_n heaven_n be_v not_o in_o all_o scarce_o in_o any_o of_o their_o thought_n psal_n 10._o 4._o &_o 49._o 11._o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v man_n eye_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o and_o the_o world_n bewitch_v man_n mind_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n so_o strange_o delude_v 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o become_v mere_a slave_n and_o captive_n to_o the_o world_n ask_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n what_o thing_n be_v best_a earth_n or_o heaven_n god_n or_o the_o creature_n their_o soul_n or_o their_o body_n save_v grace_n of_o worldly_a good_n and_o all_o will_v confess_v that_o god_n be_v best_a of_o all_o and_o heaven_n better_o than_o earth_n if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o then_o be_v this_o world_n mind_v more_o than_o god_n and_o why_o be_v earth_n mind_v more_o than_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o true_a reason_n rom._n 8._o 5._o which_o be_v because_o man_n be_v in_o the_o flesh_n in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n under_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n this_o their_o way_n be_v their_o folly_n psal_n 49._o 12._o it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o choose_v the_o worst_a thing_n and_o refuse_v the_o best_a to_o mind_n earth_n and_o forget_v heaven_n to_o pursue_v the_o creature_n and_o neglect_n god_n and_o christ_n folly_n indeed_o to_o mind_n day_n and_o night_n and_o follow_v hard_a after_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n and_o neglect_v eternal_a the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n but_o a_o god_n right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o psal_n 16._o last_o o_o the_o bewitch_a nature_n of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v so_o gain_v and_o hold_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o although_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o it_o pass_v away_o and_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n yet_o that_o man_n shall_v so_o drown_v themselves_o in_o it_o as_o to_o make_v they_o forget_v the_o world_n to_o come_v how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o spend_v all_o our_o thought_n care_n and_o pain_n about_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n see_v they_o be_v so_o transitory_a and_o perish_a so_o much_o beneath_o our_o never-dying_a soul_n so_o utter_o unable_a to_o satisfy_v or_o content_v our_o soul_n or_o to_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o trouble_n or_o to_o stand_v we_o in_o any_o stead_n in_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v not_o our_o mind_n most_o strange_o blind_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o have_v reason_n and_o understanding_n we_o shall_v so_o waste_v our_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n see_v the_o great_a god_n and_o the_o bless_a jesus_n offer_v themselves_o to_o become_v we_o and_o see_v heaven_n and_o happiness_n and_o glory_n be_v before_o we_o and_o offer_v to_o we_o and_o we_o may_v have_v they_o if_o we_o will_v and_o so_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o o_o wonderful_a folly_n and_o blindness_n the_o lord_n enlighten_v and_o convince_v we_o inf._n iu._n four_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o true_a christian_a life_n by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o captive_n to_o the_o world_n have_v but_o little_a faith_n if_o any_o 1_o john_n 5._o 4._o for_o faith_n overcome_v the_o world_n where_o sense_n rise_v faith_n fall_v now_o say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sense_n this_o be_v our_o practice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n we_o look_v not_o at_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v that_o be_v we_o live_v not_o by_o sense_n but_o by_o faith_n q._n but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o live_v or_o walk_v by_o sense_n ans_fw-fr the_o great_a good_a or_o end_n or_o happiness_n that_o a_o carnal_a heart_n propose_v to_o itself_o in_o which_o it_o expect_v content_a be_v some_o good_a that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n something_o that_o may_v be_v sensible_o enjoy_v and_o this_o they_o pursue_v and_o labour_v after_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o judge_v thing_n be_v sense_n if_o thing_n please_v sense_n and_o seem_v good_a to_o sense_n to_o the_o eye_n to_o the_o ear_n to_o the_o taste_n to_o the_o appetite_n they_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v good_a thing_n if_o not_o please_v to_o the_o sense_n they_o be_v count_v evil_a thing_n that_o which_o affect_v their_o heart_n be_v sense_n sensible_a comfort_n or_o sensible_a cross_n sensible_a gain_n or_o sensible_a loss_n want_v the_o light_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n they_o live_v only_o by_o sense_n and_o be_v but_o sensual_a judas_n 19_o eccl._n 11._o 9_o and_o so_o they_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n chief_o and_o principal_o this_o life_n of_o sense_n be_v various_o express_v prov._n 3._o 5._o a_o lean_v to_o their_o own_o