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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
soul_n act_n faith_n grace_n 4,482 5 5.9933 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A51788 Præparatio evangelica, or, A plain and practical discourse concerning the soul's preparation for a blessed eternity being the substance of several sermons preach'd at Leeds / by Timothy Manlove ... Manlove, Timothy, d. 1699. 1698 (1698) Wing M455; ESTC R6789 123,238 196

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his_o conduct_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n as_o all_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o blessing_n be_v communicate_v to_o we_o through_o christ_n ephes_n 1.3_o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o so_o we_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o sacrifice_n must_v be_v offer_v unto_o god_n the_o same_o way_n that_o be_v we_o must_v ascend_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o same_o medium_fw-la through_o which_o he_o descend_v to_o we_o or_o else_o no_o acceptance_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o how_o shall_v guilty_a rebel_n adventure_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a righteous_a sin_n hate_v god_n but_o by_o he_o who_o have_v make_v atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n take_v ●eed_o therefore_o that_o you_o leave_v not_o he_o out_o remember_v it_o be_v upon_o term_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o of_o that_o covenant_n christ_n ●s_v the_o mediator_n who_o therefore_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o distinguish_v between_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o god_n and_o in_o himself_o ●s_a mediator_n joh._n 14.1_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v he_o to_o stand_v betwixt_o we_o and_o all_o danger_n lest_o the_o consume_a fire_n shall_v break_v forth_o upon_o we_o and_o our_o blood_n be_v mingle_v with_o our_o sacrifice_n hence_o we_o find_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n ●oward_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n join_v together_o as_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v act●_n 20.21_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v the_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o sin_n and_o vanity_n to_o god_n as_o our_o end_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o apply_v of_o ourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o way_n to_o ●hat_n end_n that_o be_v we_o must_v return_v unto_o god_n as_o our_o god_n by_o alively_a faith_n in_o his_o son_n as_o our_o prince_n and_o saviour_n without_o who_o neither_o pardon_n nor_o peace_n can_v be_v expect_v not_o as_o if_o the_o father_n be_v of_o himself_o averse_a to_o mercy_n or_o compassion_n but_o only_o prevail_v upon_o and_o as_o it_o be_v over-persuade_v thereto_o by_o the_o death-merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n have_v a_o care_n of_o such_o blasphemous_a conceit_n as_o these_o than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o still_o remember_v it_o be_v not_o become_v the_o majesty_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n to_o receive_v such_o as_o we_o be_v into_o favour_n immediate_o but_o through_o a_o mediator_n who_o of_o his_o own_o free_a love_n 〈◊〉_d have_v provide_v for_o we_o john_n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o lo●●●_n the_o world_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o verse_n 18._o all_o thing_n be_v of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d who_o have_v reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n it_o be_v a_o gre●●_n duty_n indeed_o to_o admire_v the_o love_n of_o the_o son_n but_o o●●●_n not_o forget_v to_o admire_v also_o the_o father_n love_n iii_o and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o apply_v and_o communicate_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o own_o eye_n and_o acknowledge_v h●●_n according_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n as_o jesus_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d the_o way_n to_o the_o father_n so_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v the_o wanness_n of_o the_o son_n his_o agent_n upon_o earth_n his_o advoca●●_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o plead_v his_o cause_n and_o to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v by_o tertula●●_n christi_fw-la agens_fw-la &_o vicarius_fw-la and_o by_o a_o learned_a man_n 〈◊〉_d our_o own_o the_o supreme_a minister_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n therefore_o though_o all_o the_o person_n or_o subsistence_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n do_v concur_v to_o the_o production_n 〈◊〉_d the_o new_a creature_n yet_o this_o great_a work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v by_o a_o certain_a peculiar_a eminency_n of_o attribution_n ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v call_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o thess_n 2.13_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v enlighten_v and_o draw_v or_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o father_n by_o he_o therefore_o in_o all_o our_o motion_n and_o tendency_n god_n ward_n we_o m●●●_n look_v unto_o this_o spirit_n for_o help_v and_o act_n faith_n upon_o he_o for_o the_o assistance_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o w●●_n attempt_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v baffle_v in_o our_o endeavour_n and_o make_v nothing_o of_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o cry_v hard_o after_o the_o spirit_n and_o careful_o to_o observe_v all_o his_o access_n to_o we_o and_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o grace_n upon_o we_o and_o always_o to_o strike_v in_o with_o his_o motion_n to_o do_v most_o when_o he_o help_v most_o and_o thus_o our_o work_n will_v be_v like_a to_o succeed_v and_o prosper_v in_o our_o hand_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v how_o we_o carry_v it_o towards_o he_o that_o we_o may_v not_o quench_v resist_v grieve_v or_o vex_v the_o spirit_n either_o by_o stifle_a conviction_n or_o run_v count_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n or_o by_o foolish_a delay_n ●nd_v slothfulness_n the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o a_o diligent_a humble_a conscientious_a attendance_n ●pon_n he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n viz._n the_o use_n of_o his_o appointed_a mean_n o_o remember_v that_o your_o duty_n gra●s_n and_o comfort_n will_v all_o be_v dead_a thing_n or_o nothing_o 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o they_o all_o his_o ●race_n must_v be_v thankful_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o the_o wrength_n we_o get_v in_o all_o the_o progress_n we_o make_v and_o we_o ●ust_z still_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o more_o yea_o we_o ought_v 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o distinct_a and_o explicit_a in_o the_o working_n of_o ●aith_n towards_o he_o than_o common_o we_o be_v we_o be_v ●ptized_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o well_o as_o of_o ●e_a father_n and_o the_o son_n the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o ●od_n equal_a in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o this_o trinity_n none_o be_v ●●ore_o or_o after_o other_o none_o be_v great_a or_o less_o than_o another_o whence_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d defective_a in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n which_o ●●specteth_v the_o three_o person_n this_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n 〈◊〉_d he_o and_o a_o injury_n to_o ourselves_o but_o i_o must_v not_o ●●y_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o here_o i_o only_o add_v it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n rom._n 8.26_o through_o he_o we_o must_v mortify_v the_o ●●eds_n of_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v live_v ver._n 13._o by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n 〈◊〉_d 5.5_o he_o seal_v they_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n but_o 〈◊〉_d any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o 〈◊〉_d his_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o great_a work_n 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v the_o turn_n of_o a_o person_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n ●●en_o to_o know_v love_n and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o ●●ace_n and_o help_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thus_o i_o say_v we_o must_v be_v qualify_v and_o prepare_v for_o ●●e_z heavenly_a glory_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o several_a step_n whereby_o this_o blesse●_n work_n be_v begin_v carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v in_o the_o soul_n have_v thus_o far_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o gr●●●_n work_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v prepare_v for_o h●ven_n if_o ever_o we_o come_v thither_o i_o come_v now_o to_o cons●●●_n more_o distinct_o the_o order_n wherein_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o 〈◊〉_d how_o it_o be_v begin_v advance_v and_o perfect_v and_o here_o i_o design_v not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o over_o ●●●rious_a inquiry_n about_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o 〈◊〉_d spirit_n be_v work_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o how_o the_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n be_v reconcilable_a with_o the_o natural_a li●●ty_n of_o the_o rational_a creature_n but_o shall_v content_v my●●●_n to_o wave_v controversy_n and_o insist_v upon_o some_o few_o pl●●●_n necessary_a acknowledge_v truth_n as_o be_v most_o s●●●_n to_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o follow_v first_o there_o be_v certain_a previous_a working_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d common_a
glorious_a body_n as_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o suiable_a object_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o the_o organ_n or_o power_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v be_v endue_v final_o though_o it_o will_v remain_v true_a to_o all_o eternity_n th●●_n we_o be_v once_o sinner_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v as_o true_a that_o w●_n be_v pardon_v and_o reconcile_v through_o christ_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o gild_n of_o our_o sin_n shall_v never_o separate_v between_o we_o and_o our_o god_n or_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o communion_n with_o he_o any_o more_o 2._o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n this_o it_o be_v which_o must_v complete_a the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o this_o en●_n it_o be_v prepare_v by_o grace_n and_o advance_v to_o that_o high_a perfection_n in_o glory_n whereof_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v viz._n that_o it_o may_v perfect_o enjoy_v the_o most_o glorio●●_n perfect_a god_n under_o this_o head_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o must_v b●_n distinct_o consider_v though_o they_o can_v be_v real_o divide_v 1._o the_o lively_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v constant_a reception_n of_o communication_n from_o he_o 1._o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o perfect_v soul_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o with_o god_n act_v towards_o he_o terminate_a upon_o he_o rest_v in_o he_o the_o understanding_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o contemplate_v the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n his_o glorious_a holiness_n that_o attribute_n of_o attribute_n as_o one_o call_v it_o which_o run_v as_o it_o be_v through_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o cast_v a_o glory_n upon_o every_o one_o exod._n 15.11_o glorious_a in_o holiness_n his_o awful_a majestic_a sovereignty_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o will_v then_o appear_v to_o open_a view_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o enlarge_v upon_o each_o of_o these_o and_o it_o be_v fit_a you_o shall_v do_v so_o let_v i_o help_v you_o a_o little_a his_o power_n by_o which_o he_o make_v the_o world_n stretch_v out_o the_o heaven_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o hang_v it_o upon_o nothing_o poise_v by_o its_o own_o weight_n set_v bound_n to_o the_o proud_a wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o restrain_v the_o mad_a rage_n of_o the_o tumultuous_a people_n yea_o that_o power_n whereby_o he_o first_o draw_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o espousal_n with_o he_o even_o that_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o might_n of_o his_o power_n ephes_n 1.19_o and_o by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n his_o wisdom_n that_o appear_v so_o eminent_o in_o the_o order_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o his_o work_n and_o particular_o which_o frame_v and_o contrive_v the_o wonderful_a design_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n chri●●_n this_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o will_v then_o shine_v forth_o conspicuous_o to_o the_o ravish_a of_o all_o the_o beholder_n especial_o those_o who_o have_v share_v most_o deep_o in_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o his_o goodness_n a_o attribute_n which_o he_o delight_v to_o honour_n thus_o when_o moses_n pray_v exod._n 33.18_o i_o beseech_v thou_o show_v i_o thy_o glory_n vers_fw-la 19_o he_o say_v i_o will_v make_v all_o my_o goodness_n pass_v before_o thou_o etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n rom._n 2.4_o and_o that_o none_o be_v good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n luk._n 18.19_o o_o how_o lovely_a and_o attractive_a will_v the_o divine_a goodness_n appear_v to_o we_o in_o all_o the_o various_a aspect_n and_o manifestation_n of_o it_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n very_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o room_n for_o grief_n in_o those_o region_n of_o blessedness_n it_o must_v certain_o arise_v from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o many_o affront_v and_o indignity_n which_o we_o have_v former_o put_v upon_o this_o bless_a attribute_n by_o slight_v undervalue_a or_o entertain_v mean_a low_a narrow_a thought_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n but_o here_o as_o goodness_n will_v triumph_v in_o overlook_v the_o contempt_n which_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o so_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o disquiet_v ourselves_o about_o they_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n will_v appear_v in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o he_o make_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a god_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o that_o he_o never_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a 1_o cor._n 10.13_o how_o will_v this_o be_v admire_v when_o we_o be_v get_v safe_a out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o temptation_n the_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n will_v then_o be_v know_v i●_n that_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o ever_o adore_v by_o his_o holy_a one_o but_o i_o must_v not_o stay_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o these_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o way_n exercise_v your_o own_o thought_n and_o you_o can_v want_v matter_n only_o see_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v suitable_o affect_v as_o y●●_n go_v on_o thus_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v open_v strengthen_v enlarge_v shall_v for_o ever_o feed_v upon_o the_o divine_a glory_n faith_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o vision_n we_o shall_v wa●k_v by_o sight_n stop_v here_o a_o little_a and_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v be_v read_v how_o pleasant_a a_o thing_n be_v knowledge_n to_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v but_o that_o of_o inferior_a object_n but_o how_o much_o more_o delightful_a will_v it_o be_v to_o know_v he_o who_o i●_n the_o fountain_n of_o b●m●_n the_o cause_n of_o cause_n the_o spri●●_n of_o action_n the_o source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o perfection_n the_o everlasting_a i_o be_o what_o be_v all_o other_o knowledge_n compare_v to_o this_o then_o shall_v the_o eye_n be_v satisfy_v with_o see_v and_o our_o joy_n not_o sorrow_n increase_v by_o o●●_n knowledge_n what_o we_o know_v of_o god_n in_o our_o presentstate_n be_v nex●_n to_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o shall_v then_o know_v we_o now_o see_v but_o dark_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n our_o thought_n o●_n god_n be_v weak_a confuse_a and_o childish_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 13.11_o 12._o but_o when_o that_o which_o i●_n perfect_a be_v come_v these_o childish_a thing_n must_v be_v put_v away_o and_o a_o more_o noble_a manly_a knowledge_n succeed_v in_o thei●_n room_n a_o sight_n of_o his_o backpart_n be_v now_o no_o small_a privilege_n but_o his_o face_n shall_v then_o be_v see_v exod._n 33.23_o moreover_o our_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v transform_v ou●_n eye_n shall_v affect_v our_o heart_n or_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n express_v it_o we_o shall_v look_v ourselves_o into_o his_o likeness_n psal_n 17.15_o i_o will_v behold_v thy_o face_n i_o shall_v be_v satisful_a with_o thy_o likeness_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v if_o after_o all_o this_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o we_o shall_v immediate_o behold_v the_o pure_a essence_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v stay_v till_o you_o come_v thither_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o in_o his_o wonderful_a work_n we_o shall_v see_v he_o in_o our_o glorify_a head_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n heb._n 1.3_o but_o as_o for_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n whether_o we_o shall_v behold_v that_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o for_o many_o reason_n strong_o incline_v to_o the_o negative_a our_o will_n shall_v for_o ever_o cleave_v unto_o god_n as_o the_o most_o amiable_a perfect_a good_a in_o himself_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a good_a for_o we_o and_o as_o such_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o and_o rest_n in_o he_o with_o the_o high_a delight_n and_o complacency_n our_o heart_n will_v be_v entire_o and_o unchangable_o fix_v and_o determine_v for_o god_n there_o will_v be_v no_o idolatrous_a divide_v of_o they_o between_o he_o and_o the_o creature_n we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o yet_o be_v sweet_o constrain_v thereto_o by_o a_o happy_a necessity_n it_o will_v then_o be_v as_o easy_a and_o infinite_o more_o pleasant_a to_o love_v he_o as_o now_o it_o be_v to_o love_v ourselves_o our_o own_o felicity_n or_o our_o dear_a friend_n to_o live_v with_o he_o and_o in_o he_o will_v be_v our_o very_a element_n to_o breath_n be_v not_o more_o natural_a here_o on_o earth_n than_o to_o love_n god_n will_v be_v in_o heaven_n indeed_o nothing_o else_o will_v there_o be_v value_v no_o
to_o labour_v after_o more_o though_o still_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o they_o heb._n 13.20_o 21._o five_o and_o last_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v at_o their_o death_n make_v perfect_a in_o holiness_n somewhat_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o this_o already_o which_o be_v now_o to_o be_v further_o illustrate_v and_o prove_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v separate_v from_o their_o body_n do_v pass_v into_o glory_n or_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n abraham_n bosom_n thus_o our_o lord_n tell_v the_o penitent_a thief_n luk._n 23.43_o to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n so_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o context_n we_o be_v will_v rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n vers_fw-la 8._o we_o be_v also_o tell_v that_o the_o angel_n shall_v be_v our_o convoy_n to_o bring_v we_o thither_o luke_n 16.22_o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o unclean_a thing_n nothing_o that_o defile_v can_v enter_v into_o the_o heavenly_a state_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a shall_v then_o be_v perfect_o free_v from_o all_o sinful_a weakness_n and_o therefore_o must_v need_v be_v perfect_o holy_a for_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o suppose_v a_o middle_a state_n in_o this_o case_n viz._n in_o a_o rational_a creature_n oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o its_o nature_n to_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o its_o creaton_n but_o what_o need_v further_a reason_v when_o we_o be_v plain_o tell_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a men-made_a perfect_a thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o when_o death_n have_v open_v the_o womb_n of_o time_n or_o draw_v aside_o the_o veil_n and_o let_v we_o into_o eternity_n all_o our_o sinful_a imperfection_n will_v be_v lest_o behind_o we_o and_o never_o trouble_v we_o more_o how_o weak_a soever_o our_o present_a insant-sta●e_a on_o earth_n be_v there_o be_v nothing_o above_o but_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o love_n thus_o the_o day_n of_o death_n be_v the_o birthday_n of_o the_o gracious_a soul_n perfection_n this_o be_v our_o three_o birth_n as_o one_o speak_v and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o there_o be_v some_o pang_n and_o difficulty_n in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o birth_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o that_o of_o grace_n so_o in_o this_o of_o glory_n shall_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o make_v death_n welcome_a it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v death_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o nature_n but_o be_v it_o not_o a_o conquer_a enemy_n have_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n even_o in_o our_o nature_n overcome_v it_o have_v he_o not_o take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o and_o in_o so_o do_v gain_v we_o the_o victory_n 1_o cor._n 15.55_o etc._n etc._n yea_o by_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o mighty_a redeemer_n this_o enemy_n death_n be_v turn_v to_o our_o advantage_n to_o die_v be_v gain_v be_v in_o terrible_a to_o nature_n what_o be_v faith_n for_o but_o to_o conquer_v such_o fear_n must_v we_o not_o die_v in_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o live_v by_o be_v but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o point_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o such_o sinful_a imperfect_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v much_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o apprehension_n concern_v a_o state_n of_o sin_n less_o perfection_n both_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v bring_v about_o but_o for_o all_o this_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o may_v great_o contribute_v thereto_o i_o will_v just_a name_n three_o particular_n 1._o these_o body_n will_v then_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o who_o know_v not_o what_o heavy_a weight_n what_o prison_n what_o snare_n they_o have_v be_v to_o our_o soul_n body_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n god_n know_v rom._n 7.23_o 24._o 2._o and_o therefore_o those_o holy_a habit_n which_o have_v the_o command_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o be_v miserable_o obscure_v and_o keep_v at_o a_o under_o by_o the_o mist_n and_o darkness_n of_o the_o ani●nal_a state_n shall_v then_o display_v themselves_o and_o appear_v in_o their_o own_o likeness_n which_o be_v not_o unintelligible_a especial_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n consist_v in_o a_o secret_a deep_a imperceptible_a constant_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o who_o can_v say_v it_o do_v not_o so_o 3_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n this_o be_v much_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o enlarge_v upon_o all_o these_o but_o to_o what_o purpose_n tu_fw-la ratiocinare_fw-la ego_fw-la credam_fw-la the_o physician_n of_o ●our_n soul_n know_v how_o to_o perfect_v their_o cure_n in_o way_n to_o ●us_o incomprehensible_a thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o several_a step_n whereby_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o till_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n no_o violence_n be_v do_v to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n grace_n presuppose_v nature_n which_o it_o heal_v and_o rectify_v but_o do_v not_o destroy_v though_o the_o working_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v powerful_a and_o efficacious_a yet_o they_o be_v also_o sweet_a and_o agreeable_a they_o will_v act_v most_o free_o when_o make_v free_a by_o grace_n it_o be_v so_o determine_v that_o it_o also_o determine_v itself_o that_o be_v it_o move_v spontaneous_o towards_o god_n or_o have_v receive_v the_o influx_n of_o his_o grace_n active_o concur_v therewith_o viz._n be_v first_o animate_v and_o quicken_v thereby_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n chap._n v._n plain_a proof_n from_o scripture_n and_o th●_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o none_o ca●●_n come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v wrought_v or_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a grace_n though_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v in_o order_n 〈◊〉_d the_o open_n of_o the_o doctrine_n have_v at_o the_o sai●●_n time_n carry_v the_o proof_n thereof_o along_o with_o it_o th●●_n great_a truth_n have_v so_o much_o self-evidence_n in_o it_o th●●_n one_o will_v think_v be_v once_o understand_v it_o can_v no●_n but_o be_v assent_v to_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v exceed_o common_a for_o man_n to_o bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n though_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o this_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o withal_o because_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a s●●_n to_o do_v therefore_o let_v i_o give_v you_o the_o proof_n of_o wh●●_n have_v be_v thus_o far_o explain_v and_o set_v before_o you_o man_n be_v slow_a of_o belief_n as_o to_o this_o great_a article_n 〈◊〉_d the_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o to_o most_o i_o may_v say_v a●●y_a other_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n observe_v mr._n how_o be_v blessedness_n of_o the_o righteous_a pag._n 242._o but_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o therefore_o 1._o none_o be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n but_o through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n god_n eternal_a decree_n of_o election_n connect_v the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n holiness_n and_o happiness_n grace_n and_o glory_n together_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o full_a and_o plain_a in_o this_o case_n rom._n 8.29_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v they_o he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n and_o what_o follow_v they_o he_o also_o call_v justify_v glorify_v ephes_n 1.4_o according_a as_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o in_o love_n 2_o tim._n 1.9_o who_o have_v save_v we_o and_o call_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a call_v not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v see_v more_o 2_o thess_n 2.13_o 1_o pet._n 1_o 2._o be_v it_o not_o plain_a from_o these_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o election_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o as_o god_n do_v decree_n to_o give_v eternal_a life_n upon_o certain_a condition_n so_o he_o do_v also_o decree_v to_o give_v those_o condition_n to_o certain_a person_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o decree_n be_v ever_o answerable_a to_o the_o decree_n itself_o ephes_n 1.11_o be_v predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will._n deny_v this_o and_o you_o may_v deny_v any_o thing_n will_v you_o reverse_v the_o decree_n of_o heaven_n or_o deny_v they_o
