obstruction_n unto_o fruitfulness_n thrnkfulness_n and_o consolation_n when_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o our_o meditation_n about_o the_o benefit_n that_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v thereby_o for_o while_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o we_o can_v neither_o value_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o grant_v we_o this_o inestimable_a privilege_n nor_o perform_v any_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o it_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n this_o render_v it_o a_o especial_a object_n of_o our_o affection_n as_o spiritual_o renew_v that_o secret_a love_n unto_o and_o heavenly_a delight_n in_o the_o statute_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n which_o david_n express_v psal_n 119._o arise_v from_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o they_o as_o he_o constant_o declare_v and_o the_o sole_a reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n why_o man_n grow_v so_o careless_a negligent_a and_o cold_a in_o their_o attendance_n unto_o the_o preach_a 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that_o our_o affection_n be_v renew_v so_o also_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o communion_n which_o it_o have_v have_v with_o god_n in_o they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o of_o the_o spiritual_a refreshment_n which_o it_o have_v have_v from_o they_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o in_o recovery_n from_o temptation_n snare_n despondency_n in_o victory_n over_o sin_n and_o satan_n in_o spiritual_a impression_n work_v it_o unto_o a_o holy_a watchful_a frame_n which_o have_v abode_n with_o it_o in_o other_o way_n and_o occasion_n with_o the_o like_a advantage_n wherewith_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n and_o sincere_a heavenly_a meditation_n be_v accompany_v it_o can_v but_o have_v love_n unto_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o but_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o find_v not_o these_o advantage_n 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remembrance_n of_o the_o return_v they_o have_v have_v unto_o former_a supplication_n in_o the_o like_a distress_n these_o be_v ground_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n in_o these_o duty_n heartless_n lifeless_a wordy_a prayer_n the_o fruit_n of_o conviction_n and_o gift_n or_o of_o custom_n and_o outward_a occasion_n however_o multiply_v and_o whatever_o devotion_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v accompany_v withal_o will_v never_o engage_v spiritual_a affection_n unto_o they_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v absent_a when_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o experience_n of_o they_o prayer_n be_v but_o a_o lifeless_a form_n a_o dead_a carcase_n which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o torment_n unto_o a_o soul_n spiritual_o alive_a to_o be_v tie_v unto_o there_o may_v be_v a_o season_n indeed_o when_o god_n will_v seem_v to_o hide_v himself_o from_o believer_n in_o their_o prayer_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v neither_o find_v that_o life_n in_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v do_v former_o nor_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o gracious_a communication_n from_o he_o but_o this_o be_v do_v only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o principal_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o unto_o that_o fervency_n and_o preseverance_n in_o prayer_n as_o may_v recover_v they_o into_o their_o former_a or_o a_o better_a estate_n than_o yet_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n four_o believer_n who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n great_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v the_o great_a institute_v way_n whereby_o they_o may_v give_v glory_n unto_o god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o respect_v divine_a appointment_n namely_o to_o ascribe_v and_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n that_o be_v his_o due_n for_o in_o they_o all_o acknowledgement_n be_v make_v of_o all_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n
they_o in_o conjunction_n will_v bring_v in_o relief_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o your_o own_o peace_n without_o application_n by_o faith_n unto_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v wherefore_o 3._o herein_o lie_v your_o great_a duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o your_o temptation_n namely_o in_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o your_o thought_n on_o the_o love_n care_n compassion_n and_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o ability_n to_o help_v succour_n and_o save_v they_o that_o do_v believe_v so_o to_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o he_o which_o will_v prove_v assure_o successful_a and_o victorious_a the_o same_o duty_n be_v incumbent_a on_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o any_o urgent_a prevalent_a general_a temptation_n there_o be_v season_n wherein_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n come_v on_o the_o earth_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o what_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v judge_v that_o now_o it_o be_v such_o a_o hour_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v put_v forth_o therein_o what_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o a_o general_a security_n coldness_n deadness_n and_o decay_n in_o grace_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o vigorous_a act_n of_o zeal_n love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n with_o a_o indifferency_n unto_o holy_a duty_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n i_o do_v not_o say_v determinate_o that_o so_o it_o be_v let_v other_o judge_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n but_o if_o any_o one_o do_v so_o judge_v undoubted_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o thought_n how_o he_o may_v escape_v in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o son_n of_o man._n he_o will_v find_v it_o his_o concernment_n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o his_o mind_n with_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n unto_o watchfulness_n and_o how_o he_o may_v obtain_v such_o supply_n of_o grace_n as_o may_v effectual_o preserve_v he_o from_o such_o decay_n 3._o all_o thing_n in_o religion_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o such_o thought_n as_o they_o be_v propose_v or_o occur_v unto_o our_o mind_n in_o great_a variety_n on_o all_o sort_n of_o occasion_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n in_o our_o meditation_n to_o hear_v thing_n to_o have_v they_o propose_v unto_o we_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o to_o let_v they_o slip_v out_o or_o flow_v from_o we_o as_o water_n that_o be_v pour_v into_o a_o leak_a vessel_n be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o soul_n i_o shall_v therefore_o choose_v out_o some_o instance_n as_o be_v before_o propose_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o judge_v that_o they_o who_o will_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v aught_o to_o abide_v and_o abound_v in_o thought_n concern_v they_o 1._o it_o be_v our_o duty_n great_o to_o mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o eternal_a thing_n both_o as_o unto_o their_o reality_n their_o present_a state_n and_o our_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o herein_o consist_v the_o life_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v heavenly_a mind_a that_o be_v to_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a be_v all_o one_o or_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a as_o unto_o its_o original_a and_o essence_n or_o the_o first_o proper_a act_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o its_o growth_n and_o degree_n and_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o in_o experience_n nor_o do_v i_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o place_v his_o chief_a interest_n in_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o have_v many_o thought_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o a_o supposition_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o conformity_n unto_o he_o col._n 3.1_o 2._o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n set_v your_o affection_n or_o your_o thought_n mind_n much_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o it_o become_v those_o who_o through_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v raise_v unto_o newness_n of_o life_n to_o have_v their_o thought_n exercise_v on_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n above_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o and_o the_o singular_a use_n of_o our_o prospect_n into_o these_o thing_n or_o our_o meditation_n on_o they_o he_o instruct_v we_o in_o 2_o cor._n 4.16_o 17_o 18._o for_o which_o cause_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a not_o to_o faint_v under_o the_o daily_a decay_n of_o our_o outward_a man_n and_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n thereby_o to_o bear_v affliction_n as_o thing_n light_a and_o momentary_a to_o thrive_v under_o all_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v unspeakable_a mercy_n and_o privilege_n can_v you_o attain_v a_o better_a frame_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o will_v more_o desire_v if_o you_o be_v believer_n be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o have_v such_o a_o mind_n in_o we_o than_o to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v one_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o due_a meditation_n on_o thing_n unseen_a and_o eternal_a these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v within_o the_o veil_n whereon_o we_o ought_v