understanding_n psal_n 81._o 12._o a_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o in_o their_o own_o counsel_n jer._n 9_o 14._o walk_v after_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n isa_n 65._o 2._o after_o their_o own_o thought_n in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o good_a isa_n 5._o 21._o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o true_a christian_n but_o they_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n q._n what_o be_v it_o then_o to_o walk_v by_o faith_n ans_fw-fr the_o great_a good_a or_o end_v or_o happiness_n that_o a_o gracious_a soul_n aim_v at_o and_o seek_v content_a in_o be_v that_o which_o be_v present_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a to_o wit_n the_o glorify_v of_o god_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o these_o be_v thing_n not_o see_v these_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o of_o faith_n to_o glorify_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o enjoy_v god_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o saint_n walk_v and_o way_n and_o all_o this_o be_v by_o faith_n this_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v demonstrate_v several_a way_n 1._o he_o that_o live_v by_o faith_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o every_o truth_n in_o it_o such_o a_o soul_n give_v up_o itself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n it_o walk_v by_o no_o other_o rule_n 2._o it_o yield_v itself_o up_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o motion_n stir_n counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n harken_v to_o that_o word_n behind_o he_o isa_n 30_o 31._o not_o willing_o grieve_v nor_o quench_v it_o 3._o it_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n for_o this_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n act_v 15._o 9_o &_o 26._o 18._o 4._o it_o always_o lean_v upon_o christ_n and_o draw_v strength_n from_o he_o to_o hold_v on_o and_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n by_o it_o the_o soul_n abide_v in_o christ_n john_n 15._o 3._o and_o by_o draw_v of_o strength_n from_o christ_n it_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n phil._n 4._o 13._o notwithstanding_o all_o opposition_n 5._o by_o faith_n the_o soul_n commit_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o trust_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o concernment_n with_o god_n psal_n 37._o 3_o 5._o prov._n 16._o 3._o 2_o pet._n 5._o 7._o psal_n 112._o 7_o 8._o isa_n 26._o 2_o 3._o such_o a_o soul_n can_v satisfy_v himself_o with_o what_o he_o receive_v by_o faith_n as_o real_o and_o true_o as_o other_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o sense_n the_o faithful_a promise_n of_o god_n be_v as_o sweet_a to_o he_o as_o the_o sensible_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v of_o other_o heb._n 11._o 13._o they_o see_v the_o promise_v afar_o off_o and_o embrace_v they_o now_o when_o a_o soul_n can_v depend_v upon_o god_n alone_o for_o all_o in_o the_o want_n of_o all_o outward_a mean_n and_o make_v progress_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o not_o draw_v back_o and_o do_v in_o his_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n so_o walk_v work_n and_o act_n as_o become_v one_o that_o do_v believe_v such_o glorious_a thing_n in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o he_o do_v believe_v when_o there_o be_v a_o suitableness_n in_o his_o life_n to_o what_o he_o believe_v then_o oh_o then_o he_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o life_n that_o in_o some_o degree_n every_o true_a christian_a life_n and_o desire_n to_o live_v and_o this_o live_n by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o text._n 2_o use_n the_o second_o use_n be_v
may_v be_v poor_a in_o this_o world_n yet_o rich_a in_o faith_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o james_z 2._o 5._o and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n yet_o poor_a in_o soul_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o hell_n as_o we_o see_v in_o dives_n 6._o faith_n be_v a_o powerful_a a_o victorious_a conquer_a grace_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n stephen_n be_v full_a of_o faith_n and_o power_n act_v 6._o 8._o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n 2_o thess_n 1._o 11._o faith_n bring_v all_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n under_o the_o believer_n foot_n it_o give_v the_o believer_n power_n to_o use_v the_o world_n and_o not_o to_o abuse_v it_o not_o seek_v rest_n and_o contentment_n in_o it_o to_o use_v it_o moderate_o without_o damage_n and_o detriment_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o use_v it_o for_o god_n honour_n it_o be_v own_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o power_n to_o keep_v it_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n christ_n dwell_v there_o by_o faith_n to_o use_v the_o world_n and_o not_o lose_v our_o heart_n our_o peace_n nor_o our_o conscience_n in_o it_o faith_n give_v the_o soul_n power_n to_o withstand_v the_o threat_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o