the_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o do_v you_o high_o value_v he_o as_o such_o do_v you_o study_v to_o acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o he_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n upon_o he_o and_o in_o holy_a obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o he_o that_o so_o the_o end_n of_o h●s_a office_n may_v take_v place_n with_o you_o viz._n that_o you_o may_v be_v bring_v near_o to_o god_n by_o he_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o look_v unto_o his_o sceptre_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o sovereignty_n as_o well_o as_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o satisfaction_n what_o form_n what_o comeliness_n do_v you_o behold_v in_o he_o be_v he_o the_o chief_a among_o ●en_n thousand_o to_o you_o have_v you_o well_o consider_v who_o or_o what_o he_o be_v even_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n the_o great_a imman●el_n god_n with_o we_o that_o the_o eternal_a word_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n be_v clothe_v i_o with_o human_a nature_n pr●ched_v his_o tent_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 1.14_o converse_v familiar_o even_o with_o the_o mean_a person_n breathe_v out_o love_n compassion_n tenderness_n and_o benignity_n towards_o all_o even_o towards_o his_o bittere_a enemy_n weep_v over_o self-destroying_a sinner_n and_o at_o last_o offer_v up_o himself_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o we_o etc._n etc._n o_o think_v and_o think_v again_o who_o it_o be_v that_o do_v all_o this_o even_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n himself_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n rom._n 8.3_o o_o let_v those_o word_n sink_v deep_a into_o your_o heart_n john_n 14.9_o he_o that_o have_v see_v i_o have_v see_v the_o father_n all_o this_o be_v the_o lord_n do_v lo_o this_o be_v the_o wonderful_a condescend_v way_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o therein_o to_o show_v we_o his_o amiable_a goodness_n that_o hereby_o our_o aversion_n from_o he_o may_v be_v heal_v can_v man_n or_o angel_n have_v think_v of_o such_o a_o contrivance_n as_o this_o or_o if_o they_o have_v dare_v they_o have_v mention_v it_o but_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o as_o we_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o wisdom_n how_o will_v these_o thing_n transport_v we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n what_o say_v you_o to_o all_o this_o unto_o they_o that_o believe_v christ_n be_v precious_a be_v he_o so_o to_o you_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o take_v up_o your_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o to_o give_v up_o yourselves_o sincere_o to_o he_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n which_o you_o think_v too_o dear_a to_o part_v with_o if_o he_o call_v for_o it_o nay_o though_o it_o be_v life_n itself_o know_v you_o not_o that_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v in_o disposition_n a_o martyr_n do_v not_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o love_v our_o own_o life_n more_o than_o he_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n do_v this_o say_v offend_v you_o or_o do_v you_o think_v it_o hard_a what_o if_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o how_o earnest_o desirous_a many_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n how_o they_o triumph_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sharp_a suffering_n while_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o die_a love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v warm_a and_o fresh_a upon_o their_o spirit_n insomuch_o that_o cyprian_n be_v fain_o to_o write_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o who_o be_v trouble_v that_o they_o miss_v of_o their_o hope_n of_o martyrdom_n o_o how_o be_v the_o case_n alter_v now_o what_o will_v those_o christian_n say_v if_o they_o see_v we_o at_o this_o day_n how_o much_o we_o mind_v our_o own_o thing_n and_o how_o little_a the_o thing_n of_o christ_n will_v they_o not_o think_v either_o that_o christianity_n be_v alter_v or_o rather_o that_o we_o scarce_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v christian_n quest_n 4._o how_o be_v you_o dispose_v to_o spiritual_a exercise_n what_o delight_n do_v you_o take_v in_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n all_o creature_n act_n according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n it_o be_v pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o they_o so_o to_o do_v if_o therefore_o you_o have_v a_o new_a nature_n in_o you_o a_o principle_n of_o divine_a spiritual_a life_n you_o will_v thereby_o be_v incline_v to_o holy_a exercise_n you_o will_v move_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o towards_o they_o you_o will_v be_v serious_a and_o servant_n in_o they_o and_o that_o for_o holy_a purpose_n and_o ends._n that_o empty_a show_n of_o religion_n whereby_o hypocrite_n profane_v holy_a thing_n and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n be_v a_o vain_a lifeless_a formal_a thing_n a_o mere_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n they_o neither_o well_o know_v what_o they_o be_v do_v nor_o why_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v rather_o force_v than_o natural_a customary_a than_o conscientious_a no_o wonder_n if_o such_o be_v soon_o weary_a of_o duty_n as_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o job_n 27.10_o will_v he_o namely_o the_o hypocrite_n delight_v himself_o in_o the_o almighty_a will_v he_o always_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o now_o a_o true_o religious_a person_n act_n in_o these_o matter_n at_o another_o rate_n he_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o yea_o that_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v their_o exceed_a great_a reward_n and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o such_o a_o soul_n belong_v after_o have_v choose_v god_n for_o his_o portion_n therefore_o he_o reckon_v that_o a_o day_n employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o elsewhere_o holy_a soul_n experience_n that_o their_o spiritual_a strength_n be_v renew_v by_o wait_v upon_o god_n that_o their_o grace_n be_v increase_v by_o exercise_n that_o their_o soul_n be_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v their_o corruption_n mortify_v and_o subdue_v and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o holy_a worship_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n help_v to_o make_v they_o more_o like_o he_o and_o in_o all_o this_o they_o find_v those_o inward_a relish_v of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n whereby_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o their_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n that_o they_o may_v than_o their_o duty_n that_o they_o must_v attend_v upon_o god_n they_o have_v rather_o he_o cut_v short_a as_o to_o their_o daily_a bread_n than_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o approach_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o short_a they_o have_v meat_n to_o eat_v which_o the_o world_n know_v not_o of_o thus_o their_o principle_n incline_v they_o to_o suitable_a operation_n their_o habit_n to_o acts._n if_o therefore_o you_o find_v no_o inclination_n to_o religious_a duty_n but_o can_v without_o any_o regret_n let_v such_o opportunity_n over_o slip_n you_o have_v no_o delight_n nor_o pleasure_n in_o they_o but_o think_v if_o you_o dare_v you_o can_v live_v well_o enough_o without_o they_o i_o can_v then_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o have_v no_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o you_o holy_a work_n and_o carnal_a heart_n do_v not_o agree_v well_o together_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n quest_n 5_o when_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n you_o owe_v to_o nim_v which_o of_o these_o both_o ordinary_o the_o cast_a vote_n with_o you_o do_v the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n weigh_v more_o with_o you_o as_o to_o the_o ordinary_a state_v course_n of_o your_o life_n and_o action_n that_o and_o other_o interest_n or_o inclination_n whatsoever_o if_o your_o he●●s_n be_v for_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a your_o life_n wi●●●e_v so_o too_o for_o the_o issue_n of_o life_n be_v from_o the_o heart_n the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit._n dare_v you_o allow_v yourselves_o in_o the_o wilful_a ordinary_a neglect_n of_o know_a dut●_n dare_v you_o in_o ulge_v and_o gratify_v your_o lust_n which_o you_o be_v command_v to_o crucify_v all_o eye_n for_o take_v up_o only_o with_o the_o cheap_a and_o easy_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o leave_v the_o more_o difficult_a self-denying_a part_n behind_o dare_v you_o upon_o a_o prospect_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n profit_n or_o honour_n wilful_o offend_v the_o d●vine_a ●o●jesty_n do_v you_o ventu●e_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v or_o do_v you_o not_o abhor_v the_o very_a thought_n or_o mention_n of_o it_o how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n some_o person_n abstain_v from_o sin_n for_o want_n of_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o commit_v it_o other_o for_o fear_n of_o reproach_n or_o punishment_n but_o a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v act_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o he_o hate_v
the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n yea_o and_o sometime_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n beside_o those_o of_o daily_a infirmity_n and_o therefore_o be_v often_o call_v to_o repentance_n humiliation_n and_o amendment_n and_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o act_v faith_n upon_o his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o double_v their_o watch_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o future_a when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v not_o perhaps_o oblige_v at_o all_o to_o call_v in_o question_n their_o foundation_n nor_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o main_a indeed_o as_o for_o those_o who_o oft_o fall_v into_o groffer_n sin_n and_o lie_v long_o in_o they_o even_o such_o sin_n as_o they_o may_v easy_o forbear_v if_o they_o be_v true_o willing_a such_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o question_v their_o own_o sincerity_n but_o as_o for_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o the_o godly_a yea_o or_o their_o great_a fall_n through_o inadvertency_n surprise_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o sudden_a temptation_n the_o case_n here_o be_v quite_o different_a if_o a_o workman_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v his_o foundation_n and_o be_v proceed_v forward_o in_o the_o building_n shall_v upon_o evevy_n lesser_a or_o some_o few_o great_a mistake_n in_o the_o superstructure_n pull_v down_o all_o again_o and_o question_v the_o foundation_n itself_o he_o will_v make_v very_o little_a progress_n and_o so_o have_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o his_o work_n so_o here_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n have_v still_o need_v to_o beg_v daily_a pardon_n for_o their_o daily_a sin_n yet_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o needless_a doubt_n or_o misgive_a thought_n as_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o main_a for_o if_o any_o man_n siam_fw-it we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a 1_o john_n 2.1_o he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n but_o be_v clean_o every_o whit_n john_n 13.10_o when_o david_n have_v sin_v so_o grievous_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n be_v se●●_n to_o he_o to_o expostulate_v with_o he_o about_o it_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n we_o find_v that_o he_o humble_o acknowledge_v his_o transgression_n earnest_o implore_v the_o divine_a mercy_n pray_v hard_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n in_o the_o main_a nor_o can_v we_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v so_o but_o encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n psal_n 51.17_o the_o sacrisices_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v there_o be_v say_v a_o great_a divine_a some_o sin_n which_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v so_o forsake_v as_o to_o cease_v commit_v they_o and_o there_o be_v some_o lesser_a sin_n which_o they_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v hate_v indeed_o but_o yet_o frequent_o renew_v as_o our_o defective_a degree_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n itself_o faith_n love_n trust_v fear_v obedience_n our_o vain_a thought_n and_o word_n some_o sinful_a passion_n etc._n etc._n many_o such_o sin_n be_v fit_o call_v infirmity_n because_o they_o consist_v with_o life_n and_o be_v forgive_v it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o for_o one_o fort_n require_v a_o conversion_n to_o another_o state_n and_o the_o other_o require_v but_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o when_o they_o be_v unknown_a be_v forgive_v without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n because_o our_o general_a repentance_n be_v virtual_o though_o not_o actual_o particular_a as_o to_o they_o one_o sort_n be_v cause_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o ungodly_a and_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v only_a cause_n of_o filial_a humiliation_n baxter'_v directory_n part_v 1._o pag._n 299._o direct_v 11._o though_o you_o can_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o ●uller_a comfort_n of_o assurance_n do_v not_o therefore_o undervalue_v any_o thing_n that_o look_v hopeful_o or_o have_v a_o likely_a endency_n thereto_o great_a thing_n be_v not_o usual_o attain_v but_o by_o degree_n and_o through_o many_o difficulty_n it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o justify_v state_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n so_o common_a among_o true_a believer_n themselves_o as_o perhaps_o you_o imagine_v who_o yet_o have_v considerable_a support_v ●nd_v comfort_n from_o hopeful_a probability_n in_o the_o case_n now_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o pull_v down_o the_o vain_a hope_n of_o presumptuous_a sinner_n so_o it_o also_o be_v to_o strengthen_v and_o help_v the_o joy_n and_o hope_n of_o weak_a christian_n well_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o be_v you_o not_o grieve_v or_o the_o many_o offence_n you_o have_v commit_v against_o god_n at_o least_o be_v it_o not_o your_o trouble_n that_o you_o can_v nourn_v for_o sin_n no_o more_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v no_o north_n tender_a and_o relent_a be_v it_o not_o your_o desire_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n your_o endeavour_n to_o renounce_v your_o sin_n and_o to_o mortify_v your_o corruption_n can_v you_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o part_v with_o christ_n or_o quit_v your_o interest_n in_o he_o for_o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o let_v go_v your_o hold_n of_o he_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v offer_v you_o in_o exchange_n will_v you_o not_o even_o loath_a and_o abhor_v the_o proposal_n be_v it_o not_o your_o endaavour_n to_o love_v he_o more_o and_o serve_v he_o better_o put_v such_o question_n as_o these_o be_v to_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o judge_v whether_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o something_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o than_o like_v special_a grace_n and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o let_v thus_o much_o support_v you_o till_o you_o can_v see_v further_o and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v thankful_a for_o what_o you_o have_v and_o strive_v for_o more_o grace_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o comfort_n will_v increase_v together_o and_o all_o along_o be_v sure_a to_o remember_v that_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o accept_v you_o upon_o gospel-term_n as_o you_o can_v be_v to_o desire_v it_o yea_o and_o infinite_o m●●●_n willing_a as_o love_a holiness_n better_o than_o you_o do_v 〈◊〉_d the_o march_n break_v between_o christ_n and_o you_o it_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d through_o your_o own_o refusal_n never_o be_v any_o po●●_n sinner_n beforehand_o with_o he_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o consent_v and_o be_v a_o suitor_n to_o we_o for_o our_o full_a 〈◊〉_d hearty_a consent_n nor_o will_v he_o despise_v the_o least_o tendecy_n thereto_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n o●_n on_o his_o part_n all_o be_v safe_a and_o clear_a prevail_v but_o withy_a own_o heart_n to_o hold_v on_o and_o go_v thorough_a with_o the_o work_n and_o all_o be_v thy_o own_o direct_v 12._o be_v sure_a that_o you_o exercise_v the_o mo●●_n deep_a and_o entire_a self-resignation_n to_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o this_o matter_n leave_v it_o unto_o god_n to_o measure_v out_o your_o comfort_n for_o you_o and_o to_o determine_v the_o time_n and_o season_n thereof_o lay_v your_o soul_n at_o his_o foot_n with_o the_o profound_a reverence_n humility_n and_o submission_n say_v as_o david_n in_o another_o case_n it_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n will_v look_v upon_o my_o affliction_n but_o if_o he_o say_v he_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o i_o behold_v here_o be_o i_o let_v he_o do_v as_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o 2_o sam._n 15.26_o o_o learn_v to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o look_v for_o he_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o hide_v his_o fa●●_n isa_n 8.17_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o you_o shall_v be_v loser_n by_o thus_o resign_v your_o soul_n and_o your_o all_o into_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v your_o certain_a duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o that_o sincerity_n which_o you_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o there_o be_v many_o comfortable_a promise_n make_v to_o such_o act_n of_o soul_n as_o these_o and_o encourage_v example_n set_v before_o we_o bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o wait_v for_o he_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n wait_v i_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n psal_n 20.14_o methinks_v that_o such_o a_o
holiness_n lead_v be_v unspeakable_o glorious_a last_o if_o the_o best_a of_o we_o do_v more_o clear_o apprehend_v and_o frequent_o consider_v the_o blessedness_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o necessary_a connexion_n or_o near_a alliance_n between_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n this_o will_v put_v life_n into_o all_o our_o motion_n and_o tendency_n heaven-ward_n and_o will_v give_v a_o most_o refresh_a relish_n and_o savour_n to_o all_o our_o duty_n these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o advantage_n will_v accrue_v to_o we_o from_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o our_o way_n and_o our_o end_n compare_v with_o each_o other_o but_o i_o must_v not_o make_v too_o large_a a_o preface_n to_o so_o small_a a_o book_n nor_o will_v i_o stay_v to_o apologise_v as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v for_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n only_o i_o tell_v thou_o i_o have_v study_v that_o both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n method_n and_o style_v it_o may_v be_v plain_a practical_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o use_n of_o vulgar_a reader_n not_o to_o gratify_v the_o capricious_a wanton_a humour_n of_o those_o who_o have_v itch_a ear_n but_o to_o edify_v honest_a upright_a heart_n i_o hope_v i_o can_v true_o say_v in_o some_o measure_n that_o as_o to_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n desii_fw-la curare_fw-la i_o have_v do_v regard_v it_o with_o i_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n judgement_n 1_o cor._n 4.3_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v if_o thou_o will_v read_v deliberate_o what_o i_o have_v write_v and_o consider_v it_o impartial_o and_o carry_v it_o home_o to_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n by_o that_o prudent_a self-application_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o thy_o case_n shall_v require_v i_o hope_v thou_o will_v get_v real_a advantage_n by_o it_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v so_o do_v forget_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o who_o be_v a_o very_a unworthy_a servant_n of_o the_o best_a and_o great_a master_n timothy_n manlove_n leeds_n sept._n 8._o 1698._o the_o content_n chap._n i._n the_o dependence_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o what_o go_v before_o their_o literal_a and_o real_a importance_n the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o the_o method_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v handle_v page_n 1._o chap._n ii_o some_o general_a account_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n to_o which_o be_v subjoin_v some_o short_a hint_n how_o unfit_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n for_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v so_o 9_o chap._n iii_o a_o further_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a change_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v wrought_v and_o prepare_v for_o heaven_n 22._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o several_a step_n whereby_o this_o bless_a work_n be_v begin_v carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v in_o the_o soul_n 38._o chap._n v._n plain_a proof_n from_o scripture_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v wrought_v or_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a grace_n 48._o chap._n vi_o several_a inference_n of_o truth_n draw_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n 61._o chap._n vii_o reproof_n to_o those_o person_n who_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o presumptuous_a hope_n of_o heaven_n while_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o this_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o show_v how_o vain_a sinful_a dangerous_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v for_o they_o thus_o to_o deceive_v themselves_o 72._o chap._n viii_o how_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no._n sundry_a motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n 82._o chap._n ix_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n 90._o chap._n x._o sundry_a question_n propose_v by_o which_o to_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n 98._o chap._n xi_o the_o exhortation_n in_o several_a branch_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n direct_v they_o what_o method_n to_o take_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n 117._o chap._n xii_o direction_n to_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o great_a degree_n of_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n 158._o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o now_o he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n be_v god._n chap._n i._n the_o dependence_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o what_o go_v before_o their_o literal_a and_o real_a importance_n the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o the_o method_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o many_o suffering_n and_o danger_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n himself_o and_o his_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v expose_v verse_n 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n trouble_v on_o every_o side_n perplex_v persecute_v cast_v down_o always_o bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i._n e._n by_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o in_o conformity_n to_o he_o as_o it_o follow_v vers_fw-la 11._o always_o deliver_v unto_o death_n for_o jesus_n sake_n moreover_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v that_o bear_v up_o their_o spirit_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o faint_v under_o all_o these_o pressure_n namely_o a_o believe_a prospect_n of_o future_a glory_n whereof_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v a_o certain_a argument_n and_o pledge_n vers_fw-la 13_o 14._o we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v know_v that_o he_o which_o raise_v up_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v raise_v up_o we_o also_o by_o jesus_n vers_fw-la 16._o for_o which_o cause_n we_o faint_v not_o etc._n etc._n he_o than_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o comparison_n between_o their_o present_a trouble_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o as_o for_o the_o former_a he_o speak_v as_o though_o he_o account_v they_o scarce_o worth_a name_n but_o of_o the_o latter_a as_o if_o no_o word_n can_v be_v find_v great_a enough_o to_o express_v it_o vers_fw-la 17._o 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_v and_o eternal_a w●ight_n of_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o hyperbole_n upon_o another_o and_o yet_o all_o little_a enough_o to_o signify_v the_o deep_a sense_n which_o he_o have_v of_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o that_o weighty_a glory_n concern_v which_o he_o speak_v thus_o rom._n 8.18_o for_o ●●eckon_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v be_v we_o this_o he_o do_v upon_o due_a deli●eration_n well_o weigh_v the_o point_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d expendo_fw-la as_o grotius_n observe_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_n render_v it_o thus_o you_o see_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o fetch_v it_o their_o support_v amid_o all_o the_o conflict_n and_o difficulty_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n what_o they_o look_v or_o aim_v at_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n the_o thing_n not_o see_v which_o be_v eternal_a vers_fw-la 18._o this_o be_v the_o prize_n they_o run_v for_o and_o which_o they_o expect_v at_o length_n to_o obtain_v and_o now_o that_o none_o may_v think_v that_o their_o hope_n be_v waver_v uncertain_a or_o ill-grounded_a he_o go_v on_o in_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o the_o text_n be_v to_o declare_v how_o full_a and_o satisfy_a their_o assurance_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o verse_n 1._o for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n note_v ●ere_z that_o faith_n be_v a_o certain_a infallible_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n we_o know_v so_o joh._n 6.69_o we_o believe_v and_o ar●_n sure_a rom._n 8.28_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o y●●_n know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n nor_o be_v their_o desire_n after_o this_o bless_a state_n less_o earnest_a than_o their_o belief_n and_o hope_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a vers_fw-la 2.3_o 4._o we_o groan_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o text_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o some_o further_a ground_n of_o this_o their_o confidence_n viz._n they_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o that_o by_o god_n himself_o who_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o immediate_o follow_v and_o therefore_o say_v
he_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a vers_fw-la 6._o again_o vers_fw-la 8._o we_o be_v confident_a i_o say_v and_o willing_a rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n q.d._n we_o do_v not_o run_v as_o at_o uncertainty_n nor_o fight_v as_o man_n that_o beat_v the_o air_n but_o know_v who_o we_o have_v trust_v and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v our_o trust_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n we_o walk_v by_o at_o present_a till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o world_n of_o immediate_a sight_n and_o fruition_n verse_n 7._o and_o now_o let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o consider_v more_o distinct_o both_o the_o literal_a and_o real_a importance_n of_o they_o now_o he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o i._n e._n make_v form_v or_o fit_v we_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o fashion_v or_o polish_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v rude_a or_o unshape_a before_n and_o so_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o septuagint_n exod._n 35.33_o 1_o king_n 6.36_o for_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n viz._n that_o bless_a state_n in_o which_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n whereof_o he_o have_v be_v speak_v just_o before_o vers_n 4._o or_o if_o you_o understand_v it_o of_o those_o desire_n and_o groan_n heaven-ward_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n it_o come_v all_o to_o a_o sense_n for_o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v prepare_v for_o heaven_n do_v right_o and_o judicious_o desire_v it_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o be_v god_n even_o he_o that_o have_v provide_v that_o glory_n for_o we_o vers_fw-la 1._o have_v also_o fit_v we_o for_o it_o the_o order_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n be_v very_o remarkable_a god_n be_v not_o the_o subject_a but_o the_o predicate_v of_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v not_o thus_o express_v now_o god_n have_v wrought_v we_o for_o this_o tho_o that_o have_v be_v true_a but_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v speak_v with_o a_o more_o pierce_a emphasis_n and_o majesty_n as_o the_o word_n be_v here_o place_v he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o be_v god_n q._n d._n will_v you_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o confidence_n hope_n and_o earnest_a desire_n after_o heaven_n why_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o it_o do_v you_o ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v so_o or_o who_o have_v thus_o wrought_v we_o it_o be_v god_n that_o have_v do_v it_o who_o always_o act_n like_o himself_o therefore_o this_o work_n be_v divine_a beseem_v its_o great_a author_n such_o as_o none_o but_o he_o can_v effect_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a in_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o issue_n will_v be_v answerable_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a the_o same_o way_n of_o expression_n you_o have_v chap._n 1.21_o now_o he_o which_o stablish_v we_o with_o you_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v anoint_v we_o be_v god._n as_o for_o the_o real_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n the_o only_a remain_a difficulty_n if_o that_o be_v any_o be_v what_o divine_a work_n the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o three_o follow_v particular_n which_o be_v most_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a in_o the_o case_n 1._o god_n as_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n and_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n have_v give_v we_o immortal_a soul_n furnish_v with_o faculty_n to_o prepare_v for_o a_o better_a life_n he_o have_v make_v they_o pure_a spiritual_a noble_a intellectual_a substance_n no●_n consist_v of_o any_o contrary_a principle_n which_o by_o act_v upon_o or_o against_o each_o other_o may_v infer_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o whole_a now_o in_o that_o he_o have_v give_v the_o soul_n such_o a_o nature_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o a_o eternal_a state_n because_o he_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a but_o always_o fit_v his_o creature_n for_o the_o respective_a end_n whereunto_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o and_o since_o both_o grac●_n and_o glory_n presuppose_v nature_n that_o be_v the_o fundamental_a capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a therefore_o this_o particular_a may_v well_o enough_o be_v take_v in_o though_o it_o can_v reasonable_o he_o imagine_v that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a