to_o cast_v the_o anchor_n of_o our_o hope_n in_o all_o the_o storm_n we_o meet_v withal_o heb._n 6.19_o 20._o whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o afterward_o without_o doubt_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v great_o defective_a in_o this_o duty_n partly_o for_o want_v of_o light_n into_o they_o partly_o for_o want_v of_o delight_n in_o they_o they_o think_v little_a of_o a_o eternal_a country_n wherever_o man_n be_v they_o do_v not_o use_v to_o neglect_v thought_n of_o that_o country_n wherein_o their_o inheritance_n lie_v if_o they_o be_v absent_a from_o it_o for_o a_o season_n yet_o will_v they_o labour_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o principal_a concernment_n of_o it_o but_o this_o heavenly_a country_n wherein_o lie_v our_o eternal_a inheritance_n be_v not_o regard_v man_n do_v not_o as_o they_o ought_v exercise_v themselves_o unto_o thought_n of_o thing_n eternal_a and_o invisible_a it_o be_v impossible_a if_o they_o do_v so_o that_o their_o mind_n shall_v be_v so_o earthly_a and_o their_o affection_n cleave_v so_o as_o they_o do_v unto_o present_a thing_n he_o that_o look_v steady_o on_o the_o sun_n although_o he_o can_v bear_v the_o lustre_n of_o its_o beam_n full_o yet_o his_o sight_n be_v so_o affect_v with_o it_o that_o when_o he_o call_v off_o his_o eye_n from_o it_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o thing_n about_o he_o they_o be_v all_o dark_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o who_o look_v steady_o in_o his_o contemplation_n on_o thing_n above_o eternal_a thing_n though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v their_o glory_n yet_o a_o veil_n will_v be_v cast_v by_o it_o on_o all_o the_o desirable_a beauty_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o take_v off_o his_o affection_n from_o they_o man_n live_v and_o act_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o conviction_n that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n to_o come_v with_o a_o persuasion_n hereof_o they_o much_o relieve_v themselves_o in_o their_o sorrow_n suffering_n and_o temptation_n yet_o with_o many_o it_o be_v only_o a_o reserve_v when_o they_o can_v be_v here_o no_o more_o but_o as_o unto_o daily_a contemplation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o as_o unto_o any_o entrance_n into_o it_o by_o faith_n and_o hope_n the_o most_o be_v stranger_n thereunto_o if_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v nothing_o will_v be_v more_o natural_a unto_o we_o than_o to_o have_v many_o thought_n of_o eternal_a thing_n as_o those_o wherein_o all_o our_o own_o principal_n concern_v do_v lie_n as_o well_o as_o those_o which_o be_v excellent_a and_o glorious_a in_o themselves_o the_o direction_n thereon_o be_v that_o we_o will_v make_v heavenly_a thing_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o blessedness_n and_o glory_n a_o principal_a object_n of_o our_o thought_n that_o we_o will_v think_v much_o about_o they_o that_o we_o
a_o discriminate_a character_n of_o believer_n this_o be_v no_o heaven_n unto_o any_o other_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o initial_a state_n in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o incomparable_a transcendency_n unto_o all_o other_o thing_n can_v conceive_v how_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n shall_v consist_v in_o they_o unskilful_a man_n may_v cast_v away_o rough_a unwrought_a diamond_n as_o useless_a stone_n they_o know_v not_o what_o polish_n will_v bring_v they_o unto_o nor_o do_v man_n unskilful_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n judge_v there_o can_v be_v any_o glory_n in_o rough_a unwrought_a grace_n they_o know_v not_o what_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n the_o polish_n of_o the_o heavenly_a hand_n will_v give_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o however_o man_n differ_v in_o and_o about_o religion_n here_o yet_o they_o agree_v well_o enough_o about_o heaven_n they_o will_v all_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n they_o differ_v in_o nothing_o more_o they_o will_v not_o all_o go_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n how_o few_o be_v they_o who_o value_v that_o heavenly_a state_n which_o we_o have_v treat_v of_o or_o do_v understand_v how_o any_o blessedness_n can_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o but_o this_o and_o no_o other_o heaven_n will_v we_o go_v unto_o other_o notion_n there_o may_v be_v there_o be_v of_o it_o which_o be_v but_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o man_n own_o imagination_n the_o more_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o the_o more_o carnal_a they_o may_v grow_v at_o best_a the_o more_o superstitious_a but_o spiritual_a thought_n of_o this_o heaven_n consist_v principal_o in_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o manifest_v in_o he_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o we_o for_o they_o can_v but_o effect_v a_o assimilation_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n unto_o the_o thing_n contemplate_v on_o where_o the_o principle_n and_o seed_n of_o they_o be_v already_o inlay_v and_o begin_v this_o be_v our_o first_o direction_n second_o have_v fix_v right_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o think_v and_o contemplate_v great_o on_o they_o and_o our_o own_o concernment_n in_o they_o without_o this_o all_o our_o speculation_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o eternal_a thing_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n unto_o we_o and_o unto_o your_o encouragement_n and_o direction_n take_v these_o few_o short_a rule_n relate_v unto_o this_o duty_n 1._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a trial_n whether_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n if_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n we_o will_v mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o col._n 3.3_o 2._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v attain_v further_a degree_n in_o that_o bless_a frame_n of_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v already_o form_v in_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o rule_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o 3._o here_o lie_v the_o great_a evidence_n whether_o we_o have_v a_o real_a interest_n in_o the_o thing_n above_o or_o no_o whether_o we_o place_v our_o portion_n and_o blessedness_n in_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o rule_n where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o be_v they_o our_o treasure_n our_o portion_n our_o reward_n in_o comparison_n whereof_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o loss_n and_o dung_n we_o shall_v assure_o be_v conversant_a in_o our_o mind_n about_o they_o 4._o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v in_o he_o a_o principle_n cognate_n and_o suit_v unto_o thing_n above_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n with_o they_o that_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o habit_n of_o grace_n which_o strive_v and_o natural_o tend_v unto_o perfection_n labour_v great_o here_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o who_o be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_a and_o yet_o not_o have_v his_o thought_n great_o exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 3.3_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o will_v try_v ourselves_o by_o thing_n of_o so_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n what_o can_v any_o object_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o we_o it_o be_v from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n either_o we_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o or_o we_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o they_o because_o we_o be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v do_v we_o think_v that_o man_n may_v turmoyl_v themselves_o in_o earthly_a thought_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o when_o they_o be_v free_v of_o their_o affair_n betake_v themselves_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v vain_a and_o useless_a without_o any_o state_v converse_n with_o thing_n above_o and_o yet_o enjoy_v life_n and_o peace_n we_o must_v take_v other_o measure_n of_o thing_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n to_o be_v like_o he_o and_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n with_o man_n that_o they_o be_v so_o stupid_a they_o all_o general_o desire_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v live_v here_o no_o long_o some_o indeed_o have_v no_o other_o regard_n unto_o it_o but_o only_o that_o they_o will_v not_o go_v to_o hell_n but_o most_o will_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o have_v their_o latter_a end_n like_o he_o yet_o few_o there_o be_v who_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o it_o to_o try_v how_o it_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o principle_n and_o desire_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o such_o general_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o please_v their_o imagination_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o such_o person_n seldom_o exercise_v their_o mind_n or_o thought_n about_o it_o nor_o do_v they_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v instruct_v in_o these_o thing_n who_o profess_v their_o chief_a interest_n to_o lie_v in_o they_o not_o to_o abound_v in_o meditation_n concern_v they_o it_o argue_v indeed_o that_o whatever_o they_o profess_v they_o be_v earthly_a and_o carnal_a again_o meditate_v and_o think_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n so_o as_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o opposite_a state_n of_o death_n and_o eternal_a misery_n few_o man_n care_v to_o think_v much_o of_o hell_n and_o the_o everlasting_a torment_n of_o the_o wicked_a therein_o those_o do_v so_o least_o