power_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o to_o go_v to_o a_o better_a world_n oh_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o this_o faith_n gracious_a soul_n be_v take_v off_o from_o those_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o doctrinal_a part._n the_o application_n follow_v first_o for_o information_n if_o it_o be_v the_o character_n and_o duty_n of_o gracious_a soul_n because_o visible_a thing_n be_v temporal_a therefore_o they_o must_v not_o they_o do_v not_o much_o mind_n or_o regard_v they_o i._o it_o follow_v then_o that_o earthly-mindedness_a worldliness_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o very_o unbecoming_a true_a christian_n for_o their_o mind_n and_o conversation_n be_v it_o heaven_n phil._n 3._o 19_o 20._o there_o be_v the_o discriminate_a character_n both_o of_o the_o gracious_a and_o ungracious_a a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o the_o one_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n the_o otherâ—_n have_v their_o conversation_n it_o heaven_n most_o people_n look_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v all_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n those_o that_o they_o count_v their_o own_o and_o those_o be_v most_o â—hiefly_o and_o principal_o mind_v as_o appear_v manifest_o thus_o 1._o by_o the_o stream_n of_o their_o thought_n which_o run_v steady_o upon_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n have_v vain_a mind_n 2._o by_o the_o common_a current_n of_o their_o discourse_n their_o talk_n be_v all_o of_o the_o world_n 3._o by_o the_o tide_n of_o their_o affection_n love_n joy_n fear_v sorrow_n delight_n all_o run_v strong_o worldward_v 4._o by_o the_o course_n of_o their_o action_n their_o time_n pain_n care_n all_o be_v spend_v about_o the_o world_n rise_v early_o go_v to_o bed_n late_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n and_o all_o about_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n because_o express_o forbid_v matth._n 6._o 19_o lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n on_o earth_n joh._n 6._o 27._o labour_v not_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o perish_v col._n 3._o 2._o set_a your_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o upon_o thing_n below_o and_o this_o worldly-mindedness_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a christian_n as_o in_o the_o text_n we_o look_v not_o on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v so_o phil._n 3._o 20._o and_o it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o can_v please_v god_n rom._n 8._o 5_o 8._o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n do_v mind_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n such_o be_v not_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n but_o conquer_v and_o captivate_v by_o it_o yea_o crucify_a by_o it_o conquer_v by_o the_o profit_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o and_o mere_a slave_n to_o these_o and_o crucify_v by_o the_o cross_n and_o loss_n of_o the_o world_n their_o heart_n and_o spirit_n lie_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o these_o and_o be_v at_o the_o beck_n of_o these_o their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n lie_v all_o at_o the_o courtesy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v a_o woeful_a bondage_n remember_v this_o we_o can_v never_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v true_o gracious_a until_o we_o have_v grace_n enough_o to_o keep_v god_n and_o our_o heart_n together_o and_o to_o keep_v the_o world_n and_o our_o heart_n asunder_o 1_o john_n 2._o 14_o 15._o love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n for_o he_o that_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o woe_n to_o they_o that_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n psal_n 17._o 14._o who_o have_v their_o good_a thing_n here_o who_o have_v lay_v up_o their_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n and_o there_o have_v their_o heart_n that_o text_n phil._n 3._o 19_o be_v enough_o to_o terrify_v aâ—_n such_o their_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o mind_n earthâ—â—_n thing_n inf._n ii_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n that_o contentment_n with_o our_o condition_n and_o with_o any_o portion_n of_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n be_v a_o great_a virtue_n and_o well_o become_a christian_n discontent_n proceed_v from_o our_o over-minding_a and_o overvalue_a and_o overloving_a earthly_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n for_o it_o practical_o deny_v god_n all-sufficiency_n his_o wisdom_n sovereignty_n faithfulness_n and_o mercy_n it_o disgrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o godliness_n and_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o great_a plague_n q._n but_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v content_a content_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o my_o dear_a relation_n estate_n health_n liberty_n &_o c_o a._n read_v mr._n burroughs_n book_n of_o christian_a contentment_n take_v also_o these_o direction_n 1._o labour_v to_o make_v god_n your_o own_o and_o then_o