much_o less_o the_o only_a thing_n intend_v in_o the_o text._n the_o soul_n of_o the_o vil●●_n man_n yea_o even_o the_o devil_n themselves_o be_v thus_o fa●_n wrought_v for_o a_o everlasting_a state_n but_o it_o be_v not_o m●●●_n immortality_n but_o a_o glorious_a and_o bless_a immortality_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o so_o that_o to_o be_v wrought_v for_o this_o selfsame_a thing_n must_v needs_o signify_v something_o peculiar_a unto_o true_a believer_n for_o they_o only_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o beside_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seem_v not_o so_o natural_o to_o signify_v the_o create_v of_o a_o soul_n as_o some_o subsequent_a work_n upon_o it_o already_o create_v to_o which_o it_o be_v natural_a essence_n be_v presuppose_v not_o produce_v by_o it_o 2._o as_o our_o redeemer_n and_o the_o god_n of_o govern_v reconcile_a grace_n he_o have_v open_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o so_o deal_v with_o we_o upon_o term_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n from_o that_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a state_n into_o which_o we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o this_o end_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n sanctify_v a_o portion_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o take_v it_o into_o union_n with_o the_o divine_a and_o in_o it_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n perfect_o obey_v the_o law_n offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n conquer_v satan_n death_n and_o hell_n die_v arise_v ascend_v and_o be_v glorify_v that_o we_o may_v cheerful_o and_o believe_o follow_v he_o thus_o human_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o great_a mediator_n be_v wrought_v through_o ●ariety_n of_o labour_n and_o suffering_n till_o it_o arrive_v to_o the_o high_a advancement_n that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v how_o great_a thing_n be_v intend_v for_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rom._n 8.32_o he_o be_v go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o we_o and_o to_o take_v possession_n etc._n etc._n his_o arm_n be_v ever_o open_a to_o receive_v return_v sinner_n the_o more_o weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n the_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o exercise_v his_o office_n upon_o he_o will_v cast_v out_o none_o that_o sincere_o come_v to_o he_o none_o be_v exclude_v who_o do_v not_o by_o wilful_a and_o final_a impenitency_n exclude_v themselves_o on_o his_o part_n all_o thing_n be_v ready_a what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o thankful_o lie_v hold_v on_o this_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o by_o faith_n feed_v thereon_o that_o we_o may_v live_v for_o ever_o 3._o as_o he_o be_v our_o sanctifier_n and_o the_o applyer_n and_o perfect_a of_o all_o to_o fit_v we_o for_o glory_n he_o work_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n those_o holy_a qualification_n tendency_n and_o affection_n whereby_o the_o heavenly_a state_n become_v con-natural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o they_o or_o rather_o they_o to_o it_o to_o live_v and_o have_v a_o be_v in_o a_o furture_n state_n be_v o●●_n thing_n to_o be_v happy_a therein_o another_o mere_a immortality_n fit_v you_o for_o the_o former_a immediate_o but_o only_o in_o a_o more_o remote_a sense_n for_o the_o latter_a o_o sir_n it_o be_v but_o cold_a comfort_n to_o know_v that_o your_o soul_n be_v immortal_a if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o be_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a whether_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o or_o ill_o with_o they_o hereafter_o live_v they_o must_v to_o all_o eternity_n but_o if_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n be_v not_o take_v in_o time_n that_o life_n be_v like_a to_o prove_v worse_o than_o death_n therefore_o you_o know_v that_o eternal_a life_n be_v usual_o take_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n mat._n 25.46_o the_o righteous_a into_o lis●_n eternal_a rom._n 6.23_o the_o gist_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a lis●_n those_o in_o hell_n live_v too_o because_o they_o can_v not_o because_o they_o will_v not_o die_v know_v then_o that_o you_o soul_n be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o misery_n than_o of_o joy_n and_o blessedness_n in_o another_o world_n their_o everlasting_a weal_n or_o woe_n depend_v mo●●_n direct_o and_o near_o upon_o moral_a quality_n than_o upon_o their_o natural_a essence_n as_o wicked_a man_n be_v shilling_n
we_o be_v not_o yet_o admit_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o le●_n this_o quiet_a we_o notwithstanding_o our_o remain_a darkness_n we_o be_v go_v to_o the_o world_n of_o light_n however_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o wilful_a affect_a ignorance_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v not_o sloth_n prevent_v nor_o presumptuous_a curiosity_n pervert_v our_o inquiry_n about_o it_o labour_v after_o as_o distinct_a and_o clear_a a_o knowledge_n of_o heaven_n as_o you_o can_v but_o be_v sure_a to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n it_o seem_v plain_a from_o scripture_n as_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n consist_v main_o in_o or_o result_v from_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o perfect_a fitness_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o glorious_a bless_a god_n 2._o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o these_o be_v most_o intimate_o essential_a to_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v principal_o consider_v though_o there_o be_v also_o certain_a adjunct_n and_o circumstance_n of_o this_o blessedness_n which_o must_v not_o be_v whole_o pass_v by_o but_o of_o these_o afterward_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o other_o 1._o a_o perfect_a fitness_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v refine_v strengthen_v enlarge_v replenish_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o capacity_n with_o fullness_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o therein_o confirm_v and_o settle_v past_o all_o danger_n of_o revolt_n or_o decay_v and_o therefore_o complete_o fit_v subjective_o for_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o the_o bless_a god_n their_o objective_a happiness_n portion_n all._n as_o action_n and_o fruition_n presuppose_v be_v and_o nature_n so_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o former_a be_v necessary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o latter_a the_o best_a of_o man_n while_o here_o below_o have_v great_a remainder_n of_o sinful_a weakness_n all_o their_o grace_n be_v enfeeble_v by_o a_o contrary_a principle_n of_o corruption_n dwell_v in_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o working_n of_o their_o soul_n towards_o god_n be_v so_o weak_a and_o languid_a and_o the_o joy_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o so_o often_o interrupt_v and_o obscure_v but_o in_o heaven_n it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o there_o we_o shall_v have_v strength_n without_o weakness_n light_n without_o darkness_n love_n without_o any_o remain_a aversion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v joy_n without_o sorrow_n i_o know_v that_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o vain_a enough_o to_o talk_v of_o a_o sinless_a perfection_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o once_o i_o meet_v with_o one_o who_o have_v the_o face_n to_o tell_v i_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o little_a passion_n for_o aught_o he_o know_v he_o be_v perfect_a i_o present_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o think_v he_o love_v god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o this_o put_v he_o to_o a_o stand_n or_o rather_o make_v he_o go_v back_o from_o his_o former_a assertion_n alas_o how_o little_a do_v such_o man_n know_v of_o their_o own_o heart_n or_o of_o the_o latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n psal_n 119.96_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o scripture_n have_v record_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n even_o as_o to_o those_o particular_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o eminent_a thus_o numb_a 12.3_o the_o man_n moses_n be_v very_o meek_a above_o all_o the_o man_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o we_o read_v psal_n 106.33_o that_o his_o spirit_n be_v so_o provoke_v that_o he_o speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o li_n insomuch_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o go_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n deut._n 32.51_o 52._o i_o mention_v not_o how_o that_o when_o his_o anger_n be_v hot_a he_o break_v the_o table_n of_o stone_n write_v with_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 32.19_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o be_v do_v by_o peculiar_a divine_a instinct_n to_o show_v that_o rebellious_a people_n how_o unworthy_a they_o be_v of_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n and_o how_o well_o they_o themselves_o deserve_v to_o be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o utter_o cast_v off_o of_o job_n it_o be_v say_v in_o general_a chap._n 2.3_o that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n etc._n etc._n and_o particular_o jam._n 5.11_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n and_o have_v we_o not_o hear_v of_o his_o impatience_n too_o chap._n 3._o when_o he_o curse_v his_o day_n etc._n etc._n how_o renown_a be_v solomon_n for_o wisdom_n who_o yet_o commit_v great_a folly_n in_o israel_n even_o in_o his_o old_a age_n 1_o king_n 11.4_o etc._n etc._n how_o remarkable_o forward_a and_o zealous_a for_o christ_n do_v we_o find_v peter_n to_o have_v be_v upon_o many_o occasion_n yet_o pitiful_o baffle_v by_o two_o silly_a maid_n one_o after_o another_o to_o the_o denial_n of_o his_o master_n mat._n 26.69_o 71._o thus_o you_o see_v how_o many_o strong_a one_o have_v fall_v and_o be_v wound_v even_o in_o those_o part_n where_o their_o great_a strength_n lay_v be_v it_o not_o then_o the_o height_n of_o madness_n or_o fanaticism_n to_o talk_v of_o universal_a sinless_a perfection_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n sure_o the_o most_o able_a experience_a christian_n speak_v at_o another_o rate_n phil._n 3.12_o not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a so_o 1_o joh._n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o but_o if_o once_o we_o get_v safe_a to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v sin_v no_o more_o grace_n will_v then_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o its_o full_a maturity_n and_o shall_v never_o be_v weaken_v by_o any_o contrary_a principle_n more_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a indeed_o heb._n 12.23_o there_o be_v no_o complaint_n of_o dull_a inactivity_n and_o listlessness_n to_o spiritual_a work_n paul_n be_v not_o there_o cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o sorrowful_a yet_o comfortable_a chapter_n rom._n 7._o i_o miser●m_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o etc._n etc._n the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n sin_n dwell_v in_o i_o evil_n be_v present_a with_o i_o etc._n etc._n no_o no_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o of_o this_o there_o all_o those_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n wherewith_o our_o mind_n be_v so_o over-shadowed_n in_o this_o present_a state_n will_v then_o be_v quite_o dissipate_v and_o go_v the_o remnant_n of_o our_o disaffection_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n which_o be_v now_o the_o matter_n or_o occasion_n of_o our_o most_o grievous_a and_o pierce_a complaint_n will_v then_o be_v perfect_o master_v and_o wrought_v out_o all_o these_o distemper_n will_v be_v cure_v which_o must_v needs_o cause_v so_o great_a a_o pleasure_n as_o none_o can_v have_v a_o full_a notion_n of_o but_o they_o who_o feel_v and_o possess_v it_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o a_o fullness_n of_o spiritual_a life_n strength_n and_o vigour_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v surround_v with_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o a_o perfect_a day_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v perfect_o reconcile_v to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o only_a soul-satisfying_a object_n no_o wonder_n that_o sorrow_n and_o sigh_v be_v over_o when_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o curse_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o occasion_v they_o be_v do_v away_o how_o great_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o imperfect_a beginning_n of_o this_o bless_a state_n in_o that_o work_n of_o grace_n which_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o true_o godly_a even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o psal_n 45.13_o change_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o thus_o true_a grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n to_o which_o it_o be_v tend_v put_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o it_o how_o much_o more_o valuable_a than_o must_v that_o perfection_n itself_o be_v if_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o its_o present_a infant-state_n be_v so_o aimable_fw-fr what_o will_v it_o be_v when_o we_o come_v to_o perfect_a manhood_n when_o we_o shall_v arrive_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o excellency_n whereof_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a even_o so_o high_a as_o to_o be_v complete_o qualify_v for_o the_o more_o immediate_a enjoyment_n o●_n god_n himself_o i_o have_v almost_o forget_v to_o mention_v that_o our_o body_n shal●_n be_v raise_v spiritualised_a and_o make_v like_a unto_o christ_n
not_o our_o own_o self_n but_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o then_o will_v the_o rich_a and_o mighty_a sense_n of_o those_o glorious_a word_n be_v feel_v and_o therefore_o understand_v 1_o joh._n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n eph._n 3.19_o the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v he_o this_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o end_n of_o vision_n and_o therefore_o rather_o to_o be_v call_v beatific_a than_o it_o the_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v in_o order_n to_o those_o of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o divine_a glory_n in_o the_o complete_a blessedness_n of_o his_o holy_a one_o the_o end_n of_o both_o it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o a_o great_a divine_a mr._n baxter_n you_o be_v deceive_v if_o you_o think_v that_o any_o one_o notion_n speak_v more_o to_o you_o of_o heaven_n and_o of_o your_o ultimate_a end_n than_o the_o love_n of_o god._n then_o will_v the_o weary_a soul_n be_v at_o rest_n and_o never_o more_o disturb_v with_o fruitless_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o thing_n which_o can_v profit_v it_o have_v now_o find_v its_o centre_n no_o more_o of_o break_a cistern_n it_o be_v get_v to_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n it_o can_v now_o say_v i_o be_o at_o ease_n i_o have_v enough_o i_o have_v all_o if_o all_o love_n have_v or_o rather_o be_v complacency_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o as_o st._n augustine_n and_o many_o other_o after_o he_o observe_v o_o how_o pleasant_a wil●_n it_o be_v perfect_o to_o love_v so_o perfect_a so_o glorious_a a_o object_n the_o god_n of_o love_n fit_v we_o for_o it_o the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o the_o near_a be_v we_o to_o heaven_n be_v sure_a you_o remember_v that_o or_o else_o i_o lose_v my_o labour_n you_o your_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o vital_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o acte●●_n both_o in_o the_o working_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o wi●●_n and_o make_v they_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a and_o will_v be_v eve●_n ready_a to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n ever●_n thing_n of_o duty_n will_v be_v con-natural_a to_o it_o 2._o the_o perfect_v soul_n shall_v receive_v everlasting_a influence_n and_o communication_n from_o god_n it_o be_v most_o enlarged_a capacity_n shall_v be_v complete_o fill_v as_o in_o the_o first_o formation_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n we_o be_v first_o act●●_n by_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o then_o act_v towards_o he_o and_o by_o so_o act_v be_v fit_v to_o receive_v more_o from_o he_o so_o will_v it_o be_v when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n the_o glorious_a perfect_v soul_n be_v a_o creature_n still_o and_o therefore_o hold_v its_o all_z in_o full_a dependence_n upon_o its_o god_n it_o offer_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o it_o have_v first_o receive_v from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o fountain_n 〈◊〉_d that_o bless_a life_n by_o which_o it_o live_v in_o his_o light_n it_o see_v light_a and_o by_o the_o continual_a effusion_n of_o h●●_n love_n shed_v abroad_o upon_o it_o it_o be_v constrain_v to_o lo●●_n he_o his_o mighty_a hand_n enable_v it_o to_o bear_v this_o weigh●_n of_o glory_n the_o light_n wherein_o it_o rejoice_v be_v that_o of_o h●●_n countenance_n and_o his_o attractive_a love_n determine_v it_o 〈◊〉_d himself_o it_o own_v he_o in_o all_o and_o be_v ever_o wrap_v up_o 〈◊〉_d the_o high_a admiration_n of_o condescend_v goodness_n it_o be_v more_o sensible_a than_o ever_o of_o its_o own_o nothingness_n as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all._n as_o heaven_n be_v a_o state_n of_o the_o high_a advancement_n so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o deep_a humility_n the_o near_a they_o be_v to_o god_n say_v one_o the_o more_o apprehensive_a of_o their_o distance_n for_o as_o the_o same_o reverend_a person_n mr._n howe_n observe_v elsewhere_o the_o distance_n even_o of_o a_o glorify_a creature_n from_o the_o glorious_a god_n be_v still_o infinite_o great_a than_o between_o it_o and_o the_o silly_a worm_n the_o minute_a atom_n of_o dust_n hence_o we_o find_v that_o even_o the_o seraphim_n veil_v their_o face_n before_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n isa_n 6.2_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o cast_v their_o crown_n before_o his_o throne_n worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o rev._n 4.10_o 11._o chap._n 5.14_o thus_o run_v the_o triumphant_a praise_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n no●_n unto_o we_o o_o lord_n not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thy_o name_n give_v glory_n such_o be_v the_o exercise_n such_o the_o fruition_n of_o those_o bless_a soul_n who_o have_v wash_v their_o robe_n and_o make_v they_o white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n rev._n 7.14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n such_o be_v the_o glory_n to_o which_o they_o be_v advance_v though_o they_o be_v sometime_o afar_o off_o as_o well_o as_o we_o now_o they_o be_v near_o indeed_o they_o stand_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n dwell_v among_o they_o they_o know_v he_o love_v he_o and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o feel_v by_o inward_a sweet_a vital_a experience_n that_o they_o be_v know_v of_o he_o belove_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o live_v in_o they_o as_o for_o the_o adjunct_n and_o concurrent_a circumstance_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o bless_a state_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v the_o place_n be_v glorious_a the_o throne_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n ●sa_fw-la 66.1_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n thus_o the_o great_a mediator_n rev._n 3.21_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o 〈◊〉_d also_o overcome_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o moon_n will_v be_v needless_a ●here_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n 〈◊〉_d the_o light_n thereof_o chap._n 21.23_o the_o society_n will_v be_v suitable_a even_a angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n all_o who_o happiness_n will_v be_v we_o and_o we_o they_o for_o narrow_a selfishness_n have_v no_o place_n there_o but_o that_o which_o crown_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v this_o blessedness_n shall_v be_v eternal_a rev._n 3.12_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o o_o bless_a word_n and_o thrice_o bless_a state_n happy_a they_o that_o be_v safe_a land_v all_o danger_n be_v over_o with_o they_o for_o ever_o i_o can_v name_v it_o without_o fear_n of_o miss_v it_o yet_o i_o have_v hope_n the_o lord_n forgive_v the_o remnant_n of_o unbelief_n faintness_n and_o impatience_n that_o be_v in_o we_o we_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o crown_n without_o overcome_v god_n help_v we_o patient_o to_o wait_v and_o quiet_o to_o trust_v our_o almighty_a alwise_a and_o most_o gracious_a guide_n thou_o shall_v guide_v i_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v i_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n psal_n 73.24_o if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o let_v he_o follow_v i_o and_o where_o i_o be_o there_o shall_v also_o my_o servant_n be_v if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n john_n 12.26_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o be_v slothful_a but_o follow_v of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n heb._n 6.12_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o poor_a weak_a imperfect_a account_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n nevertheless_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o inser_n how_o utter_o unfit_a the_o best_a of_o we_o be_v and_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n still_o be_v by_o nature_n for_o this_o blessen_v state_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v amiss_o to_o make_v some_o enquiry_n how_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v so_o corrupt_v and_o ill-disposed_a to_o its_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o both_o these_o brief_o because_o it_o will_v prepare_v you_o to_o understand_v wha●_n be_v to_o come_v after_o 1._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o such_o and_o therefore_o all_o of_o they_o be_v utter_o unfit_a for_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o most_o evident_a truth_n he_o that_o run_v may_v real_a it_o even_o they_o themselves_o may_v easy_o discern_v it_o be_v they_o not_o blind_v and_o befool_v by_o their_o lust_n on●_n will_v think_v it_o shall_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d escape_v their_o notice_n how_o averse_a their_o heart_n be_v from_o god_n christ_n holiness_n and_o by_o consequence_n from_o heaven_n though_o something_o
influence_v by_o this_o great_a change_n 1._o the_o soul_n be_v natural_o a_o vital_a active_a substance_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o vigour_n and_o sprightliness_n of_o its_o motion_n yea_o the_o best_a philosophy_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v never_o out_o of_o action_n but_o what_o then_o towards_o god_n it_o be_v unactive_a stupid_a dead_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v quicken_v by_o the_o same_o power_n which_o raise_v up_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a ephes_n 1.10_o 20._o ch._n 2.1_o 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v vital_a power_n must_v be_v further_o enliven_v by_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o divine_a spiritual_a life_n that_o it_o may_v be_v enable_v and_o incline_v to_o move_v ready_o strong_o constant_o towards_o god_n from_o who_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v derive_v through_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o act_n towards_o he_o and_o terminate_v in_o he_o the_o same_o way_n thus_o the_o active_a power_n must_v be_v sanctify_v that_o we_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o may_v ephes_n 6.10_o observe_v therefore_o that_o this_o vital_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o be_v improve_v corroborate_v or_o strengthen_v by_o holy_a habit_n than_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o viz._n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n though_o these_o be_v common_o most_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a power_n or_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o they_o it_o suscitates_fw-la they_o to_o action_n and_o communicate_v life_n and_o vigour_n to_o they_o ad_fw-la intra_fw-la as_o it_o execute_v the_o command_n of_o the_o will_n direct_v by_o the_o understanding_n ad_fw-la extra_fw-la the_o former_a sort_n of_o these_o act_n lie_v deep_a and_o inward_a be_v less_o observe_v and_o by_o many_o scarce_o at_o all_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o executive_a act_n be_v more_o open_a and_o discernible_a therefore_o this_o vital_a active_a power_n must_v be_v wrought_v to_o a_o holy_a vivacity_n or_o liveliness_n for_o god_n that_o we_o may_v move_v towards_o he_o and_o for_o he_o ready_o with_o promptitude_n and_o quickness_n of_o spirit_n and_o not_o be_v lazy_a or_o listless_a to_o duty_n strong_o with_o holy_a fortitude_n and_o vigour_n and_o not_o be_v formal_a lifeless_a or_o indifferent_a in_o duty_n what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o have_v heaven_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o yet_o stand_v still_o or_o move_v so_o slow_o as_o if_o they_o care_v not_o whether_o ever_o they_o get_v thither_o or_o no_o constant_o with_o a_o holy_a steadfastness_n not_o discourage_v by_o difficulty_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o way_n not_o faint_v nor_o weary_a of_o well_o do_v 2._o the_o soul_n be_v natural_o a_o intelligent_a be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v after_o truth_n yea_o and_o strong_o incline_v so_o to_o do_v all_o man_n be_v desirous_a of_o knowledge_n in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o some_o vehement_o set_v upon_o it_o and_o very_o industrious_a and_o eager_a in_o their_o pursuit_n after_o it_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o high_o value_v themselves_o upon_o it_o but_o then_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n matter_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a consequence_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n not_o only_o ignorant_a of_o they_o but_o strange_o blockish_a and_o undisposed_a to_o a_o right_a acquaintance_n with_o they_o we_o not_o only_o want_v the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o also_o a_o due_a aptitude_n and_o fitness_n to_o know_v they_o hence_o you_o shall_v find_v many_o person_n who_o as_o to_o other_o matter_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o apprehensive_a but_o in_o a_o perfect_a mist_n as_o to_o those_o truth_n wherein_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v yea_o multitude_n there_o be_v who_o have_v sit_v so_o long_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o but_o yet_o be_v themselves_o so_o dull_a that_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v teach_v again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n heb._n 5.11_o 12._o other_o there_o be_v who_o have_v indeed_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n rom._n 2.20_o and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n too_o but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o it_o many_o superficial_a notion_n float_v in_o their_o imagination_n and_o not_o a_o little_a puff_v up_o with_o they_o though_o still_o they_o know_v nothing_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v some_o acquaintance_n they_o have_v with_o word_n or_o sign_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o they_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n to_o the_o put_v o●_n of_o the_o old_a man._n ephes_n 4.21_o 22._o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v learn_v a_o great_a deal_n extensive_o but_o intensive_o they_o have_v learn_v nothing_o the_o article_n of_o their_o profess_a creed_n be_v not_o in_o their_o faith_n unless_o dream_a may_v pass_v for_o believe_v isa_n 53.1_o who_o have_v believe_v on_o report_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o see_v they_o see_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o understand_v mat._n 13.13_o thus_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n be_v a_o state_n of_o darkness_n even_o such_o as_o may_v be_v feel_v be_v they_o not_o past_a feel_n too_o they_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o dark_a but_o they_o be_v darkness_n ephes_n 5.8_o a_o impure_a mass_n of_o conglobated_a darkness_n as_o one_o express_v it_o but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o work_v save_o upon_o a_o soul_n he_o cause_v his_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n irradiate_v the_o understanding_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o special_a illumination_n or_o powerful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o produce_v new_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n the_o man_n see_v with_o other_o eye_n and_o know_v to_o purpose_v what_o he_o only_o think_v he_o know_v before_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v he_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v deut._n 29.4_o he_o be_v now_o convince_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o chitf_a among_o ten_o thousand_o altogether_o lovely_a cant._n 5.10_o 16._o though_o former_o he_o can_v see_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n in_o he_o isa_n 53.2_o now_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n appear_v and_o he_o be_v even_o amaze_v at_o himself_o to_o think_v that_o he_o see_v it_o no_o soon_o thus_o divine_a light_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o understanding_n the_o dayspring_n from_o a_o high_a visit_n it_o the_o new_a man_n be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n col._n 3.10_o turn_v unto_o god_n be_v a_o rational_a intelligent_a act_n sincere_a religion_n move_v not_o blind_o but_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o another_o head_n 3._o the_o main_a point_n in_o this_o great_a change_n be_v yet_o behind_o i_o mean_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o will_n this_o be_v the_o faculty_n which_o stand_v it_o out_o the_o long_a against_o god_n be_v most_o wicked_o averse_a from_o he_o and_o therefore_o hardly_a bring_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o grace_n you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o mat._n 23.37_o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n and_o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o it_o be_v in_o this_o unwillingness_n that_o their_o impotency_n do_v main_o consist_v they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o comply_v o_o what_o deep_a conviction_n what_o fear_n and_o terror_n what_o pang_n and_o throw_n what_o vehement_a struggle_n do_v some_o undergo_v before_o they_o yield_v and_o some_o who_o never_o yield_v at_o all_o their_o faint_a inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v overpower_v by_o a_o more_o strong_a aversion_n thus_o the_o rebellious_a will_n of_o man_n stand_v it_o out_o against_o the_o law_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o far_o easy_a matter_n to_o convince_v man_n understanding_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o turn_v to_o god_n than_o to_o cure_v that_o disaffection_n and_o enmity_n which_o be_v root_v in_o their_o will_n and_o heart_n against_o he_o therefore_o i_o say_v the_o main_a work_n lie_v here_o viz._n in_o turn_v the_o bent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o put_v it_o in_o a_o right_a posture_n god-ward_o determine_v our_o resolution_n for_o he_o powerful_o and_o sweet_o incline_v we_o to_o close_v with_o he_o drawing_z and_o even_o constrain_a we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n the_o band_n of_o love_n