who_o be_v in_o most_o danger_n of_o fall_v thereinto_o they_o put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n and_o suppose_v their_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o hell_n to_o be_v sure_a some_o begin_v to_o advance_v a_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o place_n because_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o desire_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o some_o out_o of_o profaneness_n make_v a_o scoff_n at_o it_o as_o though_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v but_o a_o fable_n most_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o severity_n in_o thought_n about_o it_o which_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o terrify_v withal_o some_o transient_a thought_n they_o will_v have_v of_o it_o but_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o abide_v in_o their_o mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o discompose_v or_o they_o think_v it_o not_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o christ_n to_o leave_v any_o man_n in_o that_o condition_n whereas_o there_o be_v more_o speak_v direct_o of_o hell_n its_o torment_n and_o their_o eternity_n by_o himself_o self_n 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o the_o scripture_n beside_o these_o thought_n â—â—â—…ost_o proceed_v from_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v trouble_v 〈◊〉_d their_o sin_n and_o be_v useful_a unto_o none_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n for_o man_n to_o endeavour_v the_o hide_v of_o themselves_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n from_o that_o which_o be_v unavoidable_o come_v upon_o they_o unto_o eternity_n and_o the_o due_a consideration_n whereof_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o a_o escape_n from_o it_o but_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o true_a believer_n and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v conversant_a in_o their_o thought_n about_o the_o future_a estate_n of_o eternal_a misery_n the_o great_a evidence_n they_o have_v of_o the_o life_n and_o confidence_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n
especial_a particular_a lust_n may_v be_v so_o warm_v and_o foment_v by_o man_n constitution_n within_o or_o be_v so_o expose_v unto_o provoke_v exciting_a occasion_n without_o as_o to_o bring_v perpetual_a trouble_n on_o the_o mind_n yet_o this_o may_v be_v where_o no_o sin_n have_v the_o predominancy_n inquire_v after_o and_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o perplex_v solicitation_n of_o any_o corruption_n unto_o sin_n and_o the_o conquer_a prevalency_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o under_o the_o former_a the_o thought_n contrivance_n and_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v general_o dispose_v and_o incline_v unto_o a_o opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o a_o conflict_n with_o it_o how_o it_o may_v be_v obviate_v defeat_v destroy_v how_o a_o absolute_a victory_n may_v be_v obtain_v against_o it_o yea_o death_n itself_o be_v sweet_a unto_o such_o person_n under_o this_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v that_o which_o will_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o perplex_v power_n of_o their_o corruption_n so_o be_v the_o state_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n at_o large_a represent_v rom._n 7._o in_o the_o other_o case_n namely_o of_o its_o predominancy_n it_o dispose_v of_o the_o thought_n actual_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o fulfil_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o it_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o please_a contemplation_n of_o its_o object_n and_o put_v it_o on_o contrivance_n for_o satisfaction_n yea_o part_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o death_n unto_o such_o person_n be_v that_o it_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a separation_n between_o they_o and_o the_o satisfaction_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o their_o lusts._n it_o be_v bitter_a in_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o worldly_a mind_a man_n because_o it_o will_v take_v he_o from_o all_o his_o enjoyment_n his_o wealth_n profit_n and_o advantage_n it_o be_v so_o unto_o the_o sensual_a person_n as_o that_o which_o final_o determine_v all_o his_o pleasure_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o such_o a_o predominant_a corruption_n in_o some_o it_o taint_v the_o affection_n vitiate_v the_o thought_n and_o work_n over_o the_o will_n unto_o act_n of_o a_o secret_a complacency_n in_o sin_n but_o proceed_v no_o far_o the_o whole_a mind_n may_v be_v vitiate_a by_o it_o and_o render_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o its_o thought_n vain_a sensual_a or_o worldly_a according_a as_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o prevail_a corruption_n yet_o here_o god_n put_v bound_n unto_o the_o rage_a of_o some_o man_n corruption_n and_o say_v to_o their_o proud_a wave_n thus_o far_o shall_v you_o proceed_v and_o no_o far_o he_o either_o lay_v a_o restraint_n on_o their_o mind_n that_o when_o lust_n have_v full_o conceive_v it_o shall_v not_o bring_v forth_o sin_n or_o he_o set_v a_o hedge_n before_o they_o in_o his_o providence_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a in_o their_o circumstance_n to_o find_v their_o way_n unto_o what_o perhaps_o they_o do_v most_o earnest_o desire_v a_o woeful_a life_n it_o be_v that_o such_o person_n lead_v they_o be_v continual_o torture_v between_o their_o corruption_n and_o conviction_n or_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o the_o event_n with_o other_o it_o pursue_v its_o course_n into_o outward_a actual_a sin_n which_o in_o some_o be_v discover_v in_o this_o world_n in_o other_o they_o be_v not_o for_o some_o man_n sin_n go_v before_o they_o unto_o judgement_n and_o some_o follow_v after_o some_o fall_n into_o sin_n upon_o surprisal_n from_o a_o concurrence_n of_o temptation_n with_o corruption_n and_o opportunity_n some_o habituate_v themselves_o unto_o a_o course_n in_o sin_n though_o in_o many_o it_o be_v not_o discover_v in_o some_o it_o be_v but_o among_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v any_o spiritual_a light_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n thereon_o this_o seldom_o fall_v out_o but_o from_o the_o great_a displeasure_n of_o god_n for_o when_o man_n have_v long_o give_v way_n unto_o the_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o affection_n inclination_n and_o thought_n and_o god_n have_v set_v many_o a_o hedge_n before_o they_o to_o give_v bound_n unto_o their_o inclination_n and_o to_o shut_v up_o the_o womb_n of_o sin_n sometime_o by_o affliction_n sometime_o by_o fear_n and_o danger_n sometime_o by_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o the_o bent_n of_o their_o spirit_n be_v towards_o their_o sin_n god_n take_v off_o his_o hand_n of_o restraint_n remove_v his_o hindrance_n and_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o convenient_a all_o thing_n hereon_o suit_v their_o desire_n and_o they_o rush_v into_o actual_a sin_n and_o folly_n set_v their_o foot_n in_o the_o path_n that_o go_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n the_o uncontrollable_a power_n of_o sin_n in_o such_o person_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o they_o make_v their_o condition_n most_o deplorable_a those_o that_o be_v in_o this_o state_n of_o either_o sort_n the_o first_o or_o the_o latter_a be_v remote_a from_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v nor_o be_v god_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o 1._o they_o will_v not_o so_o think_v and_o meditate_v on_o god_n their_o delight_n be_v turn_v another_o way_n their_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n on_o their_o thought_n which_o feed_v they_o continual_o do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o adverse_a unto_o he_o love_n of_o sin_n be_v get_v to_o be_v the_o spring_n in_o they_o and_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o the_o thought_n which_o they_o choose_v and_o delight_v in_o be_v towards_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o if_o any_o thought_n of_o god_n come_v in_o as_o a_o faint_a tide_n for_o a_o few_o minute_n and_o drive_v back_o the_o other_o stream_n they_o be_v quick_o repel_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o strong_a current_n of_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o their_o powerful_a inclination_n yet_o may_v such_o person_n abide_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a holy_a duty_n or_o attendance_n unto_o they_o pride_n of_o or_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o gift_n may_v give_v they_o delight_n in_o their_o own_o performance_n and_o something_o in_o those_o of_o other_o they_o may_v be_v exceed_o please_v withal_o as_o it_o be_v express_o affirm_v ezek._n 33.31_o 32._o but_o in_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o immediate_a real_a thought_n of_o god_n none_o that_o they_o delight_v in_o none_o that_o they_o seek_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o themselves_o and_o those_o which_o impose_v themselves_o on_o they_o they_o reject_v 2._o as_o they_o will_v not_o so_o they_o dare_v not_o think_v of_o god_n they_o will_v not_o because_o of_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n they_o dare_v not_o because_o of_o their_o gild_n no_o soon_o shall_v they_o begin_v to_o think_v of_o he_o in_o good_a earnest_n but_o their_o sin_n will_v lose_v all_o its_o desirable_a form_n and_o appearance_n and_o represent_v itself_o in_o the_o horror_n of_o gild_n alone_o and_o in_o that_o condition_n all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v suit_v to_o increase_v the_o dread_a and_o terror_n of_o the_o sinner_n adam_n have_v hear_v god_n voice_n before_o