you_o will_v have_v a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a balance_n to_o all_o your_o loss_n he_o be_v god_n all-sufficient_a weigh_v well_o those_o two_o scripture_n 1_o sam._n 30._o 6._o &_o 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o 2._o labour_v to_o make_v christ_n your_o own_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o you_o in_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o he_o be_v and_o with_o all_o he_o have_v and_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o psal_n 23._o 1._o the_o lord_n be_v my_o shepherd_n i_o shall_v not_o want_v say_v david_n 3._o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o many_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o be_v there_o suitable_a to_o every_o condition_n you_o can_v be_v in_o act_n your_o faith_n on_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o lie_v upon_o and_o suck_v those_o full_a breast_n of_o consolation_n 4._o pray_v for_o contentment_n and_o pray_v earnest_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o that_o will_v so_o satisfy_v and_o content_v you_o that_o any_o measure_n of_o earthly_a thing_n will_v content_v you_o 5._o be_v much_o in_o heavenly_a meditation_n look_v upon_o invisible_a and_o eternal_a thing_n spend_v serious_a frequent_a fix_a thought_n on_o they_o 6._o consider_v your_o desert_n no_o person_n in_o the_o world_n how_o little_a soever_o he_o have_v of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n but_o have_v much_o more_o than_o he_o deserve_v and_o more_o than_o he_o do_v well_o improve_v and_o how_o much_o soever_o he_o have_v of_o the_o evil_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n he_o have_v infinite_o less_o than_o he_o deserve_v for_o every_o thing_n out_o of_o hell_n be_v a_o mercy_n it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n we_o be_v not_o consume_v 7._o consider_v if_o you_o be_v true_a christian_n you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o rom._n 8._o 9_o jesus_n christ_n have_v a_o most_o content_a spirit_n contentment_n be_v the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o true_a godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 8._o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n let_v we_o be_v content_a let_v we_o that_o be_v christian_n who_o have_v the_o great_a god_n for_o our_o portion_n and_o bless_a jesus_n for_o our_o treasure_n and_o heaven_n for_o our_o inheritance_n have_v food_n and_o raiment_n any_o food_n any_o raiment_n though_o never_o so_o coarse_a let_v we_o be_v content_a content_a with_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v heb._n 13._o 5._o inf._n iii_o three_o hence_o it_o follow_v also_o that_o great_a be_v the_o folly_n of_o all_o by_o nature_n and_o great_a be_v their_o blindness_n which_o appear_v in_o this_o that_o they_o value_v prize_n mind_n and_o follow_v after_o visible_a temporal_a thing_n much_o more_o eager_o and_o earnest_o than_o after_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n
excellency_n and_o high_a concernment_n and_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o that_o be_v gospel-christians_a we_o look_v to_o these_o thing_n upon_o these_o we_o spend_v our_o most_o serious_a thought_n and_o our_o best_a affection_n these_o possess_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o we_o live_v in_o the_o continual_a prospect_n of_o these_o unseen_a and_o eternal_a thing_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n a_o little_a more_o to_o open_v this_o act_n of_o gracious_a soul_n and_o the_o object_n of_o it_o i._o for_o the_o act_n look_v which_o may_v note_v these_o thing_n 1._o it_o note_v reality_n it_o be_v no_o fancy_n dream_n or_o empty_a imagination_n but_o we_o look_v we_o see_v we_o behold_v they_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o our_o mind_n illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o we_o discern_v and_o behold_v those_o invisible_a and_o eternal_a thing_n heb._n 11._o 1._o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v we_o do_v as_o full_o believe_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v visible_a to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n 2._o it_o note_v certainty_n what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n we_o be_v certain_a of_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o they_o heb._n 11._o 13._o hence_o this_o sight_n be_v call_v knowledge_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 1._o 3._o fixedness_n it_o be_v not_o glance_v or_o cast_v a_o eye_n on_o they_o but_o we_o look_v on_o they_o that_o be_v fix_o and_o steadfast_o we_o aim_v at_o they_o we_o lock_v on_o they_o as_o our_o mark_n and_o end_n thus_o for_o the_o act._n ii_o for_o the_o object_n they_o be_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v what_o they_o be_v have_v be_v show_v the_o property_n be_v these_o 1._o they_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n so_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 8._o and_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o not_o otherwise_o 2._o they_o 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but_o shadow_n trifle_n