work_v our_o heart_n to_o that_o temper_n whereof_o the_o psalmist_n word_n be_v very_o expressive_a psal_n 73.25_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o etc._n etc._n when_o this_o be_v do_v then_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n break_v than_o the_o soul_n stand_v no_o long_o at_o such_o a_o unkind_a distance_n from_o god_n as_o it_o do_v before_o but_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o have_v a_o ingenious_a childlike_a affection_n towards_o he_o o_o my_o god_n i_o can_v resist_v no_o long_o thou_o be_v strong_a than_o i_o and_o have_v prevail_v thy_o love_n have_v overcome_v i_o victorious_a grace_n have_v get_v the_o day_n other_o lord_n beside_o thou_o have_v have_v dominion_n over_o i_o but_o by_o thou_o only_o will_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o thy_o name_n isa_n 26.13_o thus_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o feel_v at_o length_n how_o good_a it_o be_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n psal_n 73.28_o in_o this_o it_o be_v that_o true_a grace_n holiness_n or_o real_a godliness_n do_v principal_o consist_v namely_o in_o such_o a_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n towards_o god_n it_o be_v the_o give_v our_o heart_n to_o he_o which_o before_o be_v most_o unreasonable_o and_o wicked_o alienate_v from_o he_o it_o be_v this_o which_o he_o do_v especial_o call_v for_o insist_v upon_o and_o expect_v from_o we_o this_o he_o set_v most_o by_o and_o without_o it_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o we_o can_v offer_v prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v more_o than_o all_o whole_a barnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n mark_n 12.33_o thus_o the_o wander_a soul_n be_v bring_v back_o to_o its_o proper_a centre_n and_o best_n it_o be_v a_o honest_a friendly_a good-natured_a disposition_n of_o heart_n god-ward_n always_o temper_v with_o dutiful_a reverence_n to_o so_o adorable_a a_o majesty_n who_o need_v not_o such_o poor_a silly_a worm_n as_o we_o but_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o who_o be_v will_v be_v gracious_a and_o will_v show_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v show_v mercy_n exod._n 33.19_o thus_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o fellowship_n with_o god_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o that_o henceforth_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o he_o as_o our_o best_a and_o dear_a friend_n and_o confident_o expect_v from_o he_o all_o that_o kindness_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o relation_n and_o what_o may_v we_o not_o hope_v for_o from_o such_o a_o friend_n such_o a_o father_n nothing_o shall_v be_v want_v that_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v luk._n 19.31_o son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n as_o one_o observe_v can_v by_o overset_v it_o know_v no_o difficulty_n the_o great_a the_o performance_n or_o vouchsafement_n the_o more_o suitable_a to_o divine_a love_n again_o this_o great_a change_n be_v a_o open_n of_o our_o heart_n towards_o god_n which_o before_o be_v shy_a reserve_v estrange_v shut_v up_o against_o he_o though_o they_o be_v always_o his_o by_o title_n yet_o not_o till_o now_o by_o consent_n before_o he_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la a_o right_a to_o they_o now_o he_o have_v jus_o in_o re_fw-mi a_o actual_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o possession_n of_o they_o the_o everlasting_a door_n be_v now_o open_v and_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n be_v enter_v in_o psal_n 24._o thus_o we_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n how_o shall_v i_o make_v it_o plain_o it_o be_v a_o sincere_a deep_a inward_a hearty_a prevail_a love_n to_o he_o who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n in_o one_o word_n love_n without_o this_o thou_o have_v only_o the_o shadow_n of_o holiness_n but_o real_o art_n nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.2_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o will_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v turn_v from_o god_n by_o sin_n yea_o and_o set_v against_o he_o grace_n reduce_v and_o reconcile_v it_o to_o he_o again_o so_o that_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o renew_a soul_n be_v towards_o god_n that_o it_o may_v know_v he_o more_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o better_o be_v bring_v yet_o near_o to_o he_o and_o more_o full_o conform_v to_o his_o will._n it_o detest_v all_o thought_n of_o happiness_n in_o which_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o include_v or_o rather_o which_o be_v not_o whole_o include_v in_o that_o enjoyment_n he_o say_v unto_o the_o lord_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n i_o can_v take_v up_o with_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o my_o portion_n and_o supreme_a good_a my_o soul_n pant_v after_o thou_o long_v for_o thou_o and_o be_v even_o weary_a of_o itself_o to_o find_v any_o remnant_n of_o its_o old_a aversion_n from_o thou_o these_o be_v my_o daily_a groan_n o_o that_o i_o can_v ascend_v more_o send_v forth_o o_o lord_n thy_o powerful_a attractive_a love_n let_v that_o holy_a flame_n consume_v my_o dross_n that_o the_o noble_a part_n may_v know_v in_o home_n its_o rest_n it_o be_v all_o how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n unto_o i_o o_o god_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o i_o know_v in_o some_o measure_n long_o since_o that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v make_v i_o complete_o happy_a i_o have_v often_o hear_v of_o this_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n but_o now_o i_o know_v it_o better_o my_o eye_n see_v it_o i_o find_v and_o feel_v that_o my_o soul_n be_v otherwise_o affect_v towards_o thou_o than_o i●_n be_v before_o thus_o the_o passage_n betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n be_v open_v thus_o the_o will_n be_v determine_v for_o god_n and_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o only_o hover_v in_o the_o brain_n or_o imagination_n sink_v down_o work_n into_o the_o very_a soul_n and_o attemper_v it_o to_o themselves_o i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o large_a upon_o this_o head_n but_o all_o be_v little_a enough_o to_o make_v unregenerate_a person_n understand_v these_o thing_n though_o still_o they_o pretend_v to_o love_v god_n but_o i_o proceed_v 4._o the_o sensitive_a passion_n or_o affection_n must_v also_o be_v sanctify_v so_o as_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o superior_a faculty_n especial_o the_o will_n and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o holiness_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v devote_v unto_o god_n exercise_v upon_o he_o and_o for_o he_o the_o rational_a and_o sensitive_a appetite_n be_v so_o near_o connex_v at_o least_o in_o this_o life_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o former_a so_o far_o as_o we_o perceive_v they_o always_o take_v in_o somewhat_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o be_v common_o describe_v according_o moreover_o the_o passion_n of_o affection_n be_v ofttimes_o a_o occasion_n or_o mean_n to_o awaken_v and_o excite_v our_o reason_n and_o will_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o of_o exceed_v great_a use_n if_o right_o manage_v and_o improve_v and_o though_o the_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o high_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o intellectual_a namely_o in_o the_o vital_a active_a power_n understanding_n and_o will_n and_o must_v there_o be_v main_o seek_v and_o inquire_v after_o viz._n whether_o we_o have_v a_o high_a estimation_n of_o god_n and_o do_v resolve_o and_o rational_o cleave_v to_o he_o endeavour_v to_o act_v suitable_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n etc._n etc._n again_o though_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o our_o passion_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v move_v by_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a object_n as_o by_o sensible_a thing_n that_o be_v near_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n strong_a where_o judgement_n be_v weak_a and_o very_o uncertain_a too_o as_o depend_v much_o upon_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n etc._n etc._n yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o those_o person_n who_o affection_n move_v sensible_o and_o free_o towards_o other_o thing_n but_o scarce_o stir_v at_o all_o as_o to_o the_o best_a and_o high_a object_n be_v certain_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o languid_a state_n of_o soul_n if_o not_o quite_o dead_a if_o we_o be_v indeed_o rise_v with_o christ_n then_o as_o we_o ought_v so_o we_o shall_v in_o some_o measure_n set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o col._n 3.1_o 2._o if_o the_o will_v be_v predominant_o for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o that_o the_o affection_n will_v in_o some_o degree_n go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o if_o they_o move_v but_o slow_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o will_v put_v we_o upon_o earnest_a strive_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o
better_a frame_n it_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o true_a grace_n tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o heal_v all_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o rectify_v all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n and_o so_o the_o passion_n and_o affection_n among_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o wrong_a object_n to_o moderate_v their_o excess_n to_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o right_a channel_n nor_o be_v these_o tendency_n fruitless_a the_o effect_n be_v in_o part_n accomplish_v so_o far_o as_o this_o great_a change_n take_v place_n and_o prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o affection_n of_o love_n desire_v joy_n delight_n hatred_n sorrow_n fear_v and_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v move_v towards_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o ends._n we_o shall_v hate_v and_o abhor_v what_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n mourn_v that_o we_o have_v so_o often_o offend_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o and_o to_o enjoy_v more_o of_o he_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o love_n god_n more_o seel_o and_o so_o to_o rejoice_v and_o delight_v in_o he_o and_o though_o many_o impediment_n and_o difficulty_n arise_v in_o our_o way_n yet_o still_o grace_n will_v be_v tend_v to_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o be_v great_o want_v to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o daily_o endeavour_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o we_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v quicken_v more_o and_o more_o in_o their_o motion_n by_o it_o if_o we_o stay_v till_o our_o affection_n stir_v of_o themselves_o we_o may_v wait_v long_o enough_o it_o be_v our_o part_n active_o to_o concur_v with_o and_o by_o that_o gracious_a help_n which_o be_v afford_v we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o quicken_a and_o spiritualize_v of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o more_o under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will_n till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v accustom_a and_o enure_v to_o move_v more_o natural_o free_o and_o strong_o heaven-ward_n nor_o must_v we_o faint_v or_o be_v discourage_v though_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n sluggish_a and_o averse_a to_o such_o work_n as_o this_o we_o must_v persist_v in_o duty_n notwithstanding_o this_o indisposition_n and_o wait_v for_o god_n help_n in_o his_o own_o way_n yea_o we_o must_v cast_v ourselves_o into_o his_o arm_n though_o he_o may_v seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o shut_v up_o himself_o from_o our_o prayer_n and_o to_o withhold_v the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n it_o may_v be_v he_o withdraw_v to_o see_v how_o we_o will_v take_v it_o shall_v we_o not_o lament_v and_o follow_v so_o much_o the_o hard_a after_o he_o what_o though_o we_o have_v not_o sensible_a comfort_n let_v we_o stay_v ourselves_o on_o he_o and_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n rom._n 4.18_o duty_n be_v sweet_a when_o recover_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n we_o be_v bind_v but_o god_n be_v free_a what_o you_o want_v as_o to_o the_o ceiling_n of_o affection_n make_v out_o in_o deep_a and_o rational_a resolution_n for_o god_n and_o you_o will_v get_v ground_n even_o while_o you_o think_v you_o lose_v it_o 5._o even_o the_o body_n itself_o must_v be_v sanctify_v that_o be_v present_v or_o devote_v unto_o god_n and_o use_v for_o he_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o possess_v his_o vessel_n in_o sanctification_n 1_o thess_n 4.3_o 4._o that_o sin_n reign_v not_o in_o our_o mortal_a body_n but_o that_o we_o yield_v our_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o god_n rom._n 6.12_o 13._o our_o body_n be_v for_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 6.13_o 15._o temple_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n vers_fw-la 19_o the_o body_n must_v be_v use_v as_o a_o servant_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o both_o employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.20_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a without_o or_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a 1_o tim._n 4.8_o to_o bow_v the_o knee_n while_o our_o spirit_n remain_v stubborn_a and_o unbroken_a to_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n heaven-ward_n if_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o also_o lift_v up_o to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o be_v a_o addition_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o iniquity_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v for_o god_n our_o body_n will_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o they_o and_o their_o member_n according_o use_v by_o they_o the_o eye_n will_v be_v open_v to_o behold_v the_o wonderful_a discovery_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o his_o work_n and_o in_o his_o word_n the_o ear_n to_o hear_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n the_o lip_n to_o praise_n and_o magnify_v he_o and_o by_o spiritual_a discourse_n to_o edify_v other_o feed_v many_o and_o minister_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n therefore_o though_o our_o heart_n must_v be_v first_o look_v at_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n yet_o care_n must_v also_o be_v take_v that_o our_o word_n and_o deportment_n be_v also_o suitable_a and_o become_a because_o outward_a worship_n be_v expressive_a of_o that_o which_o be_v inward_a and_o reflect_v back_o again_o upon_o the_o heart_n itself_o as_o habit_n be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o act_n which_o flow_v from_o they_o so_o be_v internal_a affection_n by_o correspondent_a expression_n and_o behaviour_n in_o duty_n though_o we_o must_v not_o so_o cry_v up_o and_o magnify_v the_o external_o of_o worship_n as_o to_o overlook_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o as_o hypocrite_n who_o love_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v our_o good_a meaning_n or_o spirituality_n in_o divine_a worship_n to_o excuse_v we_o from_o befit_v gesture_n or_o outward_a demeanour_n therein_o nor_o must_v we_o be_v forward_o to_o judge_n and_o censure_v other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v mere_a ceremonious_a hypocrire_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o put_v religion_n into_o a_o more_o fine_a or_o formal_a dress_n than_o we_o ourselves_o have_v be_v use_v to_o in_o short_a let_v we_o neither_o be_v rude_a nor_o antic_a in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o let_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o spirit_n as_o also_o our_o word_n and_o gesture_n be_v reverend_a grave_a and_o serious_a lest_o we_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o profane_v holy_a thing_n god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o whole_a man._n thus_o you_o see_v that_o our_o intellectual_a and_o sensitive_a faculty_n yea_o and_o our_o body_n too_o must_v according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n be_v all_o sanctify_a and_o devote_v unto_o god_n which_o be_v full_o comprehend_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n 5.23_o and_o the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o whole_o and_o i_o pray_v god_n your_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o head_n viz._n that_o this_o great_a change_n consist_v in_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n from_o who_o we_o have_v so_o deep_o revolt_v ii_o since_o it_o be_v only_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n that_o god_n be_v reconcilable_a to_o fall_v man_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o we_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o he_o in_o this_o matter_n joh._n 14.6_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o so_o vers_fw-la 19_o of_o this_o chapter_n god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o act_n 4.12_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v our_o ultimate_a end_n so_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n and_o way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o end_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o full_o declare_v in_o this_o point_n viz._n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o access_n to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o son_n that_o it_o will_v be_v insolent_a dare_a presum●ption_n for_o we_o to_o attempt_v it_o any_o other_o way_n never_o think_v of_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n transact_v with_o he_o present_v yourselves_o or_o service_n to_o he_o or_o of_o expect_v any_o favour_n from_o he_o but_o in_o and_o through_o christ_n joh._n 5.23_o he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v he_o it_o be_v therefore_o requisite_a that_o we_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o this_o great_a mediator_n that_o we_o dear_o love_v he_o and_o sincere_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o
god_n who_o have_v thus_o first_o love_v we_o and_o so_o to_o effect_v the_o reconciliation_n on_o our_o part_n study_v this_o well_o the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v in_o it_o as_o christ_n as_o mediator_n be_v the_o summary_n mean_v and_o way_n to_o the_o father_n to_o bring_v man_n home_o to_o his_o creator_n so_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o mediate_a grace_n to_o work_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o mr._n baxter_n ha●_n it_o no_o other_o grace_n or_o duty_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n nor_o will_v prove_v our_o salvation_n any_o further_a than_o i●_n participate_v of_o predominant_a love_n to_o god_n but_o thi●_n predominant_a love_n be_v always_o a_o evidence_n of_o life_n ibid._n three_o the_o same_o power_n which_o have_v bring_v the_o work_n thus_o far_o do_v maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a the_o principle_n of_o grace_n implant_v in_o the_o soul_n our_o spiritual_a life_n no_o less_o than_o the_o natural_a depend_v upon_o the_o continual_a influx_n of_o its_o almighty_a author_n in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v not_o only_o as_o man_n but_o as_o christian_n or_o new_a men._n the_o strength_n of_o that_o habitual_a grace_n subject_v in_o we_o will_v never_o hold_v our_o without_o daily_a influence_n of_o efficient_a grace_n still_o work_v upon_o we_o thus_o we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 1_o pet._n 1.5_o and_o preserve_v unto_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n 2_o tim._n 4.18_o we_o know_v what_o woeful_a work_n our_o first_o parent_n make_v when_o their_o concern_v be_v leave_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n how_o shameful_o they_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o ruin_v at_o once_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n and_o this_o through_o the_o mere_a mutability_n of_o their_o nature_n though_o upright_o and_o innocent_a as_o it_o come_v out_o of_o god_n hand_n what_o then_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o we_o who_o have_v not_o only_o mutable_a nature_n but_o great_a remnant_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o sure_o if_o our_o stock_n of_o grace_n be_v leave_v only_o to_o our_o own_o management_n we_o shall_v soon_o turn_v bankrupt_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o grace_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a but_o supernatural_a principle_n not_o essential_a but_o a_o additional_a to_o our_o being_n not_o bear_v with_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o stranger_n or_o new_a comer_n in_o we_o and_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o whole_o dispossess_v of_o those_o object_n which_o be_v against_o its_o work_n nor_o deliver_v from_o those_o principle_n which_o have_v a_o enmity_n to_o it_o yea_o that_o we_o often_o lose_v some_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o shall_v quick_o lose_v the_o rest_n if_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o engage_v in_o our_o preservation_n and_o that_o faithfulness_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a 1_o cor._n 10.13_o this_o holy_a seed_n will_v soon_o come_v to_o nothing_o in_o so_o unkind_o a_o soil_n as_o our_o heart_n be_v be_v it_o not_o cherish_v and_o water_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o place_v it_o there_o this_o spark_n of_o divine_a light_n will_v quick_o be_v extinguish_v if_o not_o keep_v in_o and_o refresh_v by_o continual_a emanation_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v command_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n or_o above_o all_o keep_n prov._n 4.23_o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a that_o be_v we_o must_v put_v forth_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n for_o god_n work_v by_o mean_n but_o if_o we_o trust_v to_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v fool_n prov._n 28.26_o i_o may_v allude_v to_o that_o psal_n 127.1_o except_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o city_n the_o watchman_n wake_v but_o in_o vain_a well_o then_o we_o must_v do_v our_o utmost_a to_o keep_v that_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o but_o how_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o dwell_v in_o we_o 2_o tim._n 1.14_o so_o judas_n 21._o keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o than_o vers_n 24_o 25._o he_o teach_v they_o to_o look_v high_a than_o their_o own_o endeavour_n in_o this_o matter_n now_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v you_o from_o fall_v to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n our_o saviour_n be_v glory_n and_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o power_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n four_o by_o the_o same_o almighty_a power_n the_o new_a creature_n be_v carry_v on_o gradual_o towards_o its_o design_a perfection_n phil._n 1.6_o be_v confident_a of_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o which_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v or_o finish_v it_n until_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o only_o keep_v whole_a in_o the_o soul_n but_o more_o abundant_a life_n give_v it_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o its_o merciful_a saviour_n joh._n 10.10_o i_o be_o come_v that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o more_o abundant_o that_o heavenly_a light_n which_o have_v shine_v in_o upon_o it_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o a_o perfect_a day_n prov._n 4.18_o the_o principle_n of_o holy_a love_n be_v cherish_v and_o blow_v up_o till_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a flame_n that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o wrought_v be_v good_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v but_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o work_n imperfect_a it_o shall_v be_v all_o very_a good_a before_o he_o have_v do_v with_o it_o as_o at_o the_o first_o creation_n gen._n 1.31_o god_n intend_v for_o his_o child_n not_o only_o a_o perfection_n of_o part_n but_o of_o degree_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o manifest_a tendency_n of_o that_o divine_a nature_n whereof_o he_o have_v make_v they_o partaker_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o agreeable_a than_o for_o those_o who_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a to_o desire_v more_o full_a and_o satisfy_v relish_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o have_v he_o give_v they_o those_o desire_v to_o abuse_v and_o torment_v they_o it_o can_v be_v sure_o those_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5.6_o yea_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a their_o long_n be_v so_o much_o the_o fit_a for_o large_a communication_n psal_n 81.10_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o ask_v great_a thing_n and_o with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a this_o leave_v a_o black_a note_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n make_v no_o progress_n but_o seem_v well_o enough_o content_a with_o the_o measure_n to_o which_o they_o have_v attain_v i_o tell_v you_o such_o person_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o own_o sincerity_n nay_o if_o this_o be_v their_o state_v constant_a habitual_a temper_n they_o may_v just_o be_v pronounce_v hypocrite_n he_o that_o think_v he_o have_v grace_n enough_o have_v certain_o not_o true_a save_a grace_n at_o all_o live_v nature_n as_o plant_n child_n etc._n etc._n thrive_v till_o they_o come_v to_o perfection_n piece_n of_o art_n or_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o image_n of_o a_o child_n a_o wither_a plant_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n or_o grow_v worse_o phil._n 3.14_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark._n sincerae_fw-la sanctitatis_fw-la inse_v parabile_fw-la signum_fw-la est_fw-la desiderium_fw-la sincerum_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la method_n theol._n part_n 3._o pag._n 216._o a_o sincere_a desire_n of_o perfection_n be_v a_o inseparable_a sign_n of_o sincere_a holiness_n be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o that_o man_n have_v any_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o sincere_a hearty_a love_n to_o he_o who_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o know_v he_o better_o and_o to_o love_v he_o more_o you_o that_o have_v experience_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v consider_v of_o it_o take_v advice_n and_o speak_v your_o mind_n but_o as_o for_o empty_a lifeless_a hypocrite_n i_o except_v against_o they_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n because_o they_o savour_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o have_v their_o judgement_n bribe_v and_o over-swayed_n by_o the_o fleshly_a interest_n we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o be_v always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o ill_a signification_n as_o to_o our_o state_n if_o such_o command_n weigh_v nothing_o with_o we_o but_o with_o the_o true_o godly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v incline_v they_o