with_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o on_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o same_o voice_n after_o he_o have_v sin_v he_o hide_v himself_o and_o cry_v that_o he_o be_v afraid_a there_o be_v a_o way_n for_o man_n to_o think_v of_o god_n with_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n upon_o they_o which_o they_o intend_v to_o forsake_v but_o none_o for_o any_o to_o do_v it_o with_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n which_o they_o resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o wherefore_o of_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o person_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o therefore_o be_v they_o far_o enough_o from_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v for_o unless_o we_o have_v many_o thought_n of_o god_n we_o can_v be_v so_o yea_o moreover_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n require_v unto_o those_o thought_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v so_o 1._o that_o we_o take_v delight_n in_o they_o psal._n 30.4_o sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n o_o you_o saint_n of_o he_o and_o give_v thanks_o at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o holiness_n the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n delight_v and_o refresh_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o unto_o thankfulness_n 1._o they_o rejoice_v in_o what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o whatever_o be_v good_a amiable_a or_o desirable_a whatever_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o powerful_a whatever_o be_v gracious_a wise_a and_o merciful_a and_o all_o that_o be_v so_o they_o see_v and_o apprehend_v in_o god_n that_o god_n be_v what_o he_o be_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o chief_a joy_n whatever_o befall_v
soul_n and_o body_n 1_o thes._n 5.23_o when_o we_o say_v that_o we_o be_v sanctify_v in_o part_n only_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o any_o part_n power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v unsanctify_v but_o only_o that_o the_o work_n be_v not_o absolute_o perfect_a in_o any_o of_o they_o all_o sin_n may_v retain_v power_n in_o some_o one_o affection_n as_o anger_n fear_v or_o love_v as_o unto_o actual_a eruption_n and_o effect_n more_o than_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o one_o affection_n may_v be_v more_o eminent_o sanctify_v in_o some_o than_o in_o other_o for_o it_o may_v have_v advantage_n unto_o this_o end_n from_o man_n natural_a temper_n and_o various_a outward_a circumstance_n hence_o some_o find_v little_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o other_o lust_n or_o corruption_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o meet_v withal_o in_o some_o one_o inordinate_a affection_n or_o corruption_n this_o it_o may_v be_v david_n have_v regard_n unto_o psal._n 18.23_o i_o have_v know_v person_n shine_v examplary_o in_o all_o other_o grace_n who_o have_v be_v scarce_o free_a from_o give_v great_a scandal_n by_o the_o excess_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o easy_a provocation_n thereunto_o and_o yet_o they_o have_v know_v that_o the_o set_v themselves_o unto_o the_o sincere_a vigorous_a mortification_n of_o that_o disorder_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a pledge_n of_o their_o sincerity_n in_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o ourselves_o denial_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o our_o natural_a inclination_n lie_v strong_a towards_o howbeit_o as_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o affection_n where_o there_o be_v this_o work_n of_o renovation_n but_o it_o be_v sanctify_v and_o renew_v none_o of_o they_o be_v leave_v absolute_o unto_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o advantage_n mention_v sin_n do_v great_o contend_v to_o use_v some_o of_o they_o unto_o its_o interest_n and_o service_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n yet_o be_v they_o enable_v unto_o &_o make_v meet_v for_o gracious_a act_n and_o do_v in_o their_o proper_a season_n put_v forth_o themselves_o according_o there_o be_v no_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n have_v receive_v the_o great_a damage_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o field_n wherein_o the_o contest_v be_v manage_v between_o sin_n and_o grace_n but_o have_v its_o spiritual_a use_n and_o exercise_n when_o the_o mind_n be_v renew_v there_o be_v some_o so_o inordinate_o subject_a to_o anger_n and_o passion_n therein_o as_o if_o they_o be_v absolute_o under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o yet_o do_v they_o also_o know_v how_o to_o be_v angry_a and_o sin_v not_o in_o be_v angry_a at_o sin_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o yea_o what_o indignation_n yea_o what_o revenge_n 2_o cor._n 7.7_o yea_o god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o leave_v somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a of_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n in_o one_o affection_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o continual_a exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o other_o affection_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o sanctify_v in_o their_o degree_n that_o which_o be_v relieve_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o do_v relieve_v and_o therefore_o as_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v call_v the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v crucify_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o because_o of_o its_o adherence_n unto_o the_o whole_a person_n in_o all_o its_o power_n and_o faculty_n so_o the_o grace_n implant_v in_o our_o nature_n be_v call_v the_o new_a man_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o that_o be_v not_o season_v and_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n escape_v the_o taint_n of_o sin_n so_o nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n be_v accept_v from_o the_o renovation_n that_o be_v by_o grace_n he_o in_o who_o any_o one_o affection_n be_v utrer_o unrenewed_a have_v no_o one_o gracious_o renew_v in_o he_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o indulge_v to_o any_o deprave_a affection_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unavoidable_a impeachment_n of_o their_o sincerity_n think_v not_o to_o say_v with_o naaman_n god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o in_o this_o thing_n in_o all_o other_o i_o will_v be_v for_o he_o he_o require_v the_o whole_a heart_n and_o will_v have_v it_o or_o more_o the_o chief_a work_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o make_v all_o his_o affection_n in_o all_o their_o operation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_fw-la the_o life_n of_o god_n rom._n 6.17_o and_o he_o who_o be_v wise_a will_v keep_v a_o continual_a watch_n over_o those_o wherein_o he_o find_v the_o great_a reluctancy_n thereunto_o and_o every_o affection_n be_v original_o sanctify_v according_a unto_o the_o use_n it_o be_v to_o be_v of_o in_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o be_v entire_a for_o god_n to_o follow_v he_o whole_o to_o cleave_v unto_o he_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o have_v the_o heart_n circumcise_a to_o love_v he_o be_v to_o have_v all_o our_o affection_n renew_v and_o sanctify_v without_o which_o we_o can_v do_v none_o of_o they_o when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o double_a heart_n a_o heart_n and_o a_o heart_n which_o he_o abhor_v their_o heart_n be_v divide_v now_o shall_v they_o be_v find_v faulty_a hosea_n 10.2_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o change_v mention_v what_o ever_o be_v or_o may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o our_o affection_n when_o they_o be_v not_o spiritual_o renew_v that_o very_o change_v as_o unto_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v not_o universal_a it_o do_v not_o affect_v the_o whole_a mind_n in_o all_o its_o power_n and_o affection_n until_o a_o vital_a prevail_a principle_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v implant_v in_o the_o soul_n sin_n will_v not_o only_o radical_o adhere_v unto_o all_o the_o faculty_n power_n and_o affection_n but_o it_o will_v under_o any_o change_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o refer_v the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n in_o some_o of_o they_o unto_o itself_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o young_a man_n that_o come_v unto_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n mark_n 10.17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o thus_o there_o be_v many_o who_o in_o other_o thing_n be_v reduce_v unto_o moderation_n sobriety_n and_o temperance_n yet_o there_o remain_v in_o they_o the_o love_n of_o money_n in_o a_o predominant_a degree_n which_o to_o they_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v some_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a but_o they_o bridle_v not_o their_o tongue_n through_o anger_n envy_n hatred_n and_o the_o like_a their_o religion_n be_v in_o vain_a the_o most_o of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a way_n of_o profession_n pretend_v not_o only_o unto_o religion_n but_o unto_o zeal_n in_o it_o yet_o set_v no_o bound_n unto_o their_o affection_n unto_o earthly_a enjoyment_n some_o of_o old_a who_o have_v most_o eminent_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n subdue_v their_o passion_n and_o affection_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n unto_o and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o gospel_n some_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o mighty_a change_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o a_o superstitious_a devotion_n do_v yet_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o cain_n towards_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o