because_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n substantial_a thing_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v all_o vain_a lie_v vanity_n thing_n that_o be_v not_o prov._n 23._o 5._o 6._o they_o be_v soul-satisfying_a and_o heart-contenting_a thing_n such_o as_o have_v they_o shall_v never_o thirst_v more_o john_n 4._o 14._o that_o be_v inordinate_o and_o immoderate_o after_o earthly_a thing_n 7._o and_o last_o they_o be_v eternal_a thing_n permanent_a abide_v last_a everlasting_a thing_n eternal_a life_n eternal_a glory_n everlasting_a consolation_n everlasting_a rest_n we_o shall_v ever_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n can_v i_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a and_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o practice_n of_o converse_v with_o those_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n can_v i_o be_v regenerate_v bear_v of_o god_n bear_v from_o above_o and_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o practice_n can_v i_o be_v quiet_a in_o conscience_n so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o can_v i_o ground_o hope_v to_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o ever_o hereafter_o and_o be_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o this_o converse_n with_o he_o here_o can_v i_o have_v any_o support_v in_o trouble_n without_o this_o can_v i_o have_v any_o true_a comfort_n in_o life_n or_o death_n or_o bid_v sickness_n or_o death_n welcome_a and_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o certain_o no_o therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n labour_n for_o more_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o those_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n and_o exercise_v thyself_o more_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o they_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n why_o gracious_a soul_n do_v most_o serious_o mind_n intend_v and_o aim_v at_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n reas_n i._o because_o they_o be_v command_v so_o to_o do_v col._n 3._o 1_o 2._o set_a your_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n below_o mat._n 6._o 19_o 20._o lay_v up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n not_o in_o earth_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 19_o ii_o because_o truly-gracious_a soul_n be_v endue_v with_o invisible_a divine_a and_o eternal_a principle_n which_o do_v incline_v dispose_n and_o suit_v they_o to_o those_o invisible_a and_o eternal_a thing_n jam._n 1._o 17_o 18._o they_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n bear_v of_o god_n their_o extraction_n be_v heavenly_a 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o they_o must_v needs_o mind_n god_n for_o they_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o he_o be_v their_o father_n they_o have_v his_o image_n on_o they_o and_o they_o must_v needs_o mind_n christ_n for_o he_o be_v form_v in_o they_o and_o the_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n heaven_n be_v their_o father_n house_n their_o own_o home_n their_o inheritance_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n incline_v and_o dispose_v they_o to_o mind_n thing_n above_o as_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o this_o be_v the_o characteristical_a difference_n between_o the_o carnal_a and_o the_o spiritual_a man_n rom._n 8._o 5_o 6._o 1_o john_n 5._o 4._o every_o thing_n act_v according_a to_o its_o principle_n if_o man_n and_o woman_n have_v no_o other_o principle_n in_o they_o but_o such_o as_o they_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n with_o they_o which_o be_v only_o earthly_a and_o have_v no_o other_o spirit_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n iâ—_n they_o they_o can_v mind_v heavenly_a thing_n for_o such_o as_o be_v the_o earthly_a such_o be_v they_o that_o be_v earthly_a heavenly_a thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o their_o principle_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v mind_v they_o but_o holy_a soul_n have_v principle_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o they_o live_v the_o life_n of_o god_n iii_o because_o their_o hope_n be_v set_v ground_a fix_v on_o those_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n their_o hope_n be_v not_o in_o this_o life_n but_o in_o god_n in_o christ_n glory_n heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o truly-gracious_a soul_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 19_o rom._n 5._o 2._o heb._n 6._o 18_o 19_o tit._n 2._o 14._o tit._n 1._o 2._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 13._o 1_o john_n 3._o 3._o we_o must_v needs_o mind_v they_o and_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o they_o because_o we_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v they_o for_o ever_o phil._n 3._o 20_o 21._o iv._o because_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v have_v experience_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o sweet_a and_o powerful_a influence_n and_o operation_n of_o those_o invisible_a eternal_a thing_n on_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o