because_o they_o sure_a not_o with_o your_o own_o carnal_a temper_n or_o will_v you_o try_v to_o put_v asunder_o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o or_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v without_o be_v first_o sanctify_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v prov._n 19.21_o if_o ever_o you_o come_v to_o to_o heaven_n you_o must_v first_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o holy_a image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o sanctify_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v not_o eternal_a life_n the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o have_v he_o not_o tell_v we_o the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o give_v it_o and_o be_v it_o not_o downright_a madness_n to_o expect_v it_o out_o of_o god_n way_n if_o therefore_o you_o be_v solicitous_a concern_v your_o everlasting_a welfare_n do_v not_o take_v the_o preposterous_a course_n of_o those_o person_n who_o beginning_n at_o the_o wrong_a end_n first_o amuse_v themselves_o about_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n remember_v secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o he_o reveal_v to_o you_o therefore_o turn_v your_o thought_n inward_a examine_v whether_o you_o have_v be_v effectual_o call_v so_o as_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o holy_a covenant_n and_o if_o so_o you_o may_v comsortable_o conclude_v concern_v your_o election_n 2_o pet._n 1.10_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o affect_v to_o cavil_v against_o this_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n i_o have_v thought_n meet_v to_o transcribe_v part_n of_o the_o 17_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n valeat_fw-la quantum_fw-la valere_fw-la potest_fw-la predestination_n to_o life_n be_v the_o everlasting_a purpose_n of_o god_n whereby_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v he_o have_v constant_o decree_v by_o his_o counsel_n secret_a to_o we_o to_o deliver_v from_o curse_n and_o damnation_n those_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v in_o christ_n out_o of_o mankind_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o by_o christ_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n as_o vessel_n make_v to_o honour_v wherefore_o they_o which_o be_v endue_v with_o so_o excellent_a a_o benefit_n of_o god_n be_v call_v according_a to_o god_n purpose_n by_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o due_a season_n they_o through_o grace_n obey_v the_o call_v they_o be_v justify_v free_o they_o be_v make_v son_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n they_o be_v make_v like_o the_o image_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n they_o walk_v religious_o in_o good_a work_n and_o at_o length_n by_o god_n mercy_n they_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a felicity_n etc._n etc._n to_o conclude_v you_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v the_o decree_n of_o election_n or_o say_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v 〈◊〉_d that_o none_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o god_n decree_n whatsoever_o he_o effect_n 2._o redeem_v love_n have_v join_v sanctification_n and_o salvation_n together_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n design_n to_o procure_v the_o admission_n of_o unholy_a soul_n while_o such_o to_o heaven_n that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o have_v lay_v heaven_n and_o hell_n common_a but_o he_o have_v make_v way_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o must_v fit_v we_o for_o glory_n and_o then_o for_o our_o entrance_n thereinto_o 1_o john_n 3.8_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v o●_n the_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n sin_v from_o the_o beginning_n fo●_n this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o ●e_n may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n matth._n 1.21_o he_o shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o not_o in_o their_o sin_n ti●●_n 2.14_o who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purity_n unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n ephes_n 5.25_o 26._o christ_n love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o redeemer_n be_v never_o intend_v to_o exempt_v we_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o creator_n but_o to_o bring_v we_o back_o thereto_o the_o promisory_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o innocency_n be_v indeed_o cease_v by_o reason_n of_o our_o incapacity_n a_o guilty_a creature_n can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o require_v perfect_a and_o perpetual_a obedience_n as_o the_o condition_n thereof_o but_o then_o the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o that_o law_n be_v still_o so_o far_o in_o force_n that_o the_o least_o violation_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o least_o sin_n make_v perpetual_a punishment_n our_o due_n except_o pardon_v mercy_n interpose_v for_o our_o deliverance_n and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o redeemer_n take_v place_n though_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v still_o command_v we_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o insist_v upon_o as_o a_o condition_n whereupon_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v suspend_v sincerity_n shall_v be_v accept_v through_o the_o math_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v in_o his_o own_o person_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o withal_o offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o our_o disobedience_n pray_v be_v clear_a in_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o expect_v that_o christ_n will_v save_v you_o unless_o you_o ●ay_v down_o your_o arm_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n so_o long_o as_o you_o resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o your_o rebellion_n be_v christ_n the_o minister_n of_o sin_n or_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v jesus_n christ_n be_v exalt_v by_o the_o father_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v first_o repentance_n and_o then_o forgiuness_n to_o turn_v man_n heart_n from_o sin_n and_o then_o to_o pardon_v it_o if_o you_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v any_o other_o way_n than_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n say_v so_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v infidel_n but_o if_o not_o then_o know_v you_o that_o sanctification_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o christ_n have_v design_v for_o his_o peopel_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a affront_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o imagine_v that_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o be_v wrought_v for_o it_o by_o his_o renew_n grace_n it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o nullify_v or_o deny_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o if_o his_o gracious_a operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v needless_a or_o superfluous_a thing_n or_o at_o least_o that_o man_n may_v attain_v to_o happiness_n without_o they_o be_v this_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o holy-ghost_n or_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o to_o blasphe●●_n he_o do_v you_o not_o tremble_v to_o approach_v so_o near_o to_o the●_n pardonable_a sin_n if_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o be_v sanctify_v 〈◊〉_d what_o purpose_n be_v all_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d god_n upon_o his_o people_n if_o holiness_n be_v so_o needless_a 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o heaven_n well_o enough_o without_o it_o why_o do_v the_o spirit_n strive_v so_o long_a w●●_n poor_a creature_n to_o make_v they_o holy_a why_o do_v 〈◊〉_d still_o follow_v they_o with_o the_o earnest_a solicitation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d grace_n notwithstanding_o their_o unkind_a resistance_n fro●_n one_o ordinance_n and_o providence_n to_o another_o h●●_n great_a a_o work_n be_v it_o to_o quicken_v illuminate_v and_o draw_v 〈◊〉_d god_n a_o dead_a blind_a disaffect_v soul_n and_o to_o upho●●_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n as_o have_v be_v already_o opene●_n what_o mighty_a power_n do_v the_o spirit_n put_v forth_o in●●●_n this_o and_o dare_v you_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o needs_o or_o prom●●●_n to_o yourselves_o salvation_n without_o it_o this_o will_v 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o have_v hear_v under_o the_o former_a head_n but_o to_o do_v desp●●●_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n i_o wonder_v not_o that_o such_o man_n make_v a_o scoff_n at_o the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n convert_v and_o p●●don_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o wh●●_n they_o affirm_v 1_o tim._n 1.7_o but_o measure_v themselves_o by_o themselves_o and_o compare_v themselves_o among_o themselves_o 〈◊〉_d not_o wise_a or_o understand_v it_o not_o 2_o cor._n 10.12_o sure_o in_o god_n account_n none_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o 〈◊〉_d worshipper_n but_o they_o who_o worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o wo●●_n he_o joh._n 4.23_o but_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o 4._o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n and_o
the_o judgement_n their_o practice_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o their_o profession_n they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o or_o they_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o do_v the_o quite_o contrary_a they_o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dire_a isa_n 57.20_o the_o body_n which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n be_v become_v their_o ruler_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o earth_n can_v bear_v prov._n 30.21_o 22._o a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v lament_v lam._n 5.8_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o these_o convulsion_n and_o disorder_n do_v proceed_v profess_v to_o be_v wise_a they_o be_v become_v fool_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o have_v their_o wit_n about_o they_o wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n tit._n 1.16_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v out_o after_o their_o idol_n they_o will_v be_v happy_a but_o can_v endure_v the_o thought_n of_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v they_o so_o they_o inquire_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n but_o set_v their_o face_n quite_o contrary_a they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n but_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v it_o they_o oft_o complain_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n and_o disappointment_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o but_o will_v not_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o a_o better_a yea_o many_o of_o they_o be_v sond_a of_o these_o present_a enjoyment_n when_o they_o grow_v old_a and_o can_v but_o know_v that_o they_o must_v quick_o leave_v they_o yea_o some_o of_o thein_a hate_n and_o revile_v other_o for_o live_v in_o some_o measure_n up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o themselves_o profess_v the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o mention_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o that_o nonsense_n whereof_o they_o be_v continual_o guilty_a so_o besot_v a_o thing_n be_v a_o carnal_a heart_n as_o if_o their_o lust_n have_v not_o only_o bereave_v they_o of_o all_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n but_o of_o their_o wit_n too_o both_o together_o thus_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o unregenerate_a person_n till_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n rectify_v these_o disorder_n and_o bring_v their_o soul_n into_o a_o better_a frame_n and_o o_o how_o great_a a_o work_n be_v this_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o ephes_n 1.19_o and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d transcendent_a hyperbolical_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o we_o ward_v who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n energy_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o may_v of_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o sir_n lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n consider_v thorough_o and_o bewail_v deep_o your_o original_a corruption_n pray_v hard_a for_o renew_v grace_n it_o will_v signify_v little_a for_o you_o to_o empty_v some_o of_o the_o stream_n while_o the_o fountain_n be_v disregard_v which_o will_v fill_v up_o all_o again_o corruption_n lie_v deep_a in_o you_o and_o will_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o master_v it_o and_o root_v it_o out_o nor_o can_v you_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v do_v it_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o your_o own_o endeavour_n with_o and_o under_o his_o grace_n phil._n 2.12_o 13._o infer_v 4._o learn_v also_o from_o hence_o the_o weakness_n wickedness_n or_o both_o of_o those_o person_n who_o go_v about_o to_o deny_v or_o obscure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o special_a grace_n their_o weakness_n i_o say_v in_o disow_v a_o thing_n so_o manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n their_o wickedness_n in_o attempt_v to_o rob_v god_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o on_o this_o account_n they_o cry_v up_o the_o natural_a freedom_n of_o man_n will_n but_o consider_v not_o its_o moral_a impotency_n or_o indisposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v god_n its_o curse_a aversion_n from_o god_n and_o holiness_n which_o will_v never_o be_v overcome_v but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o free_a grace_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o if_o man_n be_v true_o willing_a than_o the_o work_n be_v do_v and_o therefore_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o will_n make_v they_o inexcusable_a john_n 5.40_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n but_o i_o also_o know_v that_o if_o ever_o they_o be_v make_v willing_a it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n psal_n 110.3_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o that_o be_v their_o will_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o renounce_v their_o lust_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o affect_v a_o distance_n from_o god_n care_v not_o for_o come_v near_o he_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n though_o still_o they_o have_v natural_a faculty_n intellective_a and_o elective_a power_n else_o we_o may_v as_o well_o preach_v to_o wall_n as_o man_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o be_v grace_n that_o must_v sanctify_v and_o heal_v these_o faculty_n and_o determine_v they_o god-ward_o or_o else_o they_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o that_o some_o be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o be_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n you_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o text_n for_o proof_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o other_o be_v leave_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o wilful_a enmity_n and_o alienation_n from_o god_n in_o short_a that_o any_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o special_a grace_n that_o the_o rest_n perish_v be_v their_o own_o do_v not_o strict_o and_o proper_o because_o they_o can_v not_o but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o do_v otherwise_o the_o destruction_n which_o fall_v upon_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o choose_n in_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o forsake_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o prov._n 8.36_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o i_o wrong_v his_o own_o soul_n all_o they_o that_o hate_v i_o love_v death_n the_o law_n of_o grace_n be_v establish_v order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v unalterable_o settle_v and_o god_n will_v judge_v man_n according_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o so_o shall_v the_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n be_v execute_v too_o moreover_o god_n give_v unto_o all_o man_n such_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o help_v as_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o give_v and_o more_o by_o far_o than_o they_o due_o improve_v and_o if_o they_o will_v right_o use_v what_o they_o have_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a they_o have_v great_a encouragement_n to_o expect_v more_o therefore_o his_o proceed_n with_o they_o for_o their_o wilful_a neglect_v be_v beyond_o all_o just_a exception_n again_o if_o over_o and_o above_o all_o this_o he_o give_v to_o some_o person_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v yet_o great_a proportion_n of_o grace_n even_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v effectual_o work_v upon_o they_o and_o fit_v they_o for_o heaven_n who_o can_v say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o may_v he_o not_o do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o be_v there_o any_o injustice_n in_o all_o this_o what_o say_v you_o be_v not_o some_o person_n save_v be_v they_o not_o save_v by_o grace_n be_v not_o this_o grace_n the_o gift_n of_o god_n do_v god_n give_v it_o in_o time_n and_o do_v he_o not_o decree_v to_o give_v it_o from_o eternity_n where_o then_o be_v your_o cavil_n against_o election_n and_o special_a grace_n sure_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o multitude_n perish_v by_o their_o own_o wilful_a final_a impenitency_n through_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n because_o they_o hate_v he_o and_o will_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o infer_v 5._o last_o you_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o how_o exceed_v dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o resist_v and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n you_o have_v hear_v it_o full_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a work_n which_o must_v be_v do_v upon_o your_o soul_n or_o you_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o and_o dare_v you_o neglect_v the_o offer_a help_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v you_o not_o yet_o know_v that_o by_o a_o commoner_n sort_n of_o grace_n he_o usual_o prepare_v man_n for_o special_a grace_n and_o can_v you_o expect_v the_o latter_a while_o you_o despise_v or_o
improve_v not_o the_o former_a do_v you_o not_o consider_v that_o such_o neglect_n be_v like_a to_o leave_v you_o under_o great_a gild_n and_o hardness_n than_o you_o be_v before_o why_o then_o do_v you_o delay_v to_o strike_v in_o and_o comply_v with_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n why_o do_v you_o not_o pray_v earnest_o for_o more_o of_o his_o help_n do_v you_o not_o sometime_o feel_v some_o awaken_n conviction_n some_o desire_n some_o purpose_n which_o have_v atendency_n towards_o your_o conversion_n whence_o be_v these_o but_o from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o call_v will_v you_o behave_v yourselves_o as_o if_o you_o hear_v nor_o or_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o regard_v he_o how_o will_v you_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v this_o at_o last_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o you_o put_v off_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n with_o some_o slight_a and_o short_a endeavour_n and_o then_o return_v to_o your_o wont_a coldness_n and_o formality_n or_o indifferency_n again_o have_v you_o not_o where_o thus_o to_o trifle_v but_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o everlasting_a ruin_n know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n be_v every_o moment_n ready_a to_o catch_v hold_n upon_o you_o sure_o it_o become_v you_o to_o stir_v as_o for_o your_o life_n do_v you_o not_o tremble_v to_o think_v how_o dreadful_a your_o case_n will_v be_v if_o the_o bless_a god_n shall_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o you_o have_v so_o often_o affront_v and_o grieve_v shall_v strive_v no_o more_o with_o you_o how_o can_v you_o read_v without_o terror_n such_o passage_n as_o these_o in_o scripture_n prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v etc._n etc._n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v they_o shall_v call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v ezek._n 24.13_o because_o i_o have_v purge_v thou_o that_o be_v use_v mean_n in_o order_n to_o thy_o reformation_n and_o thou_o be_v not_o purge_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v purge_v from_o thy_o filthiness_n any_o more_o till_o i_o have_v cause_v my_o fury_n to_o rest_v upon_o thou_o rev._n 22.11_o he_o that_o be_v unjust_a let_v he_o be_v unjust_a still_o and_o he_o which_o be_v filthy_a let_v he_o be_v filthy_a still_o etc._n etc._n see_v also_o heb._n 10.26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o etc._n etc._n therefore_o i_o say_v again_o it_o be_v no_o time_n to_o trifle_n unless_o you_o be_v prepare_v to_o undergo_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o will_v certain_o revenge_v the_o injury_n which_o have_v be_v do_v to_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a chap._n vii_o reproof_n to_o those_o person_n who_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o presumptuous_a hope_n of_o heaven_n while_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o this_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o show_v how_o vain_a sinful_a dangerous_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v for_o they_o thus_o to_o deceive_v themselves_o thus_o we_o have_v consider_v several_a inference_n of_o truth_n arise_v from_o the_o doctrine_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o observe_v what_o further_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o here_o it_o be_v obvious_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v also_o profitable_a for_o reproof_n and_o correction_n 〈◊〉_d you_o have_v already_o see_v it_o be_v for_o instruction_n or_o the_o information_n of_o your_o judgement_n well_o then_o be_v it_o so_o that_o none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o wrought_v for_o it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n certain_o those_o person_n be_v great_o to_o be_v reprove_v who_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n though_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n 〈◊〉_d this_o renew_v change_n this_o great_a prepare_v work_n and_o o_o how_o great_a be_v the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n shou●●_n you_o converse_v with_o all_o you_o meet_v in_o the_o street_n marke●_n place_n or_o in_o more_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o inquire_v 〈◊〉_d they_o concern_v this_o matter_n will_v they_o not_o all_o 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n tell_v you_o that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v except_o perhaps_o some_o few_o poor_a tremble_a christian_n who_o scar●_n know_v how_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n well_o and_o comfortable_o concern_v themselves_o but_o as_o for_o the_o loose_a generality_n and_o formal_a empty_a professor_n which_o make_v up_o far_o the_o great_a number_n it_o be_v likely_a some_o of_o they_o may_v take_v it_o as_o a_o affront_n to_o have_v their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n call_v in_o question_n how_o common_a a_o asseveration_n be_v it_o as_o i_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v o_o sir_n if_o salvation_n be_v as_o common_a as_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o be_v we_o will_v no_o more_o say_v that_o the_o gate_n be_v straight_o or_o the_o way_n narrow_a but_o rather_o that_o they_o be_v wide_o indeed_o nor_o will_v we_o say_v few_o find_v it_o but_o few_o miss_v it_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o great_a divine_a for_o my_o own_o part_n if_o i_o have_v but_o one_o sermon_n to_o preach_v while_o i_o live_v i_o think_v this_o shall_v be_v it_o to_o persuade_v down_o all_o your_o ungrounded_a hope_n of_o heaven_n not_o to_o leave_v you_o there_o in_o despair_n but_o that_o you_o may_v hope_v upon_o better_a ground_n which_o will_v never_o deceive_v you_o mr._n baxt._n saint_n rest_v i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o how_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n thus_o to_o abuse_v themselves_o with_o presumptuous_a hope_n of_o heaven_n give_v i_o leave_v also_o to_o tell_v you_o how_o vain_a sinful_a dangerous_a and_o how_o unnatural_a it_o be_v so_o to_o do_v and_o by_o consequence_n how_o just_o such_o person_n deserve_v to_o be_v reprove_v first_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o man_n thus_o to_o deceive_v and_o befool_v themselves_o their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n be_v lie_v vanity_n if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o nature_n or_o duration_n of_o they_o 1._o as_o to_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v mere_a creature_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o yet_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v call_v entia_fw-la rationis_fw-la neither_o for_o they_o be_v most_o high_o irrational_a empty_a appearance_n have_v no_o solid_a consistency_n in_o they_o no_o firm_a foundation_n to_o stand_v upon_o spark_n of_o their_o own_o kindle_v how_o fit_o be_v such_o hope_n compare_v to_o a_o spider_n web_n job_n 8.13_o 14._o the_o man_n be_v asleep_a in_o sin_n and_o lo_o these_o be_v their_o dream_n or_o if_o you_o will_v they_o be_v distract_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o themselves_o luke_n 15.17_o and_o these_o be_v the_o rave_n of_o their_o distemper_a imagination_n and_o all_o that_o comfort_n which_o they_o get_v by_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o delusion_n and_o imposture_n they_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o themselves_o and_o hate_v to_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o 2._o these_o hope_n be_v vain_a as_o to_o their_o duration_n job_n 20.5_o the_o triumph_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v short_a and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n but_o for_o a_o moment_n his_o hope_n shall_v perish_v and_o as_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o spider_n house_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o shall_v lean_v upon_o his_o house_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o stand_v he_o shall_v hold_v it_o fast_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o endure_v job_n 8.14_o 15._o the_o hope_n of_o the_o ungodly_a meet_v with_o frequent_a interruption_n in_o this_o life_n fear_n doubt_n and_o misgive_a thought_n do_v often_o disturb_v they_o in_o despite_n of_o their_o carnal_a security_n the_o approach_n of_o death_n shake_v they_o yet_o more_o but_o however_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o entrance_n into_o eternity_n put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o foolish_a presumption_n for_o ever_o job_n 27.8_o what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n when_o god_n take_v away_o his_o soul_n chap._n 11.20_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v fail_v and_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v and_o their_o hope_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o give_v up_o of_o the_o ghost_n chap._n 18.5_o the_o light_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v ●e_v put_v out_o and_o the_o spark_n of_o his_o fire_n shall_v not_o shine_v thus_o you_o see_v they_o trust_v in_o vanity_n feed_v upon_o wind_n and_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n at_o last_o second_o their_o hope_n be_v sinful_a there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n in_o they_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v affront_v and_o in_o some_o sort_n deny_v by_o such_o groundless_a presumption_n 1._o these_o impious_a hope_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o apprehension_n which_o we_o ought_v