principal_a devotionist_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o elsewhere_o we_o may_v see_v some_o go_v sober_o about_o the_o persecution_n and_o destruction_n of_o other_o christian_n some_o will_v cherish_v one_o secret_a lust_n or_o other_o which_o they_o can_v but_o know_v to_o be_v pernicious_a unto_o their_o soul_n some_o love_n the_o praise_n of_o man_n which_o will_v never_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_a so_o our_o saviour_n testify_v of_o some_o that_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o men._n this_o be_v the_o know_a vice_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n they_o have_v many_o of_o they_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o by_o severe_a exercise_n subdue_v their_o affection_n unto_o great_a moderation_n about_o temporary_a thing_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v all_o of_o they_o slave_n to_o vain_a glory_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n until_o by_o the_o public_a observation_n of_o it_o and_o some_o contradiction_n in_o their_o life_n unto_o their_o pretence_n unto_o virtue_n they_o lose_v that_o also_o among_o wise_a and_o considerative_a men._n and_o general_o if_o man_n not_o spiritual_o renew_v be_v able_a to_o search_v themselves_o they_o will_v find_v that_o some_o of_o their_o affection_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o change_n wrought_v in_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v a_o quiet_a habitation_n for_o sin_n where_o it_o exercise_v its_o
but_o such_o also_o as_o will_v make_v compensation_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o they_o can_v but_o frequent_o fall_v into_o sin_n they_o relieve_v themselves_o from_o the_o reflection_n of_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o duty_n and_o renew_a diligence_n in_o they_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a what_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n man_n will_v take_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o contribute_v so_o much_o unto_o a_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v suitable_a unto_o and_o please_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v after_o it_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o conviction_n concern_v sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n this_o make_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a so_o pertinacious_o adhere_v unto_o the_o ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o prefer_v they_o above_o the_o gospel_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o rom._n 10.3_o 4._o they_o look_v and_o seek_v for_o righteousness_n by_o they_o those_o who_o for_o many_o generation_n be_v keep_v up_o with_o great_a difficulty_n unto_o any_o tolerable_a observance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o have_v learned_a to_o place_v all_o their_o hope_n of_o a_o righteousness_n in_o they_o will_v and_o do_v adhere_v unto_o they_o unto_o their_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a ruin_n rom._n 9_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o when_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o work_n of_o munificence_n and_o suppose_a charity_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o their_o substance_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n they_o who_o otherwise_o be_v covetous_a and_o greedy_a and_o oppress_v will_v lavish_a gold_n out_o of_o the_o bag_n and_o give_v up_o their_o whole_a patrimony_n with_o all_o their_o ill_n get_v good_n to_o attain_v it_o so_o powerful_a a_o influence_n have_v the_o desire_n of_o self_n righteousness_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o best_a fortification_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o last_o reserve_v whereby_o it_o maintain_v the_o interest_n of_o self_n against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n hence_o i_o say_v those_o that_o place_n their_o righteousness_n or_o that_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n will_v not_o only_o be_v diligent_a in_o they_o but_o oft_o time_n abound_v in_o a_o multiplication_n of_o they_o especial_o will_v they_o do_v so_o if_o they_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o please_v their_o affection_n with_o a_o show_n of_o humility_n and_o devotion_n require_v nothing_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n or_o sincere_a divine_a love_n therein_o so_o be_v it_o with_o many_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n whether_o the_o way_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v true_a or_o false_a whether_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n or_o reject_v by_o he_o and_o the_o declaration_n hereof_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 1.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o also_o mich._n 6.7_o 8._o four_o the_o reputation_n of_o devotion_n in_o religious_a duty_n may_v insensible_o affect_v the_o unrenewed_a mind_n of_o man_n with_o great_a diligence_n and_o delight_n in_o their_o performance_n however_o man_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o apprehension_n and_o practice_n about_o religion_n however_o different_a from_o and_o contrary_a unto_o each_o other_o their_o way_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n yea_o in_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o they_o who_o outward_o contemn_v these_o thing_n a_o matter_n of_o reputation_n to_o be_v devout_a to_o be_v diligent_a to_o be_v strict_a in_o and_o about_o those_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n and_o persuasion_n they_o judge_v incumbent_a on_o they_o this_o great_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n while_o pride_n be_v secret_o predominant_a in_o they_o and_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n especial_o will_v this_o consideration_n prevail_v on_o they_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o profess_v in_o competition_n with_o other_o depend_v much_o on_o their_o reputation_n as_o to_o their_o strictness_n in_o duty_n of_o devotion_n for_o then_o will_v they_o not_o only_o be_v diligent_a in_o themselves_o but_o zealous_a in_o draw_v other_o unto_o the_o same_o observance_n these_o two_o principle_n their_o own_o reputation_n and_o that_o of_o their_o sect_n constitute_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o pharisaism_n of_o old_a according_a as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v influence_v with_o these_o apprehension_n so_o will_v a_o love_n unto_o and_o a_o delight_n in_o those_o duty_n whereby_o their_o reputation_n be_v attain_v thrive_v and_o grow_v in_o they_o i_o be_o far_o from_o apprehend_v that_o any_o man_n be_v at_o least_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o who_o be_v such_o vile_a hypocrite_n as_o to_o do_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o religion_n to_o be_v see_v and_o praise_v of_o man_n be_v influence_v in_o all_o public_a duty_n thereby_o which_o some_o among_o the_o pharisee_n be_v give_v up_o unto_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n and_o motive_n before_o mention_v do_v also_o yet_o give_v admittance_n unto_o this_o corrupt_a end_n of_o desire_n of_o reputation_n or_o the_o praise_n of_o men._n for_o every_o such_o end_n be_v admit_v and_o prevalent_a in_o the_o mind_n will_v universal_o influence_n the_o affection_n unto_o a_o delight_n in_o those_o duty_n whereby_o that_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v until_o the_o person_n with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o be_v habituate_v unto_o they_o with_o great_a satisfaction_n five_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n insist_v on_o superstition_n as_o this_o be_v a_o undue_a fear_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n will_n and_o opperation_n build_v on_o false_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o it_o may_v befall_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o all_o religion_n true_a and_o false_a it_o be_v a_o internal_a vice_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o it_o respect_v the_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o religious_a service_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o devout_a performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n indeed_o accept_v not_o but_o forbid_v so_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v false_a and_o corrupt_a how_o in_o both_o respect_v it_o will_v engage_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a diligence_n and_o sometime_o with_o prodigious_a attempt_n to_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o what_o they_o do_v design_n be_v too_o long_a a_o work_n here_o to_o be_v declare_v it_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v mention_v it_o among_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n why_o man_n who_o affection_n be_v not_o spiritual_o renew_v may_v yet_o great_o delight_v in_o the_o diligent_a performance_n of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n our_o design_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n hereunto_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o and_o supernatural_o renew_v and_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a change_n wrought_v on_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o supernatural_a renovation_n our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o act_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o of_o the_o other_o whether_o spiritual_o renew_v or_o occasional_o change_v and_o wherein_o the_o great_a exercise_n of_o they_o consist_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n i_o have_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whence_o man_n of_o unrenewed_a mind_n do_v delight_n oft_o time_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o devotion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o spring_n from_o the_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v with_o god_n that_o which_o remain_v to_o give_v in_o instance_n far_a evidence_n unto_o the_o discovery_n we_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o be_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o those_o who_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o attend_v unto_o their_o observance_n with_o great_a heed_n and_o diligence_n and_o