spirit_n they_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a they_o have_v have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n in_o some_o degree_n they_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o many_o save_a fruit_n and_o effect_n on_o they_o they_o have_v feel_v the_o power_n efficacy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o they_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n receive_v the_o first-fruit_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n rom._n 8._o 23._o eph._n 1._o 13_o 14._o v._o because_o by_o all_o these_o thing_n gracious_a soul_n live_v and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o life_n of_o their_o soul_n their_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o shall_v they_o not_o mind_n god_n and_o christ_n christ_n live_v in_o they_o and_o they_o in_o he_o gal._n 2._o 20._o they_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5._o they_o live_v by_o and_o live_v upon_o the_o promise_n job_n 23._o 12._o they_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o purchase_v
the_o spirit_n be_v help_n and_o do_v no_o long_o delay_v this_o work_n lest_o thou_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o thy_o work_n be_v do_v and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o thou_o then_o that_o this_o with_o all_o other_o help_v to_o thy_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n may_v do_v thou_o good_a be_v the_o unfeigned_a prayer_n of_o thy_o unfeigned_a friend_n james_n bardwood_n the_o reverend_a author_n have_v preach_v many_o profitable_a sermon_n on_o the_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o he_o industrious_o and_o clear_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o self-examination_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n consist_v in_o a_o secret_a debate_n of_o our_o eternal_a estate_n and_o condition_n within_o our_o own_o bosom_n wherein_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n ponder_v and_o weigh_v all_o that_o make_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o in_o a_o even_a balance_n the_o object-matter_n of_o this_o debate_n be_v thing_n eternal_a the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o likewise_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o solemnity_n set_v the_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n before_o we_o and_o humble_o implore_v the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n man_n be_v to_o debate_v these_o two_o thing_n one_a whether_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n a_o great_a question_n indeed_o upon_o which_o hang_v all_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n col._n 1._o 27._o two_o if_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n what_o condition_n we_o be_v in_o whether_o thrive_v in_o grace_n or_o decay_v in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o question_v the_o painful_a author_n spend_v many_o exercise_n in_o the_o resolve_v of_o in_o lay_v down_o open_v and_o answer_v eight_o several_a distinct_a rule_n of_o trial_n of_o a_o save_v interest_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o several_a objection_n that_o poor_a doubt_v soul_n may_v make_v against_o themselves_o thing_n high_o worth_a the_o publication_n as_o i_o perceive_v by_o some_o imperfect_a note_n take_v from_o he_o which_o because_o i_o can_v attain_v to_o a_o more_o exact_a copy_n of_o they_o i_o must_v omit_v they_o the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n but_o for_o the_o nine_o and_o last_o mark_v i_o find_v more_o full_a and_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o only_o offer_v this_o one_o to_o your_o consideration_n concern_v which_o hear_v his_o own_o word_n as_o to_o this_o nine_o mark_n of_o a_o save_v interest_n in_o christ_n i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v clear_v but_o this_o one_o trial_n i_o do_v not_o value_v whatever_o objection_n you_o have_v against_o any_o of_o the_o former_a this_o will_v undoubted_o speak_v your_o soul_n interest_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v clear_v it_o to_o you_o you_o may_v venture_v your_o soul_n into_o eternity_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o try_v yourselves_o by_o this_o if_o any_o of_o you_o be_v sincere_o and_o full_o resolve_v upon_o full_a conviction_n of_o your_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a state_n by_o nature_n and_o the_o answerableness_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o your_o want_n to_o let_v go_v all_o that_o hinder_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o embrace_v all_o that_o further_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o you_o need_v not_o make_v any_o doubt_n or_o question_n after_o this_o whether_o christ_n be_v you_o or_o you_o be_v he_o consent_n be_v essential_a to_o marriage_n there_o can_v be_v no_o spiritual_a marriage_n to_o christ_n but_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o will._n knowledge_n be_v essential_a to_o consent_v he_o that_o do_v not_o think_v and_o know_v can_v consent_v if_o you_o be_v therefore_o consent_v and_o willing_a to_o