to_o have_v concern_v the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n he_o hate_v the_o worker_n thereof_o to_o imagine_v therefore_o that_o impure_a unrenewed_a soul_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o heavenly_a joy_n without_o be_v first_o wrought_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o sanctify_a grace_n to_o suppose_v this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v to_o deny_v the_o divine_a holiness_n or_o to_o obscure_v the_o lustre_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o yea_o and_o to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o psal_n 50.21_o o_o sir_n be_v you_o but_o due_o sensible_a of_o his_o infinite_a purity_n in_o who_o sight_n the_o heaven_n be_v not_o clean_o job_n 15.15_o it_o will_v make_v you_o cry_v out_o who_o can_v stand_v before_o this_o holy_a lord_n god_n or_o to_o abhor_v yourselves_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n as_o a_o far_o better_a man_n do_v job_n 42.6_o or_o with_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n to_o cry_v our_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v because_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.5_o this_o will_v quick_o drive_v you_o unto_o christ_n that_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n you_o may_v be_v safe_a 2._o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v disow_v and_o contradict_v by_o these_o dare_a presumption_n how_o great_a a_o matter_n do_v god_n make_v of_o his_o veracity_n psal_n 138.2_o i_o will_v praise_v thy_o name_n for_o thy_o truth_n for_o thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o word_n above_o all_o thy_o name_n but_o o_o what_o light_a account_n do_v these_o self-deceiver_n make_v thereof_o though_o nothing_o be_v more_o earnest_o frequent_o and_o plain_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n to_o fit_a man_n for_o heaven_n though_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o that_o few_o find_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o that_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v doom_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o yet_o they_o go_v on_o in_o carnal_a security_n and_o hope_v still_o as_o if_o all_o these_o warning_n be_v but_o idle_a tale_n thus_o they_o impute_v falsehood_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o can_v there_o be_v more_o horrid_a blasphemy_n than_o this_o 3._o the_o inflexible_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v contemn_v and_o slight_v by_o such_o person_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a will_v he_o justify_v the_o wicked_a no_o no_o they_o that_o do_v so_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o prov._n 17.15_o though_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clean_o the_o guilty_a exod._n 34.6_o 7._o it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o he_o to_o recompense_v vengeance_n to_o the_o ungodly_a and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o vindicate_v his_o own_o holiness_n truth_n and_o government_n god_n that_o be_v holy_a shall_v be_v sanctify_v in_o righteousness_n isa_n 5.16_o have_v he_o make_v law_n so_o just_a and_o good_a and_o will_v he_o not_o keep_v up_o the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v due_o execute_v he_o need_v not_o rule_v the_o world_n by_o deceit_n his_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o his_o promise_n be_v true_a and_o the_o final_a judgement_n will_v quick_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o so_o it_o be_v the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v just_a so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o impious_a hope_n of_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v baffle_v and_o disappoint_v at_o last_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o patience_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v despise_v by_o such_o person_n who_o wilful_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o yet_o think_v to_o escape_v his_o righteous_a judgement_n rom._n 2.3_o 4._o three_o such_o groundless_a hope_n be_v exceed_o dangerous_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o 1._o to_o themselves_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o particular_n i_o will_v mention_v only_o two_o 1._o hereby_o they_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o impenitent_a unregenerate_a state_n these_o blind_a presumption_n be_v so_o many_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n in_o their_o soul_n whereby_o he_o keep_v possession_n of_o they_o as_o i_o may_v at_o least_o allude_v to_o that_o luke_n 11.21_o when_o a_o strong_a man_n arm_v keep_v his_o palace_n his_o good_n be_v in_o peace_n a_o false_a peace_n indeed_o maintain_v and_o cherish_v by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n who_o be_v all_o the_o while_n carry_v on_o his_o design_n against_o they_o be_v the_o dark_a and_o when_o the_o veil_n be_v draw_v aside_o will_v ready_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o he_o have_v get_v the_o game_n thus_o he_o blind_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v sport_n with_o they_o as_o the_o philistine_n do_v with_o samso●_n when_o they_o have_v put_v out_o his_o eye_n lead_v they_o captive_a at_o his_o will_n these_o vain_a hope_n hinder_v the_o due_a efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n upon_o they_o though_o we_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o danger_n over_o and_o over_o with_o never_o so_o much_o plainness_n yet_o they_o foolish_o conceit_n that_o their_o case_n be_v safe_a enough_o and_o this_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o further_a endeavour_n and_o so_o we_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v they_o where_o we_o find_v they_o or_o worse_a flatter_v themselves_o either_o that_o they_o be_v regenerate_v already_o or_o else_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v without_o so_o much_o ado_n those_o conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o their_o present_a state_n which_o shall_v help_v to_o prepare_v they_o for_o christ_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v prevent_v mat._n 9.12_o they_o that_o be_v whole_a need_v not_o a_o physician_n etc._n etc._n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v we_o blind_a also_o hence_o our_o lord_n assure_v we_o that_o publican_n and_o harlot_n go_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n before_o such_o mat._n 21.31_o 32._o viz._n as_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o conviction_n and_o humiliation_n than_o those_o self-conceited_a pretender_n be_v isa_n 44.20_o hefee_v on_o ash_n a_o deceive_a heart_n have_v turn_v he_o aside_o that_o he_o can_v deliver_v his_o soul_n nor_o say_v be_v there_o not_o a_o lie_n in_o my_o right_a hand_n 2._o this_o unhappy_a presumption_n make_v their_o final_a ruin_n more_o dreadful_a and_o amaze_a when_v it_o come_v mat._n 7.26_o 27._o he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_v descend_v etc._n etc._n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o a_o great_a fall_n indeed_o when_o a_o man_n who_o in_o his_o expectation_n be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n shall_v in_o reality_n find_v himself_o as_o low_a as_o hell_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o astonish_a disappointment_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o matter_n will_v then_o be_v past_a redress_n o_o with_o what_o anguish_n and_o bitterness_n will_v they_o then_o cry_v out_o alas_o be_v all_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n come_v to_o this_o how_o will_v conscience_n wrack_v and_o torment_v they_o for_o have_v slight_v all_o the_o warning_n which_o be_v give_v they_o how_o will_v the_o great_a deceiver_n triumph_n and_o insult_v over_o they_o when_o they_o be_v past_a hope_n and_o help_v for_o ever_o though_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v terrible_a yet_o that_o of_o self-deceiving_a hypocrite_n will_v be_v most_o surprise_v because_o least_o expect_v isa_n 33.14_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fearfulness_n have_v surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o devour_a fire_n who_o a●onest_a we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n or_o with_o the_o burn_n of_o eternity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_n thess_n 5.3_o for_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v peace_n and_o safety_n then_o sudden_a destruction_n come_v upon_o they_o then_o will_v they_o find_v to_o their_o endless_a confusion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a though_o before_o they_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v it_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n it_o be_v
too_o strict_a for_o they_o they_o have_v itch_a ear_n isa_n 30.10_o speak_v unto_o we_o smooth_a thing_n but_o their_o righteous_a judge_n will_v not_o flatter_v they_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n will_v confute_v their_o folly_n lo_o this_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o they_o who_o forget_v god_n thus_o shall_v their_o hope_n fall_v and_o rise_v no_o more_o so_o dangerous_a be_v their_o presumption_n to_o themselves_o 2._o they_o be_v also_o dangerous_a to_o other_o who_o fro●_n hence_o take_v encouragement_n to_o cherish_v the_o like_a groundless_a hope_n thus_o they_o mutual_o harden_v one_o another_o against_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o a_o agreement_n with_o hell_n for_o they_o have_v make_v lie_v their_o refuge_n and_o under_o falshood_n have_v they_o hide_v themselves_o isa_n 28.15_o as_o noise_n and_o company_n put_v great_a boldness_n into_o army_n than_o there_o be_v in_o single_a person_n alone_o so_o be_v it_o here_o as_o if_o god_n will_v spare_v they_o because_o of_o their_o multitude_n though_o his_o holiness_n truth_n and_o justice_n be_v engage_v to_o the_o contrary_n how_o shall_v such_o man_n prosper_v job_n 9.4_o why_o say_v they_o we_o take_v no_o great_a liberty_n nor_o hope_v better_o for_o ourselves_o that_o our_o neighbour_n do_v what_o shall_v none_o be_v save_v but_o a_o few_o strict_a precise_a person_n who_o pretend_v to_o great_a holiness_n and_o diligence_n than_o all_o about_o they_o god_n forbid_v thus_o they_o go_v on_o but_o stay_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v the_o matter_n as_o you_o go_v if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n it_o be_v not_o your_o follow_v a_o multitude_n therein_o that_o will_v serve_v to_o excuse_v you_o have_v you_o never_o read_v that_o christ_n expect_v his_o disciple_n shall_v do_v more_o than_o other_o mat._n 5.47_o and_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o of_o it_o nor_o must_v be_v conform_v to_o it_o know_v therefore_o that_o those_o very_a person_n who_o be_v most_o earnest_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v withal_o most_o sensible_a in_o how_o many_o thing_n they_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o lest_o prone_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o presumptuous_a hope_n and_o be_v you_o they_o that_o shall_v escape_v in_o your_o ●gross_a negligence_n and_o vain_a confidence_n no_o such_o matter_n 〈◊〉_d four_o and_o last_o it_o be_v very_o unnatural_a thus_o to_o soothe_v up_o yourselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n the_o principle_n of_o self_n preservation_n be_v most_o deep_o implant_v in_o human_a nature_n and_o according_o be_v wont_v to_o take_v place_n in_o all_o other_o case_n but_o this_o where_o yet_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o it_o if_o your_o life_n liberty_n estate_n reputation_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o danger_n how_o thankful_a will_v you_o be_v to_o any_o that_o will_v warn_v you_o of_o that_o danger_n and_o help_v you_o to_o avoid_v it_o but_o while_o your_o soul_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n you_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v tell_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n they_o hate_v he_o that_o reprove_v in_o the_o gate_n and_o thus_o they_o play_v about_o the_o side_n of_o the_o pit_n and_o so_o drop_v in_o one_o after_o another_o without_o so_o much_o as_o think_v serious_o whither_o they_o be_v go_v as_o fly_n about_o the_o flame_n of_o a_o candle_n till_o it_o catch_v hold_v upon_o they_o o_o more_o than_o brutish_a stupidity_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o satan_n will_v do_v his_o worst_a to_o deceive_v you_o but_o must_v you_o also_o favour_v the_o deceit_n and_o take_v part_n with_o your_o enemy_n against_o yourselves_o while_o your_o friend_n stand_v by_o and_o pity_v you_o but_o can_v help_v you_o because_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o have_v your_o own_o way_n be_v not_o your_o understanding_n make_v to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n be_v it_o not_o natural_a to_o they_o so_o to_o do_v why_o then_o do_v you_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o affect_a ignorance_n of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v principal_o give_v you_o and_o all_o this_o while_o the_o light_n shine_v round_o about_o you_o though_o you_o close_v your_o eye_n against_o it_o and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o everlasting_a consequence_n even_o the_o one_o thing_n needful_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o you_o be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o the_o world_n more_o honour_v or_o respect_v by_o other_o or_o that_o you_o fare_v more_o delicious_o than_o your_o neighbour_n but_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o your_o peace_n be_v make_v with_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o the_o disease_n of_o your_o soul_n heal_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o else_o you_o be_v ruin_v for_o ever_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n how_o unnatural_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o so_o earnest_o in_o provide_v for_o the_o flesh_n while_o the_o better_a part_n even_o the_o immortal_a soul_n be_v betray_v starve_v and_o undo_v have_v you_o not_o be_v tell_v already_o that_o your_o foolish_a presumption_n can_v be_v support_v except_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n be_v overturn_v because_o holiness_n be_v essential_o include_v in_o the_o true_a happiness_n of_o the_o rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o to_o expect_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o be_v to_o separate_v a_o thing_n from_o itself_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v put_v out_o his_o own_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v see_v more_o clear_o will_v not_o this_o be_v very_o natural_a think_v you_o you_o see_v then_o how_o vain_a sinful_a dangerous_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v thus_o to_o abuse_v yourselves_o i_o have_v consider_v these_o particular_n distinct_o though_o indeed_o they_o can_v real_o be_v divide_v be_v most_o intimate_o connect_v together_o and_o involve_a one_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o another_o for_o vanity_n in_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v sinful_a if_o idle_a word_n must_v be_v account_v for_o to_o be_v sure_o idle_a hope_n will_v not_o pass_v free_a again_o that_o which_o be_v sinful_a must_v needs_o be_v dangerous_a nor_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v dangerous_a but_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o put_v a_o sting_n into_o all_o danger_n whatsoever_o but_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o and_o then_o again_o to_o run_v wilful_o upon_o so_o much_o vanity_n sin_n and_o danger_n be_v certain_o unnatural_a if_o self-destruction_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o call_v and_o so_o it_o appear_v how_o great_o those_o person_n be_v to_o be_v reprove_v who_o thus_o cheat_n and_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o object_n but_o some_o will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v strange_a kind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o that_o it_o be_v like_a 1._o to_o drive_v man_n to_o despair_n and_o so_o 2._o to_o distract_v they_o and_o then_o at_o last_o 3._o to_o break_v their_o heart_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v answ_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v strange_a to_o you_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v no_o better_o acquaint_v with_o your_o bibles_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o true_a for_o all_o that_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o objection_n 1._o you_o ought_v not_o to_o despair_v of_o find_v mercy_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n upon_o gospel-term_n the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o as_o great_a sinner_n as_o you_o have_v be_v pardon_v and_o many_o also_o have_v perish_v who_o never_o sin_v at_o the_o rate_n that_o you_o have_v do_v take_v that_o along_o with_o you_o as_o the_o former_a consideration_n may_v keep_v you_o from_o sinful_a despair_n let_v the_o latter_a keep_v you_o from_o presumption_n let_v i_o therefore_o tell_v you_o withal_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o despair_v of_o be_v save_v in_o any_o other_o way_n but_o what_o god_n have_v appoint_v he_o be_v merciful_a indeed_o but_o he_o be_v also_o just_a and_o true_a except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v perish_v the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v etc._n etc._n do_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v falsify_v his_o word_n to_o justify_v your_o presumption_n will_v you_o slight_v his_o mercy_n and_o then_o complain_v of_o he_o as_o unmerciful_a as_o to_o the_o 2d_o have_v not_o such_o person_n the_o plain_a symptom_n of_o distraction_n upon_o they_o already_o be_v they_o not_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o themselves_o how_o can_v they_o be_v mad_a than_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o they_o must_v not_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o for_o fear_n of_o distract_n or_o disturb_v they_o that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o use_v our_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v they_o
to_o their_o wit_n again_o as_o for_o the_o three_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n psal_n 51._o your_o heart_n must_v be_v break_v that_o be_v thorough_o humble_v for_o your_o past_a folly_n in_o order_n to_o your_o future_a reformation_n you_o must_v be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o sin_n that_o christ_n may_v give_v you_o rest_n break_v that_o he_o may_v heal_v you_o the_o whole_a need_v not_o a_o physician_n chap._n viii_o how_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no._n sundry_a motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o a_o use_n of_o examination_n be_v it_o so_o that_o none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o special_a grace_n sure_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o turn_v your_o thought_n inward_a and_o to_o stir_v up_o conscience_n to_o do_v its_o office_n methinks_v you_o shall_v in_o this_o have_v be_v beforehand_o with_o i_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o suppose_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v hear_v all_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v under_o the_o forego_n head_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o great_a work_n with_o so_o little_a self-application_n as_o not_o to_o have_v put_v the_o question_n to_o your_o own_o heart_n before_o now_o be_o i_o thus_o wrought_v upon_o have_v i_o experience_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o my_o spirit_n godward_o as_o may_v encourage_v i_o to_o hope_v that_o i_o be_o past_a from_o death_n to_o life_n dispose_v and_o incline_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n a_o weighty_a question_n indeed_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o you_o enquit_v whether_o you_o be_v heir_n of_o heaven_n or_o within_o a_o step_n of_o hell_n child_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n or_o as_o if_o a_o line_n shall_v be_v draw_v to_o separate_v between_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a in_o this_o congregation_n on_o the_o one_o side_n lo_o here_o be_v so_o many_o person_n wrought_v upon_o and_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o principle_n and_o seed_n of_o eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o they_o on_o the_o other_o lo_o here_o be_v so_o many_o stupid_a carnal_a wretched_a soul_n under_o the_o just_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o the_o almighty_a dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o si●s_n liable_a every_o moment_n to_o the_o severe_a stroke_n of_o avenge_a justice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o secret_a misgiving_n of_o heart_n and_o consciousness_n of_o gild_n cause_n a_o exceed_a averseness_n in_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o make_v they_o even_o afraid_a of_o converse_v with_o themselves_o as_o desperate_a bankrupt_n who_o dread_v to_o look_v into_o their_o book_n of_o account_n be_v sensible_a that_o matter_n be_v ill_a with_o they_o and_o it_o be_v also_o sad_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v room_n for_o such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o or_o at_o least_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o resolve_v it_o what!_o you_o that_o have_v so_o long_o sit_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v these_o thing_n so_o often_o and_o so_o earnest_o press_v upon_o you_o and_o not_o yet_o wrought_v upon_o not_o yet_o turn_v to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a case_n yet_o i_o fear_v no_o sad_a than_o true_a o_o happy_a congregation_n if_o all_o yea_o or_o most_o in_o it_o be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o heaven_n however_o be_v your_o case_n what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v necessary_a you_o know_v it_o therefore_o in_o handle_v this_o use_n i_o shall_v i._o lay_v down_o some_o motive_n brief_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n ii_o give_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n thereof_o iii_o offer_v some_o question_n which_o you_o may_v propose_v to_o yourselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o state_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o motive_n 1._o some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o condition_n be_v attainable_a i_o may_v have_v speak_v high_a but_o choose_v to_o proceed_v by_o step_n you_o may_v indeed_o meet_v with_o some_o who_o to_o excuse_v their_o ●●n_fw-la ignorance_n or_o sloth_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v tell_v you_o ●●at_v ●o_o man_n can_v know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o but_o that_o we_o must_v trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n and_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v also_o as_o true_a that_o he_o have_v so_o far_o entrust_v we_o with_o they_o as_o to_o command_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n about_o they_o and_o he_o will_v quick_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n how_o we_o have_v discharge_v our_o trust_n what_o we_o have_v do_v with_o his_o creature_n and_o if_o we_o be_v find_v to_o have_v betray_v our_o soul_n by_o negligence_n and_o carnal_a security_n it_o will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n to_o say_v that_o we_o trust_v he_o with_o they_o unless_o you_o can_v suppose_v that_o our_o presumption_n shall_v justify_v our_o carelessness_n that_o be_v one_o sin_n excuse_v another_o i_o tell_v you_o therefore_o you_o be_v not_o leave_v under_o a_o necessitate_a unavoidable_a ignorance_n in_o this_o point_n your_o unacquaintance_n with_o your_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o their_o state_n godward_o be_v wilful_a and_o affect_a i_o be_o not_o put_v you_o upon_o impossibility_n other_o have_v attain_v not_o 〈◊〉_d to_o some_o competent_a knowledge_n but_o even_o to_o a_o certainty_n 〈◊〉_d the_o case_n and_o that_o both_o way_n thus_o sinner_n be_v usual_o prepare_v for_o convert_v grace_n viz._n by_o a_o tho●o●_n conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o their_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o good_a christian_n have_v arrive_v to_o a_o comfortable_a quie●●●●_n and_o some_o even_o to_o a_o transport_v assurance_n of_o the●_n save_v special_a interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o right_n to_o heau●●_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o be_v vouchsafe_v or_o offer_v to_o you_o motive_n 2._o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o fac●ty_n or_o power_n of_o self-reflexion_n that_o we_o may_v examine_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n prov._n 20.27_o t●e_v spirit_n of_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o 〈◊〉_d inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n conscience_n be_v set_v up_o as_o light_v in_o the_o soul_n not_o to_o be_v extinguish_v or_o put_v under_o 〈◊〉_d bushel_n but_o to_o observe_v and_o try_v ourselves_o by_o 〈…〉_o what_o man_n ●●●weth_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v ●n_v he_o be_v it_o not_o for●●_n self_n reflective_a power_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o moral_a government_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n how_o shall_v we_o rectify_v what_o be_v amiss_o or_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o by_o examine_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n therefore_o i_o say_v conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n a_o judge_n ye●_n and_o a_o executioner_n too_o it_o not_o only_o bear_v testimony_n but_o pass_v sentence_n and_o inflict_v punishment_n or_o y●e●●●●_n refreshment_n and_o peace_n and_o so_o give_v man_n the_o fore_n last_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n while_o they_o be_v on_o en●th_n praemium_fw-la ante_fw-la praemium_fw-la be_v or_o praejudic●●m_fw-la s●t●ri_fw-la judicii_fw-la 1_o joh._n 3.20_o 21._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n must_v you_o not_o own_o such_o a_o faculty_n very_o conscience_n will_v fly_v in_o your_o face_n if_o you_o shall_v deny_v its_o power_n motive_n 3._o consider_v that_o god_n have_v give_v you_o a_o sure_a rule_n to_o try_v yourselves_o by_o even_o his_o holy_a word_n by_o which_o he_o himself_o will_v try_v you_o at_o last_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n to_o constitute_v what_o shall_v be_v due_a from_o we_o and_o what_o to_o we_o a_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v heb._n 4.12_o t●e_v word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharper●_n than_o any_o two_o edge_v sword_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n here_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o comeliness_n or_o deformiry_n of_o 〈◊〉_d own_o soul_n as_o a_o man_n do_v his_o natural_a
face_n in_o a_o glass_n we_o need_v not_o say_v who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v high_a u●_n whereby_o we_o must_v search_v ourselves_o and_o whether_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o or_o no_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o at_o last_o joh._n 12.48_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n '_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o small_a sentence_n will_v pass_v according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v therein_o rev._n 20_o 12._o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v record_v in_o their_o book_n conscience_n the_o matter_n of_o right_n in_o god_n law_n and_o the_o conclusion_n in_o his_o decree_n as_o mr._n baxter_n upon_o the_o place_n motive_n 4._o we_o be_v express_o command_v thus_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o yea_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n near_o to_o you_o than_o yourselves_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v than_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n that_o be_v whether_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o or_o no._n be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o much_o alike_o that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v if_o he_o will_v if_o the_o end_n be_v so_o vast_o different_a sure_o there_o must_v be_v a_o proportionable_a difference_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o they_o motive_n 5._o you_o have_v comfortable_a encouragement_n to_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n suppose_v you_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n it_o be_v true_a you_o have_v then_o no_o full_a proper_a covenant-right_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o you_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o since_o he_o have_v be_v often_o strive_v with_o you_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o set_v yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o work_n by_o the_o assistance_n already_o receive_v prov._n 1.23_o t●ru_n you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o to_o quicken_v illuminate_v and_o draw_v dead_a dark_a disaffect_v soul_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n but_o if_o you_o be_v already_o convert_v you_o have_v then_o a_o covenant-right_a to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o have_v f●ll_a and_o prop●●_n promise_v to_o plead_v in_o this_o matter_n he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n your_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o live_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n be_v also_o near_o relate_v to_o and_o interest_v in_o that_o holy_a spirit_n whole_a office_n it_o be_v to_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v those_o soul_n who_o he_o have_v first_o renew_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o motive_n 6._o think_v well_o how_o sad_a and_o wretched_a a_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o your_o spiritual_a state_n you_o can_v tell_v what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o prov._n 27.1_o for_o aught_o you_o know_v you_o may_v be_v in_o hell_n the_o next_o hour_n because_o you_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o god_n be_v your_o friend_n or_o your_o enemy_n whether_o you_o have_v any_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n whether_o you_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o be_v not_o this_o a_o woeful_a case_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o when_o thou_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o thou_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o very_o next_o moment_n the_o divine_a fury_n may_v rest_v upon_o thou_o can_v thou_o think_v of_o death_n and_o not_o tremble_v and_o of_o judgement_n and_o not_o be_v astonish_v when_o thou_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o funeral_n how_o can_v thou_o forbear_v think_v that_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v thy_o ●wn_a case_n and_o yet_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a what_o will_v become_v of_o thy_o immortal_a soul_n at_o that_o day_n methinks_v this_o shall_v make_v thou_o a_o terror_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v about_o thou_o motive_n 7._o consider_v how_o impatient_a thou_o be_v of_o be_v in_o suspense_n or_o at_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o far_o less_o consequence_n if_o thou_o have_v but_o a_o lawsuit_n in_o hand_n how_o uneasy_a till_o thou_o know_v the_o issue_n if_o a_o purchase_n to_o make_v how_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o the_o title_n be_v good_a and_o the_o conveyance_n firm_a and_o sure_a if_o thou_o be_v take_v with_o any_o threaten_a distemper_n how_o earnest_a and_o solicitous_a be_v thou_o to_o know_v what_o the_o physician_n think_v of_o thy_o distemper_n pray_v sir_n what_o think_v you_o do_v you_o ever_o see_v any_o in_o such_o a_o case_n before_o do_v they_o recover_v do_v you_o hope_v the_o distemper_n may_v go_v off_o but_o o_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o express_v any_o such_o care_n about_o their_o soul_n how_o few_o that_o will_v come_v to_o a_o minister_n and_o inquire_v of_o he_o o_o sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v i_o fear_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n i_o find_v my_o heart_n dead_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o vigorous_a and_o sprightly_a in_o its_o pursuit_n after_o worldly_a vanity_n i_o find_v i_o be_o out_o of_o my_o element_n when_o engage_v in_o religious_a duty_n what_o think_v you_o be_v there_o any_o hope_n o_o help_v i_o speedy_o lest_o death_n overtake_v i_o unprepared_a for_o it_o o_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o show_v such_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o soul_n as_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o more_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a work_n of_o selfreflection_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v as_o follow_v without_o the_o formality_n of_o make_v distinct_a head_n think_v with_o yourselves_o how_o common_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v mistake_v about_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o withal_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v remember_v god_n himself_o will_v quick_o judge_v you_o and_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o yourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o if_o we_o will_v judge_n ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v moreover_o either_o you_o be_v thus_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n by_o renew_v grace_n or_o not_o if_o you_o be_v the_o close_a t●●al_n will_v great_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v you_o by_o discover_v that_o the_o work_n be_v already_o do_v then_o may_v you_o comfortable_o go_v on_o with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v yet_o before_o you_o you_o may_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n as_o child_n to_o a_o father_n you_o may_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o joy_n when_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o your_o own_o you_o may_v come_v with_o confidence_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n when_o you_o know_v that_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v you_o you_o may_v meditate_v delightful_o upon_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n when_o you_o know_v that_o you_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o this_o will_v support_v you_o under_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o will_v make_v they_o appear_v light_a affliction_n indeed_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o credit_n of_o your_o profession_n by_o enable_v you_o to_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o man_n that_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o choice_n not_o despair_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o of_o their_o god_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o you_o be_v unregenerate_a selfreflection_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_v in_o order_n to_o your_o recovery_n psal_n 119.59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n so_o do_v the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o luk._n 15.17_o when_o once_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o concern_v