a_o signal_n contempt_n of_o the_o love_n grace_n faithfulness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o give_v of_o we_o such_o promise_n of_o grace_n to_o make_v we_o to_o increase_v thrive_v and_o grow_v how_o can_v it_o be_v do_v more_o effectual_o than_o by_o such_o a_o neglect_n of_o his_o promise_a grace_n second_o a_o evidence_n that_o such_o person_n love_v not_o care_v not_o for_o grace_n or_o holiness_n for_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o mere_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n at_o present_a as_o they_o suppose_v nor_o do_v desire_v the_o least_o of_o grace_n or_o privilege_n by_o christ_n without_o which_o they_o can_v have_v any_o hope_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n this_o sufficient_o discover_v man_n to_o be_v whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o self-love_n and_o to_o centre_n therein_o for_o if_o they_o may_v have_v so_o much_o grace_n and_o mercy_n as_o may_v save_v they_o they_o care_v for_o no_o more_o three_o it_o be_v repugnant_a unto_o the_o honour_n of_o gospel_n grace_n as_o though_o it_o will_v carry_v we_o so_o far_o and_o no_o far_o in_o the_o way_n to_o glory_n for_o it_o must_v be_v know_v that_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o sit_v down_o in_o their_o present_a measure_n and_o attainment_n either_o real_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n at_o all_o or_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o low_a mean_a and_o most_o imperceptible_a size_n and_o degree_n for_o if_o any_o one_o have_v attain_v any_o considerable_a growth_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n in_o heavenly-mindedness_a it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a but_o that_o ordinary_o he_o will_v be_v press_v forward_o towards_o far_a attainment_n and_o far_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v it_o in_o his_o own_o example_n phil._n 3.10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o what_o thought_n can_v these_o person_n have_v concern_v the_o glory_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o gospel_n grace_n which_o they_o suppose_v they_o have_v receive_v if_o they_o measure_v they_o by_o the_o effect_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o either_o as_o unto_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n or_o strength_n unto_o and_o delight_n in_o duty_n of_o holiness_n or_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a consolation_n they_o can_v see_v no_o excellency_n nor_o beauty_n in_o they_o for_o they_o do_v not_o manifest_v themselves_o but_o in_o their_o success_n as_o they_o transform_v the_o soul_n daily_o into_o the_o image_n of_o christ._n four_o it_o be_v that_o which_o have_v lose_v the_o reputation_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n itself_o for_o the_o most_o of_o professor_n do_v take_v up_o with_o such_o measure_n as_o put_v no_o lustre_n upon_o it_o as_o give_v no_o commendation_n unto_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v for_o their_o measure_n allow_v they_o such_o a_o conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n in_o their_o way_n word_n and_o action_n in_o their_o gesture_n apparel_n and_o attire_n as_o that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n visible_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o yea_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o the_o most_o do_v rest_n in_o their_o present_a measure_n be_v because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v further_o difference_v from_o the_o world_n this_o have_v great_o lose_v the_o glory_n honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o all_o visible_a professor_n will_v endeavour_v continual_o to_o grow_v and_o thrive_v in_o spirituality_n of_o mind_n and_o heavenlyness_n of_o affection_n with_o fruit_n suit_v thereunto_o it_o will_v bring_v a_o conviction_n on_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a invisible_a power_n accompany_v the_o religion_n they_o profess_v transform_v they_o daily_o into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n five_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o all_o solid_a peace_n of_o conscience_n for_o so_o such_o thing_n be_v promise_v unto_o any_o who_o live_v in_o such_o a_o contempt_n of_o divine_a promise_n nor_o be_v it_o attainable_a but_o by_o the_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o lie_v neglect_v under_o this_o frame_n few_o man_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o they_o have_v real_a eternal_a abide_v peace_n or_o no_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o trial_n and_o temptation_n at_o other_o season_n general_a hope_n and_o confidence_n do_v or_o may_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o it_o in_o their_o mind_n but_o when_o any_o fear_n danger_n trial_n or_o word_n of_o conviction_n befall_v they_o they_o can_v but_o inquire_v and_o examine_v how_o it_o be_v with_o they_o and_o if_o they_o find_v their_o affection_n cold_a dead_a earthly_a carnal_a wither_a not_o spiritual_a or_o heavenly_a there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o their_o suppose_a peace_n and_o they_o will_v fall_v into_o woeful_a disquietment_n and_o they_o will_v then_o find_v that_o the_o root_n of_o all_o this_o evil_a lie_n in_o this_o frame_n and_o disposition_n they_o have_v be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o their_o present_a measure_n or_o attainment_n in_o religion_n as_o that_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o endeavour_n have_v be_v but_o to_o preserve_v their_o station_n or_o not_o to_o forfeit_v it_o by_o open_a sin_n to_o keep_v their_o soul_n alive_a from_o the_o severe_a reflection_n of_o the_o word_n and_o their_o reputation_n fair_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n spiritual_o to_o thrive_v to_o prosper_v in_o their_o soul_n to_o wax_v fat_a and_o flourish_a in_o the_o inward_a man_n to_o bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n as_o age_n increase_v to_o press_v towards_o perfection_n be_v thing_n they_o have_v not_o design_v nor_o pursue_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o among_o we_o be_v visible_o at_o a_o unthrifty_a stand_n in_o the_o world_n that_o where_o they_o be_v one_o year_n there_o they_o be_v another_o like_o shrub_n in_o the_o wilderness_n not_o like_o the_o plant_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o god_n not_o as_o vine_n plant_v in_o a_o very_a fruitful_a hill_n yea_o though_o many_o be_v sensible_a themselves_o that_o they_o be_v cold_a lifeless_a and_o fruitless_a yet_o will_v they_o not_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o make_v a_o daily_a progress_n in_o spirituality_n and_o heavenly-mindedness_a whereby_o the_o inward_a man_n may_v be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n and_o grace_n augment_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o work_n as_o they_o suppose_v for_o they_o who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v not_o consistent_a with_o their_o business_n calling_n and_o occasion_n not_o necessary_a as_o they_o hope_v unto_o their_o salvation_n nor_o it_o may_v be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v set_v themselves_o about_o it_o this_o apprehension_n of_o imagination_n upon_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o declension_n and_o decay_v of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o many_o cast_v of_o all_o holiness_n and_o devotion_n unto_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o retire_v themselves_o utter_o out_o of_o the_o world_n among_o who_o also_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n be_v quick_o lose_v and_o a_o cloud_n or_o meteor_n of_o superstition_n embrace_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o but_o this_o folly_n be_v ominous_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o who_o have_v make_v the_o great_a progress_n in_o the_o conformity_n of_o their_o affection_n unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a know_v most_o of_o its_o necessity_n excellency_n and_o desireableness_n yea_o without_o some_o progress_n in_o it_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v know_v such_o will_v testify_v that_o the_o more_o they_o attain_v herein_o the_o more_o they_o see_v there_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v attain_v and_o the_o more_o they_o do_v desire_v to_o attain_v what_o be_v behind_o forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o they_o reach_v forth_o unto_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v yet_o before_o they_o like_o man_n run_v in_o a_o race_n who_o prize_n and_o reward_n be_v yet_o before_o they_o phil._n 3.13_o 14._o it_o be_v a_o comely_a thing_n to_o see_v a_o christian_a wean_v from_o the_o world_n mind_v heavenly_a thing_n green_a and_o flourish_a in_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o lovely_a because_o it_o be_v so_o rare_a the_o generality_n of_o they_o take_v up_o with_o those_o measure_n which_o neither_o glorify_v god_n nor_o bring_v in_o durable_a peace_n into_o their_o own_o soul_n that_o which_o man_n pretend_v and_o complain_v of_o herein_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o work_n they_o can_v as_o they_o suppose_v preserve_v their_o present_a station_n but_o to_o press_v forward_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o thrive_v in_o their_o affection_n this_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o but_o this_o complaint_n be_v unequal_a and_o unjust_a and_o add_v unto_o the_o guilt_n of_o