be_v christ_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n there_o remain_v no_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n be_v you_o after_o that_o consent_n hos_fw-la 3._o 3_o thou_o shall_v be_v for_o i_o so_o also_o will_v i_o be_v for_o thou_o christ_n be_v for_o vou_fw-fr if_o you_o be_v for_o he_o and_o when_o the_o great_a work_n of_o conversion_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n you_o find_v it_o express_v under_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n consent_v in_o the_o 110th_o psalm_n 3._o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n from_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o morning_n thou_o have_v the_o dew_n of_o thy_o youth_n that_o be_v of_o thy_o spiritual_a offspring_n and_o this_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o consent_v to_o take_v christ_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n but_o beloved_n do_v mistake_v yourselves_o i_o be_o not_o about_o to_o shuffle_v over_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o this_o be_v rash_o i_o be_o well_o aware_a my_o own_o and_o your_o salvation_n too_o be_v carry_v in_o the_o matter_n i_o be_o to_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o resolve_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v impartial_o faithful_a between_o god_n and_o we_o in_o this_o great_a matter_n i_o will_v not_o for_o ten_o thousand_o world_n a_o word_n shall_v drop_v from_o my_o lip_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o any_o soul_n nor_o yet_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o any_o gracious_a soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v i_o explain_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v clear_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o solid_a scriptural_a interest_n in_o christ_n the_o two_o first_o i_o hope_v will_v pass_v current_n with_o most_o of_o we_o yet_o some_o may_v stumble_v there_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v this_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o full_a and_o serious_a conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n without_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o soul_n that_o come_v to_o he_o without_o such_o a_o conviction_n the_o spirit_n when_o he_o come_v he_o shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n john_n 16._o 9_o that_n the_o spirit_n be_v first_o work_v and_o it_o be_v fundamental_a to_o all_o his_o after-work_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o all_o the_o convert_v in_o scripture_n the_o lord_n have_v be_v deal_v with_o their_o understanding_n first_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a state_n by_o nature_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n profess_o tell_v we_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n convince_v sinner_n not_o those_o that_o think_v they_o have_v righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o physician_n but_o they_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o that_o christ_n must_v take_v his_o course_n because_o his_o commission_n lead_v to_o it_o isa_n 61._o 1_o 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o preach_v glad_a tiding_n to_o the_o meek_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a in_o heart_n and_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n these_o be_v the_o person_n upon_o who_o christ_n be_v to_o act_v the_o great_a work_n of_o salvation_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bind_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v break_v heart_v through_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o when_o he_o invite_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o come_v to_o he_o see_v how_o he_o do_v it_o in_o the_o 11._o matth._n 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n these_o be_v the_o person_n christ_n bestow_v himself_o upon_o so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n by_o nature_n as_o leave_v we_o without_o hope_n without_o christ_n i_o do_v speak_v of_o the_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a trouble_n but_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a truth_n that_o so_o much_o conviction_n as_o unbottom_n the_o soul_n from_o self-righteousness_n and_o false_a hope_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o before_o this_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o match_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n if_o any_o man_n be_v marry_v to_o his_o own_o righteousness_n duty_n and_o performance_n that_o soul_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v at_o all_o with_o christ_n nor_o can_v that_o soul_n be_v marry_v to_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v marry_v to_o the_o law_n another_o husband_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o roman_n the_o apostle_n in_o that_o chapter_n prove_v to_o we_o that_o we_o can_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n until_o we_o be_v divorce_v from_o our_o own_o self-righteousness_n that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v upon_o many_o that_o be_v here_o before_o he_o the_o