of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o inquire_v what_o have_v we_o do_v what_o be_v we_o do_v whither_o be_v we_o go_v how_o shall_v we_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v this_o look_v hopeful_o indeed_o though_o you_o must_v not_o stop_v here_o neither_o nor_o take_v up_o with_o conviction_n instead_o of_o conversion_n however_o think_v not_o that_o your_o wound_n be_v like_a to_o be_v cure_v without_o be_v search_v but_o if_o through_o a_o stupid_a unconcernedness_n as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o your_o soul_n you_o think_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o give_v yourselves_o all_o this_o trouble_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o be_v eager_o set_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n as_o the_o common_a case_n be_v i_o can_v then_o tell_v you_o what_o your_o case_n be_v without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n you_o may_v spare_v the_o labour_n of_o search_v whether_o you_o be_v regenerate_v or_o no_o for_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o it_o be_v certain_a you_o be_v not_o your_o brutish_a ●cupidity_n be_v evidence_n enough_o to_o prove_v that_o you_o be_v asleep_a yea_o dead_a in_o sin_n condemn_v already_o and_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o you_o in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o you_o and_o hell_n but_o yet_o a_o step_n there_o be_v your_o case_n be_v not_o quite_o desperate_a though_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a i_o must_v say_v of_o you_o as_o of_o those_o patient_n who_o condition_n seem_v very_o hazardous_a the_o event_n be_v uncertain_a but_o while_o there_o be_v life_n they_o hope_n some_o have_v recover_v who_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o as_o ill_a circumstance_n as_o you_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o many_o to_o one_o have_v perish_v even_o so_o be_v here_o some_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o save_v who_o be_v once_o as_o dead_a and_o stupid_a about_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n as_o you_o be_v but_o many_o to_o one_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o therefore_o to_o flatter_v you_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n may_v contribute_v much_o to_o your_o ruin_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o do_v therefore_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v just_a so_o much_o hope_n of_o your_o salvation_n as_o there_o be_v of_o your_o awaken_n from_o this_o carnal_a security_n and_o so_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o no_o more_o chap._n ix_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o foregoing_a motive_n to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o selfreflection_n and_o show_v you_o of_o how_o ill_a signification_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v and_o indifferent_a about_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o help_n of_o such_o as_o be_v solicitous_a to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no_o direction_n 1._o take_v care_n that_o you_o be_v impartial_a in_o your_o search_n that_o your_o judgement_n be_v not_o pervert_v or_o biased_a either_o way_n by_o fear_n or_o favour_n but_o that_o you_o may_v go_v according_a to_o evidence_n the_o great_a danger_n indeed_o be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n viz._n lest_o pride_n or_o self-love_n make_v you_o judge_v too_o favourable_o concern_v yourselves_o but_o here_o remember_v that_o such_o a_o mistake_n may_v prove_v your_o ruin_n it_o be_v necessary_a you_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o your_o case_n while_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v of_o redress_n you_o have_v already_o hear_v what_o multitude_n there_o be_v that_o perish_v by_o presumption_n to_o think_v false_o that_o you_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n will_v never_o bring_v you_o thither_o nor_o will_v it_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o suppose_v that_o you_o be_v well_o enough_o already_o such_o rave_n be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n that_o your_o noble_a faculty_n be_v impair_v and_o distract_v and_o therefore_o that_o your_o distemper_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a but_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o only_o remember_v that_o god_n will_v quick_o try_v all_o over_o again_o and_o whatever_o your_o present_a judgement_n be_v of_o yourselves_o his_o final_a judgement_n will_v be_v according_a to_o righteousness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o be_v so_o timorous_a and_o deject_a in_o spirit_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o comfortable_a concern_v themselves_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o presumptuous_a self-conceit_n that_o they_o run_v into_o a_o quite_o contrary_a extreme_a and_o stand_v in_o their_o own_o light_n can_v discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n fain_o they_o will_v be_v assure_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n but_o have_v not_o strength_n of_o spirit_n enough_o to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v so_o through_o mere_a fear_n lest_o it_o shall_v prove_v otherwise_o they_o vehement_o wish_v it_o but_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o still_o think_v it_o be_v too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a like_o old_a jacob_n when_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o joseph_n be_v alive_a his_o heart_n faint_v for_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o gen._n 45.26_o or_o as_o the_o poor_a jew_n when_o the_o lord_n turn_v again_o the_o captivity_n of_o zion_n they_o be_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal_n 126.1_o they_o can_v scarce_o believe_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o matter_n even_o so_o it_o be_v with_o many_o poor_a melancholy_a doubt_v christian_n they_o desire_v to_o be_v sincere_a but_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o and_o those_o evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n which_o to_o another_o will_v be_v discernible_a to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o now_o i_o say_v though_o such_o person_n be_v safe_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n concern_v themselves_o and_o so_o their_o mistake_n can_v prove_v destructive_a as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o consequence_n ill_a enough_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o comfort_n prudence_n will_v reach_v we_o to_o be_v wary_a and_o cautious_a in_o so_o great_a a_o enquiry_n to_o suspect_v our_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o to_o watch_v they_o narrow_o lest_o they_o shall_v betray_v we_o to_o vain_a hope_n and_o humility_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o entertain_v low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o but_o still_o it_o be_v unnatural_a to_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v refresh_v and_o comfort_v we_o and_o unthankful_a to_o overlook_v or_o deny_v the_o richos_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o rear_v as_o well_o as_o favour_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o right_n and_o impartial_a judgement_n direct_v 2._o this_o enquiry_n must_v be_v manage_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n and_o seriousness_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n that_o be_v before_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o have_v need_n have_v your_o wit_n about_o you_o a_o mistake_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n may_v destroy_v your_o soul_n forever_o on_o the_o other_o it_o may_v great_o obstruct_v your_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n therefore_o the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a consideration_n be_v here_o necessary_a call_v in_o your_o wander_a thought_n keep_v they_o close_o to_o the_o work_n let_v they_o not_o give_v you_o the_o slip_n lest_o they_o grow_v masterless_a and_o unruly_a commu●e_v with_o your_o heart_n and_o let_v you_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n psal_n 77.6_o there_o be_v no_o trifle_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o a_o few_o slighty_a transient_a thought_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n the_o principle_n of_o grace_n lie_v deep_a in_o the_o soul_n you_o must_v search_v for_o they_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n if_o you_o will_v discover_v they_o and_o there_o be_v depth_n of_o wickedness_n too_o which_o must_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v search_v after_o with_o great_a care_n and_o strictness_n 〈◊〉_d if_o you_o will_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o your_o own_o case_n you_o must_v excite_v your_o sluggish_a heart_n to_o the_o work_n and_o if_o your_o thought_n fly_v off_o from_o the_o business_n let_v reason_n interpose_v its_o authority_n otherwise_o a_o thousand_o impertinence_n will_v intrude_v upon_o you_o and_o so_o you_o will_v be_v leave_v in_o as_o great_a darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n as_o you_o be_v in_o before_o in_o a_o word_n intenseness_n of_o thought_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o work_n that_o so_o nothing_o may_v escape_v your_o observation_n which_o may_v any_o way_n conduce_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n direct_v 3._o see_v that_o you_o proceed_v with_o due_a order_n and_o method_n in_o this_o
neglect_v no_o mean_n nor_o help_n in_o order_n thereto_o such_o resolution_n as_o these_o be_v most_o proper_a in_o your_o condition_n but_o if_o your_o heart_n still_o hang_v back_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o will_v you_o resolve_v upon_o vita_fw-la humana_fw-la sine_fw-la proposito_fw-la vaga_fw-la est_fw-la &_o languida_fw-la will_v you_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o venture_n and_o trouble_v your_o head_n no_o further_o about_o it_o but_o still_o go_v on_o at_o the_o old_a dull_a stupid_a rate_n if_o so_o this_o be_v wilful_o to_o destroy_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o who_o can_v you_o blame_v but_o yourselves_o will_v you_o sit_v down_o in_o despair_n this_o be_v to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v the_o riches_n of_o gospel-grace_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o those_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o again_o will_v you_o delay_v for_o a_o while_n and_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n till_o hereafter_o answ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a case_n but_o almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o your_o time_n be_v not_o in_o your_o own_o hand_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o you_o the_o long_a you_o delay_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v help_v you_o will_v be_v grieve_v by_o your_o backwardness_n satan_n will_v have_v the_o fast_o hold_v of_o you_o and_o if_o death_n overtake_v you_o before_o the_o work_n be_v do_v you_o be_v damn_v therefore_o i_o say_v turn_v your_o thought_n which_o way_n you_o will_v all_o other_o resolution_n will_v be_v find_v mad_a and_o dangerous_a except_o that_o of_o the_o prodigal_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o do_v you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o your_o resolution_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a lest_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v afterward_o arise_v in_o your_o way_n shall_v discourage_v you_o and_o that_o they_o be_v speedy_a lest_o death_n overtake_v you_o unprepared_a and_o also_o that_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n you_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n lest_o you_o miscarry_v through_o foolish_a self-confidence_n but_o of_o that_o more_o by_o and_o by_o direct_v 4._o see_v that_o your_o resolution_n be_v forthwith_o put_v into_o practice_n by_o this_o it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o hearty_a if_o the_o will_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o case_n suitable_a endeavour_n will_v ensue_v and_o here_o your_o work_n lie_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o humble_a yourselves_o deep_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o folly_n which_o hitherto_o you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o consider_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n call_v to_o remembrance_n your_o own_o sin_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n bewail_v the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o estrangedness_n of_o your_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o with_o that_o inordinate_a propension_n to_o the_o creature_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n do_v main_o consist_v proceed_v then_o to_o consider_v those_o actual_a transgression_n which_o have_v all_o along_o issue_v from_o this_o corruption_n viz._n your_o loss_n of_o precious_a time_n misimprovement_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n your_o pride_n passion_n earthliness_n sensuality_n etc._n etc._n confess_v these_o thing_n humble_o and_o feel_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n labour_v to_o melt_v into_o a_o ingenuous_a childlike_a sorrow_n for_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o unworthy_o to_o so_o good_a and_o gracious_a a_o father_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o slave_n and_o may_v consist_v with_o as_o much_o love_n to_o sin_n as_o ever_o but_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v animate_v by_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n which_o raise_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o rational_a hearty_a grief_n for_o its_o transgression_n against_o he_o a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o for_o the_o future_a this_o be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o towards_o god_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n prov._n 28.13_o yea_o as_o matter_n now_o stand_v such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v sin_z wheresoever_o with_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v confess_v 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o i_o say_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o your_o sin_n lay_v yourselves_o low_a that_o his_o glory_n may_v ●●e_v advance_v put_v your_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n justify_v his_o holy_a law_n though_o in_o so_o do_v you_o condemn_v yourselves_o say_v with_o the_o return_v prodigal_n luk._n 15.21_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o riches_n of_o freegrace_n in_o that_o god_n be_v yet_o please_v to_o offer_v you_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n the_o golden_a sceptre_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v touch_v it_o and_o live_v methinks_v this_o shall_v encourage_v you_o and_o put_v life_n and_o vigour_n into_o your_o proceed_n and_o draw_v out_o your_o very_a soul_n in_o sweet_a return_v of_o love_n to_o god_n lord_n be_v there_o yet_o hope_n be_v there_o any_o mercy_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o behold_v i_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o call_n blessed_n be_v god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o humble_o implore_v pardon_v mercy_n for_o your_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o your_o present_a and_o future_a duty_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o case_n shall_v make_v you_o very_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a in_o these_o request_n so_o you_o have_v great_a encouragement_n give_v you_o to_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a goodness_n god_n delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o have_v proclaim_v his_o gracious_a name_n exod._n 34.6_o 9_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v psal_n 25.11_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a plead_v the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assure_v yourselves_o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o forgive_v as_o you_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v your_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n psal_n 51.17_o and_o since_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o you_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a therefore_o trust_v not_o to_o your_o own_o resolution_n or_o strength_n pray_v hard_o for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n ●ay_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n yield_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n careful_o strike_v in_o with_o all_o his_o motion_n lord_n here_o be_o i_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v teach_v i_o the_o way_n wherein_o i_o shall_v go_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n strengthen_v i_o with_o may_v in_o my_o inward_a man._n magnify_v thy_o power_n in_o my_o weakness_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o 4._o and_o now_o give_v up_o yourselves_o unfeigned_o to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n if_o you_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n that_o be_v your_o portion_n happiness_n soul-satisfying_a good_a you_o must_v be_v his_o people_n devote_v to_o his_o love_n and_o service_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v mutual_a else_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o great_a freedom_n cheerfulness_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n you_o will_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v your_o shield_n and_o your_o exceed_a great_a reward_n 5._o live_v henceforth_o as_o become_v the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n renounce_v your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n let_v the_o time_n pass_v of_o your_o life_n suffice_v you_o to_o have_v fulfil_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n remember_v you_o must_v now_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o heretofore_o you_o have_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n must_v be_v
want_v to_o yourselves_o what_o though_o indwelling_a sin_n stick_v very_o close_o to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o they_o nor_o have_v any_o place_n in_o man_n primaeval_fw-fr state_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n come_v to_o heal_v those_o disease_n which_o the_o first_o have_v bring_v upon_o we_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v fly_v to_o christ_n yet_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o faint_v or_o be_v discourage_v because_o you_o have_v he_o to_o fly_v to_o tempt_v 6._o be_v you_o perplex_v with_o troublesome_a scruple_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n that_o you_o dare_v scarce_o move_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o duty_n for_o fear_n of_o go_v wrong_n answ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o best_a service_n while_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o many_o sinful_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n but_o necessary_a duty_n must_v not_o be_v leave_v un●one_v for_o fear_n of_o mis-doing_a it_o that_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o we_o chea●_n full_o and_o quiet_o obey_v his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v it_o and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v it_o better_o thankful_o receive_v the_o gospel-pardon_n for_o our_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n if_o we_o have_v the_o worthiness_n for_o so_o the_o gospel_n call_v it_o of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o sincere_a desire_n christ_n have_v the_o worthiness_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o we_o and_o though_o it_o be_v our_o great_a duty_n to_o keep_v conscience_n tender_a that_o be_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d careful_a to_o please_v god_n and_o fearful_a of_o sin_v 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v remember_v that_o needless_a self-tormenting_a ●●ruples_n be_v not_o at_o all_o please_a to_o god_n but_o great_a ●●derances_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o ●ake_v religion_n burdensome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o and_o ●●at_o if_o these_o and_o such_o other_o temptation_n cease_v not_o 〈◊〉_d be_v troublesome_a it_o be_v sometime_o necessary_a that_o we_o contemn_v they_o the_o devil_n say_v luther_n be_v a_o proud_a spirit_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v slight_v he_o will_v use_v we_o work_n enough_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v but_o parley_v and_o ●●gue_v the_o case_n with_o he_o to_o slight_v he_o be_v to_o resist_v ●●●m_n and_o then_o he_o fly_v from_o we_o tempt_v 7._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o ensnare_v yourselves_o ●●y_o rash_a vow_n and_o to_o make_v duty_n to_o yourselves_o ●hich_v god_n never_o enjoin_v you_o or_o to_o impose_v ●asks_n upon_o yourselves_o which_o he_o have_v not_o prescribe_v answ_n the_o use_n of_o vow_n be_v to_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v bind_v ●s_a to_o by_o his_o law_n before_o that_o be_v to_o express_v our_o consent_n and_o resolution_n by_o a_o self-obligation_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n but_o not_o make_v a_o new_a religion_n to_o ourselves_o nor_o to_o injure_v our_o christian_a liberty_n by_o self-devised_n snare_n who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o ●lands_n such_o sacred_a thing_n as_o vow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trifle_v with_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o sacramental_a engagement_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n must_v be_v careful_o observe_v but_o vow_n about_o lesser_a matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v without_o great_a consideration_n and_o caution_n alteration_n of_o circumstance_n may_v make_v that_o sinful_a or_o however_o troublesome_a and_o inconvenient_a which_o at_o present_a appear_v and_o perhaps_o real_o be_v a_o duty_n good_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n be_v necessary_a and_o safe_a and_o may_v be_v change_v when_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n require_v it_o that_o be_v when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o those_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v first_o intend_v but_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n after_o vow_n or_o promise_v make_v 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the_o promise_n shaving_n and_o difficulty_n will_v be_v soon_o over_o b●_n i●_n weary_a of_o well_o do_v you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_a 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6.9_o whither_o will_v you_o fly_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o your_o extremity_n if_o the_o lord_n help_v you_o not_o then_o who_o can_v help_v you_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v also_o forsake_v you_o tempt_v 9_o be_v there_o some_o belove_a sin_n which_o you_o be_v especial_o incline_v to_o and_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v or_o part_v with_o it_o answ_n fortify_v your_o mind_n with_o argument_n 〈◊〉_d your_o will_n with_o resolution_n against_o it_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o resist_v the_o first_o strive_n and_o tendency_n towards_o it_o double_o your_o watch_n that_o you_o be_v not_o surprise_v by_o it_o single_v it_o out_o to_o run_v i●_n down_o mortify_v and_o destroy_v it_o as_o that_o which_o most_o dishonour_v god_n and_o endanger_v your_o own_o soul_n tempt_v 10._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o place_v a_o 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very_o good_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v satan_n will_v tempt_v you_o to_o think_v that_o none_o ever_o be_v so_o perplex_v with_o fear_n uncertainty_n and_o misgive_a thought_n as_o you_o but_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a in_o the_o case_n that_o a_o true_o gracious_a person_n may_v sometime_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n isa_n ●0_n 10_o read_v also_o the_o 88th_o psalm_n and_o see_v 〈◊〉_d that_o good_a man_n be_v afflict_v and_o even_o distra●●_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a therefore_o in_o all_o this_o god_n deal_v no_o other●●●_n with_o you_o than_o he_o have_v do_v with_o thousand_o 〈◊〉_d his_o dear_v child_n and_o as_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o ●●spise_v the_o chastening_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o neither_o sho●●●_n you_o faint_v under_o they_o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o