and_o a_o great_a valuation_n of_o earthly_a thing_n with_o their_o care_n about_o they_o and_o converse_v in_o they_o they_o abate_v and_o decay_v in_o their_o spiritual_a affection_n every_o day_n they_o will_v abide_v in_o their_o profession_n but_o have_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n and_o folly_n unutterable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o any_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o religion_n wherein_o there_o be_v so_o many_o incomparable_a excellency_n to_o endear_v and_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o more_o and_o more_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o hide_v what_o experience_n make_v manifest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o what_o multitude_n proclaim_v concern_v themselves_o wherefore_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a evidence_n if_o not_o absolute_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n yet_o of_o the_o life_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o when_o man_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o in_o age_n do_v grow_v in_o a_o undervaluation_n of_o present_a thing_n in_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n in_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o bounty_n and_o decay_v not_o in_o any_o of_o they_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v usual_a that_o the_o entrance_n of_o man_n profession_n of_o religion_n and_o conversation_n unto_o god_n be_v attend_v with_o vigorous_a active_a affection_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o they_o who_o real_o and_o sincere_o believe_v it_o be_v say_v that_o on_o their_o believe_v they_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o of_o those_o who_o only_o have_v a_o work_n of_o conviction_n on_o they_o improve_v by_o temporary_a faith_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o in_o this_o state_n do_v many_o abide_v and_o thrive_v until_o their_o affection_n be_v whole_o transform_v into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o thing_n above_o but_o with_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n it_o be_v not_o so_o they_o fall_v into_o woeful_a decay_n as_o unto_o their_o affection_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o consequent_o in_o their_o whole_a profession_n and_o conversation_n their_o moisture_n become_v as_o the_o drought_n in_o summer_n they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o the_o life_n and_o act_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o nor_o any_o comfort_n or_o refreshment_n from_o they_o they_o honour_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o any_o fruit_n of_o love_n zeal_n or_o delight_n nor_o be_v useful_a any_o way_n unto_o other_o by_o their_o example_n some_o of_o they_o have_v have_v seem_v recovery_n and_o be_v yet_o again_o take_v into_o a_o lifeless_a frame_n warning_n afliction_n sickness_n the_o word_n have_v awaken_v they_o but_o they_o be_v fall_v again_o into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n so_o as_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v tree_n who_o fruit_n wither_v without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n some_o thing_n must_v be_v speak_v unto_o this_o woeful_a condition_n in_o general_n as_o that_o which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a unto_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a and_o contrary_a unto_o and_o obstructive_a of_o the_o growth_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n in_o a_o assimulation_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v may_v be_v apply_v unto_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o these_o decay_n though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o alike_o dangerous_a or_o perilous_a first_o there_o may_v be_v a_o time_n of_o temptation_n wherein_o a_o soul_n may_v apprehend_v in_o itself_o not_o only_o a_o decay_n in_o but_o a_o utter_a loss_n of_o all_o spiritual_a affection_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o believer_n may_v apprehend_v and_o judge_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v and_o forget_v they_o when_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o isaiah_n 49.14_o 15._o so_o they_o may_v under_o their_o temptation_n apprehend_v that_o they_o have_v forsake_v god_n when_o they_o have_v not_o do_v so_o as_o a_o man_n in_o the_o night_n may_v apprehend_v he_o have_v lose_v his_o way_n and_o be_v in_o great_a distress_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o proper_a road._n for_o temptation_n bring_v darkness_n and_o amazement_n and_o lead_v into_o mistake_v and_o a_o false_a judgement_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o find_v not_o it_o may_v be_v grace_n work_v in_o love_n joy_n and_o delight_n as_o former_o nor_o that_o activity_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o holy_a duty_n which_o spiritual_a affection_n give_v unto_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o grace_n work_v in_o godly_a sorrow_n by_o mourn_v humiliation_n and_o self-abasement_n no_o less_o effectual_o nor_o less_o acceptable_o unto_o god_n such_o as_o these_o i_o separate_v from_o the_o present_a consideration_n second_o there_o may_v be_v a_o decay_n in_o affection_n themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o act_n towards_o any_o object_n whatever_o at_o least_o as_o unto_o the_o outward_a symptom_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o on_o this_o ground_n their_o opperation_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n may_v be_v less_o sensible_a so_o man_n in_o their_o young_a day_n may_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o express_v their_o sorrow_n by_o tear_n and_o their_o joy_n by_o sensible_a exaltation_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o spirit_n than_o in_o ripe_a year_n and_o this_o may_v be_v so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o decay_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o affection_n as_o renew_v but_o 1_o when_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v they_o can_v but_o mourn_v and_o have_v a_o godly-jealousy_n over_o themselves_o lest_o the_o decay_v they_o find_v shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o outward_a but_o the_o inward_a not_o in_o the_o natural_a but_o the_o spiritual_a man._n and_o they_o will_v labour_v that_o in_o all_o duty_n and_o at_o all_o time_n it_o may_v be_v with_o they_o as_o in_o day_n of_o old_a although_o they_o can_v attain_v strength_n in_o they_o that_o vigour_n of_o spirit_n that_o life_n joy_n peace_n and_o comfort_n which_o any_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o second_o there_o will_v be_v in_o such_o person_n no_o decay_n in_o holiness_n of_o life_n nor_o as_o unto_o diligence_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n if_o the_o decay_n be_v real_o of_o grace_n in_o the_o affection_n it_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o proportionable_a decay_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v but_o if_o it_o be_v only_o as_o unto_o the_o sensible_a act_n of_o natural_a affection_n no_o such_o decay_n will_v ensue_v three_o grace_n will_v in_o this_o case_n more_o vigorous_o act_v itself_o in_o the_o other_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o judgement_n and_o the_o will_n in_o their_o approbation_n of_o and_o firm_a adherence_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o four_o when_o man_n find_v or_o may_v find_v their_o affection_n yet_o quick_a active_a and_o intent_n on_o other_o thing_n as_o the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o relieve_v themselves_o that_o the_o decay_v they_o find_v be_v in_o their_o affection_n as_o natural_a and_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v gracious_a if_o we_o see_v a_o man_n in_o his_o old_a age_n grow_v more_o in_o love_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o less_o in_o love_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o nature_n but_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n on_o these_o and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o other_o the_o like_a occasion_n there_o may_v be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o decay_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n when_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o at_o least_o not_o unto_o the_o degree_n that_o be_v apprehend_v but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o real_o as_o it_o be_v evident_o with_o many_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v with_o the_o most_o in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v a_o woeful_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o never_o enough_o to_o be_v lament_v it_o be_v that_o which_o lie_v in_o direct_a contradiction_n unto_o that_o spiritual-mindedness_a which_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n it_o be_v a_o consumption_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o threaten_v it_o with_o death_n every_o day_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o my_o design_n to_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o particular_a yet_o i_o can_v let_v it_o pass_v without_o some_o remark_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a almost_o epidemical_a among_o professor_n and_o prevalent_a in_o some_o unto_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o forsake_v of_o all_o power_n of_o spiritual_a life_n now_o beside_o all_o that_o folly_n and_o sin_n which_o we_o before_o discover_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o spirituality_n and_o heavenliness_n which_o in_o this_o case_n of_o their_o decay_n be_v more_o abominable_a there_o be_v a_o multiplication_n of_o evil_n wherewith_o this_o state_n of_o heart_n and_o
be_v a_o dangerous_a symtom_n of_o a_o evil_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o that_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v will_v at_o last_o be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n i_o know_v such_o person_n will_v or_o may_v have_v pretend_v evidence_n unto_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o be_v well_o enough_o satisfy_v of_o and_o with_o their_o own_o sincerity_n in_o many_o thing_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fix_v upon_o the_o the_o sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n but_o this_o apprehension_n arise_v from_o a_o false_a notion_n of_o hypocrisy_n no_o man_n they_o suppose_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n but_o he_o that_o general_o or_o universal_o pretend_v himself_o in_o religion_n to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v not_o and_o what_o he_o know_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v or_o at_o least_o may_v easy_o do_v so_o and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v the_o broad_a notion_n of_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n but_o take_v a_o hypoerite_n for_o he_o who_o under_o light_n profession_n gift_n duty_n do_v habitual_o and_o willing_o fail_v in_o any_o point_n of_o sincerity_n he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o perish_a hypocrite_n than_o the_o former_a and_o it_o may_v alter_v the_o case_n with_o they_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o one_o in_o who_o there_o be_v this_o prevalent_a decay_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n god_n forbid_v i_o only_o say_v that_o where_o it_o continue_v without_o remedy_n it_o be_v such_o a_o symtome_n of_o hypocrisy_n as_o that_o he_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o rest_v until_o he_o have_v search_v it_o unto_o the_o bottom_n for_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o such_o person_n they_o have_v have_v a_o false_a or_o imperfect_a work_n in_o that_o conversion_n unto_o god_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v conviction_n of_o sin_n communication_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o gift_n alteration_n upon_o the_o affection_n change_v of_o socicty_n and_o conversation_n have_v make_v it_o up_o now_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o work_n great_o to_o flourish_v for_o a_o season_n in_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o profession_n but_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n also_o gradual_o to_o decay_v until_o it_o be_v quite_o wither_v away_o in_o some_o it_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o power_n of_o some_o vigorous_a temptation_n and_o particular_a lust_n indulge_v unto_o end_v in_o worldliness_n and_o sensuality_n but_o in_o the_o most_o it_o decay_v gradual_o until_o it_o have_v lose_v all_o its_o savour_n and_o sap_n see_v joh._n 15.3_o wherefore_o while_o man_n find_v this_o decay_n in_o themselves_o unless_o they_o be_v fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o destructive_a security_n unless_o they_o be_v harden_v through_o be_v deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n they_o can_v but_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o examine_v how_o thing_n stand_v with_o they_o whether_o they_o ever_o effectual_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n which_o work_v by_o love_n see_v it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o though_o they_o have_v only_o a_o work_n of_o another_o nature_n for_o a_o save_v work_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n thrive_v and_o grow_v as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n testify_v but_o it_o be_v this_o false_a and_o imperfect_a work_n that_o have_v no_o root_n and_o be_v thus_o subject_a to_o wither_v six_o person_n in_o such_o a_o estate_n be_v apt_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o false_a hope_n and_o notion_n whereby_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n do_v put_v forth_o its_o power_n to_o harden_v they_o unto_o their_o ruin_n two_o way_n there_o be_v whereby_o this_o pernicious_a effect_n be_v produce_v the_o one_o by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o a_o particular_a lust_n or_o sin_n the_o other_o by_o a_o neglect_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o a_o vain_a conversation_n in_o the_o world_n under_o which_o the_o soul_n pine_v away_o and_o consume_v as_o unto_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v three_o false_a notion_n whereby_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n delude_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o be_v that_o one_o sin_n alone_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v indulge_v let_v they_o be_v spare_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n and_o in_o all_o other_o they_o will_v be_v exact_a enough_o this_o be_v the_o composition_n that_o naaman_n will_v have_v make_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n 2_o king_n 5.18_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o many_o trust_n unto_o hence_o it_o have_v by_o the_o event_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o some_o person_n have_v live_v long_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o gross_a sin_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o while_n use_v a_o semblance_n of_o great_a diligence_n in_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n whereby_o poor_a sinner_n delude_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o suppose_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v himself_o up_o unto_o any_o lust_n or_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v observant_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n yet_o this_o will_v give_v he_o no_o relief_n as_o unto_o the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o rule_n be_v peremptory_a unto_o this_o purpose_n jam._n 2.10_o 11._o one_o sin_n willing_o live_v in_o be_v as_o able_a to_o destroy_v a_o man_n soul_n as_o a_o thousand_o beside_o it_o be_v practical_o false_a there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o one_o know_a sin_n but_o he_o real_o live_v in_o more_o though_o that_o only_o bear_v the_o chief_a sway._n with_o some_o such_o person_n these_o sin_n appear_v unto_o other_o who_o observe_v their_o frame_n and_o spirit_n though_o they_o appear_v not_o to_o themselves_o in_o some_o they_o be_v manifest_a in_o themselves_o although_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5.24_o but_o let_v no_o man_n relieve_v himself_o with_o thought_n that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o sin_n while_o that_o one_o sin_n keep_v he_o in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o god_n hence_o second_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o hereby_o for_o they_o judge_v that_o although_o they_o can_v as_o yet_o shake_v off_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o will_v continue_v still_o to_o love_n god_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o will_v not_o become_v hater_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o persecutor_n for_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o hope_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o one_o zoar_n this_o lesser_a sin_n which_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o circumstance_n engage_v they_o in_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o they_o at_o the_o last_o this_o also_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n a_o mere_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o sin_n to_o act_v its_o deceit_n by_o for_o no_o man_n that_o willing_o live_v in_o any_o sin_n can_v love_v god_n at_o all_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o rule_n 1_o joh._n 2.15_o it_o be_v but_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o love_n to_o god_n that_o any_o man_n have_v who_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n where_o god_n be_v not_o love_v above_o all_o he_o be_v not_o love_v at_o all_o and_o he_o be_v not_o so_o where_o man_n will_v not_o part_v with_o one_o curse_a lust_n for_o his_o sake_n let_v not_o your_o light_n deceive_v you_o nor_o your_o gift_n nor_o your_o duty_n nor_o your_o profession_n if_o you_o live_v in_o sin_n you_o love_v not_o god_n three_o they_o determine_v that_o at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o season_n on_o time_n after_o such_o satisfaction_n give_v unto_o their_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n they_o will_v utter_o give_v over_o so_o as_o that_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v their_o ruin_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n also_o a_o effectual_a instrument_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n he_o that_o will_v not_o now_o give_v over_o who_o will_v not_o immediate_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o any_o sin_n and_o warning_n about_o it_o endeavour_v sincere_o and_o constant_o its_o relinquishment_n say_v what_o he_o will_v and_o pretend_v what_o he_o will_v he_o never_o intend_v to_o give_v over_o nor_o be_v it_o probable_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n that_o ever_o he_o will_v do_v so_o when_o man_n decay_n be_v from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o particular_a sin_n by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a false_a notion_n do_v they_o harden_v themselves_o unto_o ruin_n for_o those_o who_o be_v pine_v away_o under_o hectical_a consumption_n a_o general_a decay_n of_o the_o vital_a spirit_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v also_o false_a notion_n whereby_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o first_o that_o although_o they_o have_v some_o cause_n to_o mistrust_v themselves_o yet_o indeed_o their_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o some_o may_v apprehend_v it_o or_o as_o they_o be_v