●●steneth_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v heb._n 12.5_o 6._o direct_v 2._o take_v special_a care_n that_o no_o secret_a lust_n 〈◊〉_d indulge_v no_o wilful_a sin_n maintain_v nor_o allow_v 〈◊〉_d sin_n will_v breed_v doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n as_o natural_o as_o a_o putrify_a carcase_n do_v vermi●●_n unless_o you_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n if_o 〈◊〉_d will_v make_v your_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o no_o wo●●●●_n if_o you_o feel_v the_o smart_n and_o anguish_n of_o they_o if_o you_o weaken_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n by_o contrary_a act_n you_o may_v thank_v yourselves_o that_o you_o can_v discer●_n the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o habit_n if_o you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n who_o shall_v comfort_v you_o what_o can_v you_o expect_v but_o to_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o so_o disconsolate_a if_o you_o play_v at_o fast_o and_o loose_a with_o conscience_n and_o run_v counter_a to_o it_o dictate_v you_o may_v be_v sure_a 〈◊〉_d will_v wound_v you_o for_o your_o folly_n and_o pay_v you_o home_o for_o the_o affront_v you_o put_v upon_o it_o if_o you_o will_v harbo●●_n the_o enemy_n of_o your_o lord_n how_o can_v you_o look_v for_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n that_o darkness_n you_o labour_v under_o be_v self-contracted_n these_o cloud_n where_o of_o you_o complain_v be_v of_o your_o own_o raise_n if_o you_o set_v up_o your_o idol_n in_o your_o heart_n god_n will_v answer_v you_o according_a to_o your_o idol_n ezek._n 14.4_o in_o short_a if_o you_o will_v be_v make_v bold_a with_o sin_n that_o sin_n will_v cause_v sorrow_n and_o trouble_n if_o there_o be_v any_o life_n of_o grace_n to_o feel_v it_o indeed_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o you_o you_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o you_o be_v disquiet_v and_o not_o give_v up_o to_o searedness_n of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v away_o with_o your_o lust_n 〈◊〉_d you_o expect_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d the_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n direct_v 3._o though_o you_o want_v these_o special_a comfort_n of_o assurance_n do_v not_o overlook_v those_o general_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n that_o be_v still_o before_o you_o these_o be_v firm_a clear_a and_o certain_a how_o waver_v doubtful_a and_o dark_a soever_o your_o thought_n of_o your_o own_o particular_a case_n may_v be_v these_o be_v still_o at_o hand_n how_o far_o soever_o the_o evidence_n of_o your_o sincerity_n be_v to_o seek_v these_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n upon_o which_o your_o comfort_n must_v be_v build_v and_o therefore_o you_o ●●●d_v need_n to_o understand_v and_o digest_v they_o thorough_o and_o lay_v the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o deep_o in_o your_o ●ouls_n viz._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o that_o his_o love_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o poor_a sinner_n can_v be_v measure_v he_o have_v proclaim_v his_o name_n that_o be_v his_o nature_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o so_o psal_n 103.8_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a be_v anger_n and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n isa_n 55.7_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v or_o multiply_v to_o pardon_v vers_fw-la 8._o for_o my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n neither_o be_v your_o way_n my_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o etc._n etc._n q._n d._n quanto_fw-la sum_fw-la sub●imior_fw-la tanto_fw-la &_o clementior_fw-la grot._fw-la by_o how_o much_o i_o be_o high_a than_o you_o by_o so_o much_o i_o be_o more_o merciful_a remember_v all_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v infinite_o better_a than_o they_o all_o how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o call_v his_o power_n omnipotence_n his_o wisdom_n or_o knowledge_n omniscience_n and_o yet_o entertain_v such_o poor_a narrow_a thought_n of_o his_o goodness_n be_v he_o not_o all-good_a as_o well_o as_o almighty_a and_o alwise_a be_v not_o his_o attribute_n all_o alike_o infinite_a be_v it_o not_o the_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o hide_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n from_o you_o and_o to_o fill_v you_o with_o black_a unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o that_o he_o may_v either_o quite_o keep_v you_o from_o he_o or_o make_v your_o walk_n with_o he_o uncomfortable_a therefore_o i_o say_v lay_v this_o dow●_n as_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o according_o stay_v yourselves_o upon_o it_o viz._n that_o however_o it_o be_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d be_v good_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o infinite_a value_n and_o that_o he_o be_v full_a of_o to_o derness_n and_o pity_n to_o poor_a sinner_n whatever_o he_o 〈◊〉_d or_o suffer_v have_v a_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o man_n in_o it_o from_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n he_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man._n and_o his_o compassion_n to_o poor_a sinner_n be_v every_o where_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d earnest_o do_v he_o treat_v with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o reconcillation_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n how_o feel_o do_v he_o weep_v over_o they_o how_o affectionate_o do_v he_o pray_v even_o for_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o hate_v he_o to_o the_o death_n he_o disdain_v not_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o mean_a person_n the_o poor_a and_o infirm_a have_v free_a access_n to_o he_o how_o ready_o do_v he_o she●_n mercy_n to_o their_o body_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o belief_n and_o entertainment_n of_o that_o great_a mercy_n be_v bad_a in_o store_n for_o their_o soul_n 3._o pardon_v and_o life_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o you_o all_o without_o exception_n if_o you_o will_v accept_v thereof_o upon_o the_o reasonable_a term_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o way_n be_v open_a whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o none_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o such_o as_o exclude_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a and_o final_a impenitency_n whatsoever_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n arise_v before_o you_o still_o keep_v close_o to_o these_o three_o grand_a foundation_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n be_v your_o case_n as_o bad_a as_o it_o will_v it_o can_v be_v desperate_a unless_o you_o make_v it_o so_o by_o persist_v obstinare_o in_o it_o remember_v the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o redemption_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n you_o have_v these_o three_o altogether_o joh._n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n direct_v 4._o waste_v not_o your_o time_n in_o fruitless_a muse_n or_o heartless_a complaint_n about_o your_o doubtful_a uncertain_a state_n but_o fall_v forthwith_o to_o your_o certain_a duty_n what_o though_o you_o can_v tell_v whether_o as_o yet_o you_o have_v sincere_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o accept_v of_o he_o i_o hope_v you_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o you_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v though_o you_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o what_o be_v past_a your_o present_a duty_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a the_o door_n be_v open_a enter_z and_o live_v christ_n be_v willing_a if_o you_o be_v willing_a he_o offer_v his_o benefit_n to_o you_o he_o press_v they_o upon_o you_o and_o urge_v you_o to_o accept_v they_o come_v then_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n arise_v he_o call_v you_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n sigh_v and_o complain_v rid_v no_o business_n set_v yourselves_o to_o the_o work_n with_o all_o your_o might_n admit_v that_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o sincere_o close_v with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v not_o too_o late_o to_o do_v it_o now_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v do_v or_o you_o be_v undo_v forever_o but_o if_o you_o suppose_v or_o hope_v you_o have_v do_v it_o already_o it_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o easy_a to_o do_v it_o again_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o renew_v your_o covenant_n with_o he_o the_o advantage_n be_v great_a every_o way_n if_o your_o soul_n be_v habitual_o for_o christ_n draw_v out_o those_o habit_n into_o exercise_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o feel_v that_o you_o have_v they_o thus_o grace_n will_v be_v more_o discernible_a and_o conscience_n more_o quiet_a while_o you_o be_v intent_n upon_o your_o duty_n you_o may_v be_v save_v though_o you_o shall_v live_v and_o die_v under_o great_a doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o your_o sincerity_n but_o you_o can_v be_v save_v except_o you_o be_v sincere_a therefore_o observe_v it_o much_o more_o concern_v you_o to_o
inquire_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v than_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o get_v assurance_n or_o however_o such_o necessary_a support_n as_o may_v keep_v you_o from_o sink_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v grace_n another_o thing_n to_o know_v that_o you_o have_v the_o former_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o latter_a be_v not_o so_o moreover_o little_a thing_n be_v not_o easy_o discern_v a_o little_a faith_n love_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n though_o sincere_a be_v not_o so_o soon_o discover_v therefore_o i_o say_v again_o take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o bring_v they_o near_o to_o christ_n labour_v to_o be_v carry_v out_o towards_o he_o with_o a_o more_o full_a bent_n and_o resolution_n of_o soul_n even_o such_o as_o may_v clear_o turn_v the_o scale_n for_o he_o against_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o dutiful_a 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your_o hand_n that_o so_o great_a favour_n shall_v be_v extenuate_v and_o make_v nothing_o of_o by_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o wilderness_n or_o a_o land_n of_o darkness_n to_o you_o jer._n 2.31_o how_o can_v you_o entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o so_o good_a a_o god_n how_o can_v you_o affect_v estrangedness_n from_o he_o any_o long_o be_v ingratitude_n for_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o way_n to_o get_v more_o or_o rather_o to_o forfeit_v what_o you_o have_v already_o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o to_o be_v much_o in_o thankfulness_n will_v familiarize_v and_o sweeten_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n to_o you_o and_o shall_v not_o ingenuity_n itself_o teach_v you_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o favour_n will_v not_o this_o mighty_o tend_v to_o drive_v away_o that_o darkness_n fear_v and_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n whereof_o you_o be_v still_o complain_v sure_o the_o near_a you_o get_v to_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n the_o more_o your_o cloud_n 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of_o our_o natural_a animal_n spirit_n though_o lively_a affection_n in_o duty_n be_v very_o desirable_a and_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v after_o yet_o in_o try_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n the_o inward_a deep_a rational_a working_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god_n be_v main_o to_o be_v look_v at_o viz._n a_o fix_a and_o high_a estimation_n of_o he_o above_o all_o in_o our_o understanding_n and_o hearty_a resolution_n for_o he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o in_o our_o will_n with_o correspondent_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o and_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o duty_n do_v consist_v those_o be_v the_o holy_a soul_n who_o be_v inward_o and_o deep_o most_v incline_v towards_o god_n resolve_v for_o he_o and_o solicitous_a to_o please_v he_o not_o those_o who_o have_v the_o most_o transport_v passion_n or_o movable_a affection_n the_o sacred_a recess_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o i_o 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in_o their_o sharp_a suffering_n when_o all_o man_n have_v forsake_v they_o god_n have_v stand_v by_o they_o and_o comfort_v they_o he_o have_v visit_v they_o in_o their_o prison_n and_o enlarge_v their_o soul_n with_o spiritual_a refreshment_n when_o their_o body_n have_v be_v under_o confinement_n he_o have_v enable_v they_o to_o triumph_v in_o the_o very_a flame_n and_o to_o baffle_v their_o enemy_n by_o their_o patience_n magnanimity_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o suffer_v paul_n and_o silas_n sing_v in_o the_o stock_n stephen_n have_v heaven_n open_v to_o he_o when_o his_o enemy_n be_v rage_v against_o he_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n have_v one_o walk_v with_o they_o like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v upon_o suffering_n till_o god_n call_v we_o thereto_o but_o if_o it_o please_v he_o so_o to_o do_v we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o call_v as_o a_o prize_n put_v into_o our_o hand_n for_o the_o 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of_o god_n but_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o get_v such_o a_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n as_o become_v his_o child_n and_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v such_o the_o sanctify_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o believer_n be_v the_o witness_n or_o evidence_n of_o their_o adopuon_n take_v care_n also_o that_o you_o deceive_v not_o yourselves_o by_o expect_v such_o rapture_n of_o joy_n as_o be_v extraordinary_a all_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o degree_n of_o comfort_n nor_o will_v know_v how_o to_o manage_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v it_o but_o if_o you_o have_v so_o much_o as_o tolerable_o support_v your_o spirit_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o sink_v bless_v god_n and_o be_v humble_a and_o have_v a_o care_n of_o peevishness_n or_o imparience_n direct_v 10._o distinguish_v careful_o between_o your_o state_n in_o the_o main_a and_o the_o more_o remote_a accident_n or_o circumstance_n wherewith_o it_o may_v be_v attend_v between_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a as_o such_o and_o what_o be_v further_o requisite_a to_o his_o wellbeing_a growth_n and_o comfort_n or_o if_o you_o will_v between_o foundation_n and_o building_n work_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v confound_v it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a you_o shall_v have_v any_o settle_a peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o your_o soul_n those_o who_o have_v true_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v who_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o main_a for_o god_n christ_n holiness_n and_o heaven_n such_o i_o say_v be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n use_v have_v a_o right_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o even_o such_o person_n themselves_o be_v oft_o guilty_a of_o great_a defect_n and_o intermission_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o
promise_n shall_v do_v more_o with_o you_o than_o just_o keep_v you_o from_o sink_v see_v also_o psalm_n 40.1_o 2._o i_o wait_v patient_o for_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v good_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v both_o hope_n and_o qui_v wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 3.26_o remember_v god_n wait_v long_o on_o you_o before_o you_o ●ould_v take_v up_o any_o serious_a thought_n of_o repent_v use_v down_o in_o sullen_a discontent_n because_o he_o do_v not_o ●●smediately_o give_v you_o the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n ●ne_z will_v think_v common_a ingenuity_n shall_v teach_v ●●ou_v better_o light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a ●nd_n soon_o or_o late_a they_o shall_v reap_v the_o bless_a fruit_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v sow_o it_o be_v meet_a ●hat_n they_o shall_v wait_v till_o this_o precious_a fruit_n grow_v ●●p_n or_o rather_o till_o they_o themselves_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o ●●aturity_n and_o fitness_n for_o it_o god_n time_n be_v the_o ●●st_n time_n he_o know_v perfect_o what_o degree_n of_o comfort_n be_v sit_v for_o you_o and_o what_o the_o fit_a ●easons_n to_o bestow_v it_o the_o husbandman_n after_o he_o ●●●h_v cast_v his_o seed_n into_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o immediate_o expect_v a_o harvest_n nor_o yet_o say_v i_o have_v ●●boured_v in_o vain_a i_o will_v pull_v up_o the_o hedge_n and_o lay_n ●ll_v waste_v no_o no_o his_o god_n instruct_v he_o to_o great_a discretion_n isa_n 28.26_o he_o wait_v till_o the_o appoint_a season_n so_o do_v you_o in_o the_o present_a case_n wait_v god_n time_n for_o comfort_n give_v a_o early_a check_n to_o the_o least_o strive_n of_o impatience_n say_v not_o why_o shall_v i_o wait_v upon_o god_n any_o long_o as_o he_o 2_o king_n 6.33_o but_o rather_o as_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 42.11_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o etc._n etc._n chap._n xiii_o direction_n to_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o great_a degree_n of_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o exhorcation_n namely_o to_o those_o who_o through_o grace_n have_v attain_v unto_o great_a measure_n of_o assurance_n and_o be_v enable_v comfortable_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o lise_n to_o such_o i_o will_v say_v in_o general_n hold_v fast_o what_o you_o have_v that_o no_o max_n take_v away_o your_o crown_n rev._n 3.11_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n and_o your_o redeemer_n live_v in_o the_o spirit_n walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o you_o know_v who_o you_o have_v trust_v gird_v up_o therefore_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n we_o must_v tug_v a_o while_n with_o the_o diffificulty_n of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o work_n but_o these_o will_v soon_o be_v over_o heaven_n be_v in_o view_n we_o be_v almost_o there_o and_o shall_v certain_o reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o particular_n direct_v 1._o whatever_o you_o do_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v humble_a look_v upon_o pride_n as_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o god_n do_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n see_v himself_o against_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d jam._n 4.6_o he_o stand_v in_o battle_n array_n or_o in_o direct_a defiance_n and_o opposition_n against_o they_o god_n still_o counteract_v the_o proud_a as_o dr._n manton_n observe_v upon_o the_o place_n it_o be_v this_o which_o turn_v angel_n into_o devil_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 6._o lest_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o pride_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n pride_n be_v still_o the_o forerunner_n of_o some_o fall_n and_o mischief_n or_o other_o and_o though_o in_o the_o true_o godly_a it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n mortify_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o utter_o root_v out_o but_o stick_v very_o close_o to_o our_o nature_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o careful_o watch_v against_o it_o will_v be_v take_v occasion_n to_o show_v itself_o even_o from_o our_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o grace_n and_o whatever_o it_o come_v near_o be_v taint_v and_o corrupt_v by_o it_o o_o let_v we_o think_v and_o think_v again_o how_o unsuitable_a it_o be_v to_o our_o condition_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o high_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o how_o much_o disingenuity_n there_o be_v in_o be_v what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v what_o be_v we_o before_o we_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o shall_v we_o quick_o be_v again_o if_o we_o be_v not_o uphold_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n we_o bear_v not_o the_o root_n but_o the_o root_n bear_v we_o rom._n 11.18_o without_o he_o we_o can_v ●o_o nothing_o joh._n 15.5_o let_v we_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o be_v clothe_v throughout_o with_o humility_n this_o be_v as_o one_o say_v a_o christian_n livery_n without_o which_o christ_n will_v not_o own_v we_o as_o his_o servant_n let_v we_o learn_v of_o he_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d empty_v himself_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 2.7_o let_v we_o exercise_v ourselves_o frequent_o and_o solemn_o in_o self-annihilation_a that_o be_v in_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o nothingness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o advise_v you_o to_o do_v as_o a_o set_v duty_n by_o itself_o and_o all_o little_a enough_o to_o subdue_v the_o pride_n of_o our_o heart_n think_v not_o that_o some_o slight_a thought_n or_o general_a acknowledgement_n of_o your_o own_o unworthiness_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n but_o labour_v to_o feel_v what_o you_o say_v and_o to_o be_v nothing_o in_o your_o own_o eye_n go_v therefore_o into_o your_o retirement_n sit_v down_o and_o consider_v the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o the_o great_a god_n before_o who_o the_o angel_n vail_v their_o face●_n who_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n and_o it_o shine_v not_o neither_o be_v the_o heaven_n clean_o in_o his_o sight_n who_o do●●_n great_a thing_n and_o unsearchable_a marvellous_a thing_n without_o number_n job_n 5_o 9_o get_v your_o heart_n as_o full_a as_o they_o can_v hold_v of_o adore_v and_o admire_v thought_n of_o god_n and_o when_o you_o have_v so_o do_v reflect_v upon_o you_o self_n and_o you_o will_v find_v abundant_a reason_n to_o cry_v out_o lord_n what_o be_o i_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o max_n sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n foolish_a and_o ignorant_a and_o as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o a●●_n thy_o mercy_n nothing_o or_o worse_o than_o nothing_o etc._n etc._n etc._n etc._n etc._n etc._n i_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o suitable_a to_o our_o condition_n more_o please_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n more_o conducive_a to_o our_o spiritual_a safety_n and_o comfort_n than_o to_o be_v much_o employ_v in_o such_o exercise_n as_o this_o be_v not_o desirous_a of_o vain_a glory_n do_v not_o affect_v the_o applause_n of_o man_n if_o you_o meet_v with_o it_o watch_v your_o heart_n as_o you_o will_v do_v gunpowder_n tinder_n or_o flax_n when_o fire_n be_v near_o still_o say_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n i_o be_o a_o poor_a vile_a worthless_a sinner_n direct_v 2._o press_v earnest_o towards_o the_o mark_n you_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n still_o on_o your_o hand_n many_o enemy_n to_o conflict_n withal_o you_o have_v run_v well_o hitherto_o o_o have_v a_o care_n of_o make_v a_o stand_n ad_fw-la ulteriora_fw-la tendens_fw-la semper_fw-la nilque_fw-la putans_fw-la actum_fw-la dum_fw-la quid_fw-la superesset_fw-la agendum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o julius_n cesar_n be_v a_o fit_a motto_n for_o a_o christian_a still_o press_v forward_o aim_v at_o great_a attainment_n and_o think_v nothing_o do_v while_o any_o thing_n remain_v undo_v phil._n 3.13.14_o forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n etc._n etc._n under_o this_o head_n you_o may_v observe_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o carry_v on_o a_o continual_a warfare_n against_o your_o remain_a corruption_n the_o flesh_n will_v be_v lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n labour_v therefore_o to_o keep_v under_o the_o body_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n do_v not_o indulge_v your_o corrupt_a carnal_a inclination_n how_o agreeable_a soever_o to_o your_o constitution_n or_o worldly_a interest_n have_v a_o care_n of_o be_v in_o love_n with_o
our_o soul_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o serious_a discharge_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o conclude_v this_o head_n be_v not_o so_o intent_n upon_o any_o one_o part_n of_o duty_n as_o to_o overlook_v the_o rest_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.6_o i_o esteem_v thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n vers_fw-la 128._o 4._o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o generation_n of_o seeker_n psal_n 24.6_o so_o psal_n 27.8_o when_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o h●a●t_n say_v u●to_fw-mi thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v how_o 〈◊〉_d do_v we_o find_v this_o duty_n press_v upon_o we_o pray_v always_o pray_v and_o faint_v not_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n pray_v to_o your_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a pray_v every_o where_o pray_v without_o cease_v etc._n etc._n yea_o we_o find_v the_o holy_a person_n frequent_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a duty_n psal_n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n psal_n 109.4_o i_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o prayer_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o example_n but_o i_o forbear_v o_o sir_n it_o be_v on_o our_o knee_n that_o we_o must_v get_v strength_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n the_o actuate_a of_o holy_a desire_n and_o present_v they_o to_o god_n must_v needs_o tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o strengthen_v those_o habit_n of_o grace_n from_o which_o such_o desire_n proceed_v beside_o as_o it_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o a_o undeniable_a duty_n shall_v not_o a_o people_n seek_v unto_o their_o god_n a_o most_o reasonable_a piece_n of_o service_n so_o a_o answerable_a blessing_n may_v be_v expect_v upon_o it_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o psal_n 81.10_o ask_v for_o great_a thing_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n come_v not_o with_o mean_a poor_a narrow_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v not_o cold_a nor_o lazy_a in_o your_o request_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5._o a_o learned_a divine_a mention_n secret_a prayer_n in_o the_o forefront_n of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v natural_o most_o backward_o mr._n baxter_n now_o one_o will_v think_v our_o own_o necessity_n shall_v even_o constrain_v we_o to_o it_o alas_o how_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o it_o and_o how_o much_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o strive_v against_o our_o indisposition_n to_o it_o how_o sweet_a be_v a_o duty_n when_o rescue_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o difficulty_n o_o sir_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o god_n hear_v no_o often_o from_o we_o and_o with_o no_o great_a fervency_n sure_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a approach_n to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o more_o like_o he_o remember_v god_n have_v way_n enough_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o your_o knee_n what_o if_o dark_a cloud_n shall_v arise_v upon_o you_o or_o some_o sharp_a affliction_n befall_v you_o then_o it_o be_v likely_a you_o will_v come_v cry_v after_o he_o and_o seek_v he_o early_o hos_fw-la 5.15_o but_o why_o not_o without_o so_o much_o ado_n why_o shall_v not_o gentle_a method_n prevail_v with_o you_o be_v but_o acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o you_o need_v not_o want_v either_o matter_n or_o motive_n for_o this_o great_a duty_n never_o expect_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n without_o keep_v up_o life_n and_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n with_o a_o passage_n which_o i_o late_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o excellent_a mr._n philip_n henry_n to_o the_o publisher_n whereof_o i_o here_o return_v my_o most_o humble_a thanks_o it_o be_v as_o follows_z pag._n 75._o be_v sure_o you_o look_v to_o secret_a duty_n keep_v that_o up_o whatever_o you_o do_v the_o soul_n can_v prosper_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o apostasy_n general_o begin_v at_o the_o closer-door_n secret_a prayer_n be_v first_o neglect_v and_o careless_o perform_v then_o frequent_o omit_v and_o after_o a_o while_n whole_o cast_v off_o and_o then_o farewell_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o religion_n 5._o learn_v the_o art_n of_o holy_a meditation_n it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o draw_v in_o life_n strength_n and_o sweetness_n from_o those_o great_a gospel-truths_n which_o inconsiderate_a person_n lay_v by_o as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o useless_a thing_n it_o be_v this_o that_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o clear_v our_o apprehension_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o set_v on_o work_v our_o resolution_n affection_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o soul-improving_a duty_n indeed_o nor_o can_v you_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o meditation_n if_o you_o will_v but_o see_v your_o thought_n at_o work_n and_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o it_o meditate_v upon_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n truth_n all-sufficiency_n think_v i_o say_v on_o these_o and_o think_v again_o till_o become_v impression_n be_v wrought_v upon_o your_o own_o spirit_n change_v you_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o think_v not_o upon_o god_n in_o a_o slighty_a or_o ordinary_a manner_n but_o with_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o admiration_n lest_o you_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a whereof_o you_o may_v be_v guilty_a in_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n let_v every_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v mighty_a upon_o you_o and_o participate_v in_o some_o suitable_a measure_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o almighty_a object_n think_v much_o on_o your_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o he_o be_v what_o he_o do_v what_o he_o suffer_v and_o why_o as_o also_o what_o he_o have_v further_a promise_v to_o do_v thus_o let_v christ_n dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n think_v on_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n upon_o your_o soul_n how_o infinite_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o he_o how_o much_o you_o have_v still_o to_o do_v with_o he_o how_o direct_a and_o explicit_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o your_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o he_o as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o how_o careful_a you_o shall_v be_v to_o carry_v becoming_o towards_o he_o think_v on_o the_o holiness_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n how_o sweet_a how_o reasonable_a how_o advantageous_a that_o obedience_n be_v which_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n psal_n 119.97_o think_v on_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n what_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n and_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v do_v what_o they_o be_v enjoy_v till_o your_o soul_n be_v on_o the_o wing_n long_v to_o be_v join_v to_o that_o holy_a and_o happy_a society_n think_v on_o the_o grace_n wherein_o you_o be_v most_o defective_a consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o how_o ill_o you_o can_v live_v without_o they_o or_o without_o great_a degree_n of_o they_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o grace_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o meditation_n lift_v up_o your_o eye_n and_o your_o soul_n to_o heaven_n for_o help_v therein_o o_o that_o you_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o try_v this_o course_n to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a and_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o meditation_n the_o advantage_n will_v be_v great_a every_o way_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o this_o more_o state_v exercise_n of_o meditation_n it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o employment_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v often_o send_v up_o a_o thought_n or_o ejaculation_n towards_o heaven_n direct_v 3._o if_o your_o endeavour_n thus_o far_o prove_v successful_a so_o that_o you_o find_v more_o grace_n and_o strength_n come_v in_o thereby_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o so_o much_o the_o mor●_n for_o god_n much_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v your_o talent_n be_v to_o be_v trade_v with_o no●_n hide_v in_o a_o napkin_n as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n abound_v towards_o you_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o you_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a 1_o cor._n 15.10.58_o sure_o it_o