Selected quad for the lemma: soul_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
soul_n believe_v faith_n true_a 5,529 5 5.4270 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39680 Sacramental meditations upon divers select places of scripture wherein believers are assisted in preparing their hearts, and exciting their affections and graces, when they draw nigh to God in that most awful and solemn ordinance of the Lords Supper / by Jo. Flavel ... Flavel, John, 1630?-1691. 1679 (1679) Wing F1183; ESTC R6003 82,969 246

There are 11 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

flesh_n to_o be_v rend_v and_o his_o blood_n set_v abroach_o for_o you_o what_o love_n like_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n second_o learn_v hence_o a_o ground_n of_o content_a in_o the_o low_a and_o poor_a condition_n allot_v to_o any_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o you_o live_v low_a in_o the_o world_n you_o have_v hard_o fare_v and_o be_v abridge_v of_o many_o of_o those_o sweet_a comfort_n in_o the_o creature_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n abound_v in_o but_o still_o remember_v you_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o envy_v their_o dainty_n and_o be_v dissatisficd_v with_o your_o own_o lot_n and_o portion_n when_o not_o many_o noble_n or_o mighty_a in_o the_o world_n feed_v as_o your_o soul_n do_v feed_v o_o what_o a_o feast_n have_v you_o what_o dainty_n do_v your_o soul_n taste_v by_o faith_n whilst_o other_o do_v but_o feed_v upon_o ash_n and_o husk_n what_o be_v the_o flesh_n of_o lamb_n and_o calf_n out_o of_o the_o 6._o stall_n to_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n what_o be_v wine_n in_o bowl_n and_o the_o chief_a ointment_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o anoynting_n of_o his_o spirit_n o_o be_v satisfy_v with_o your_o outward_a lot_n however_o god_n have_v cast_v it_o whilst_o he_o have_v deal_v so_o bountiful_o with_o your_o soul_n three_o learn_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o the_o livelihood_n and_o subsistence_n of_o our_o soul_n what_o be_v a_o feast_n to_o he_o that_o can_v taste_v it_o and_o what_o be_v christ_n to_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v that_o can_v by_o faith_n eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n it_o be_v not_o the_o preparation_n make_v for_o soul_n in_o christ_n but_o the_o application_n of_o he_o by_o faith_n that_o give_v we_o the_o sweetness_n and_o benefit_n of_o he_o faith_n be_v the_o soul_n mouth_n or_o pallate_n the_o unbeliever_n taste_v no_o sweetness_n in_o christ_n he_o can_v relish_v more_o sweetness_n in_o money_n meat_n drink_z carnal_a mirth_n or_o any_o sensual_a enjoyment_n than_o christ._n four_o how_o excellent_a be_v gospel-ordinance_n what_o sweetness_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o by_o true_a believer_n for_o there_o christ_n be_v prepare_v and_o as_o it_o be_v serve_v in_o for_o they_o to_o feed_v upon_o it_o be_v your_o minister_n work_v to_o cook_n and_o prepare_v for_o you_o all_o the_o week_n long_o and_o to_o furnish_v for_o you_o a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n loe_o here_o be_v a_o table_n spread_v and_o furnish_v this_o day_n with_o the_o costly_a dainty_n that_o heaven_n afford_v o_o prize_v these_o mercy_n sit_v not_o here_o with_o flat_a or_o wanton_a appetite_n lest_o god_n call_v to_o your_o enemy_n and_o bid_v they_o take_v away_o 2._o use_v of_o exhortation_n be_v the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n meat_n and_o drink_v indeed_o then_o let_v i_o exhort_v use._n you_o brethren_n first_o to_o come_v to_o this_o table_n with_o sharp_a and_o hungry_a appetite_n have_v you_o ever_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o do_v you_o not_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n to_o taste_v it_o again_o sure_o where_o the_o carcase_n be_v thither_o will_v the_o eagle_n be_v gather_v math._n 24._o 28._o there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v appetite_n a_o dainty_a and_o a_o hungry_a appetite_n beware_v of_o a_o nice_a and_o dainty_a appetite_n that_o can_v relish_v nothing_o in_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o spiritual_a duty_n except_o the_o dish_n be_v garnish_v with_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n or_o the_o matter_n serve_v in_o with_o art_n and_o elegancy_n this_o have_v be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o generation_n o_o christian_n no_o more_o of_o that_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v you_o real_o a_o hunger_a and_o athirst_a for_o christ_n you_o will_v come_v to_o his_o ordinance_n as_o famish_v man_n to_o a_o feast_n second_o to_o feed_v hearty_o upon_o christ_n in_o every_o ordinance_n and_o in_o every_o sacrament_n especial_o o_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v hear_v and_o answer_v that_o invitation_n this_o day_n cant._n 5._o 1._o eat_v o_o friend_n drink_z yea_o drink_v abundant_o o_o beloved_n for_o motive_n i_o will_v only_o hint_n these_o three_o follow_v first_o christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o feast_n god_n have_v prepare_v he_o for_o your_o soul_n be_v any_o thing_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n so_o sweet_a as_o christ_n sacrifice_v be_v do_v not_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n in_o heaven_n feast_n upon_o he_o sure_o one_o drop_n of_o christ_n blood_n have_v more_o sweetness_n and_o excellency_n in_o it_o than_o the_o whole_a ocean_n of_o all_o creature-comfort_n second_o do_v your_o grace_n need_v it_o have_v you_o not_o a_o languish_a love_n a_o stagger_a faith_n dull_a and_o sluggish_a desire_n look_v into_o your_o heart_n and_o see_v what_o need_n there_o be_v of_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v o_o feed_v upon_o christ_n that_o your_o grace_n may_v be_v revive_v &_o strengthen_v three_o do_v you_o know_v how_o many_o day_n you_o be_v to_o go_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o meal_n how_o long_o it_o may_v be_v ere_o you_o sit_v again_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n sure_o even_o these_o as_o well_o as_o your_o inferior_a temporal_a comfort_n stand_v upon_o term_n of_o great_a uncertainty_n ah_o christian_n consider_v well_o the_o time_n you_o live_v in_o the_o enemy_n that_o stand_v ready_a to_o take_v away_o the_o cloth_n and_o remove_v your_o spiritual_a food_n from_o you_o it_o be_v say_v of_o peter_n martyr_n that_o be_v in_o oxford_n when_o q._n mary_n come_v in_o and_o hear_v the_o first_o mass-bell_n ring_n he_o be_v strike_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o say_v haec_fw-la una_fw-la notula_fw-la omnem_fw-la meam_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la evertit_fw-la this_o one_o tinkle_a bell_n overthrow_v all_o the_o labour_n of_o my_o ministry_n at_o once_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v hear_v none_o of_o that_o music_n in_o england_n any_o more_o but_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v according_a to_o your_o estimation_n and_o improvement_n of_o christ_n precious_a ordinance_n three_o commend_v the_o experiensed_a sweetness_n of_o christ_n to_o other_o do_v conceal_v his_o loveliness_n and_o excellency_n thus_o the_o fair_a and_o enamour_a spouse_n charge_n or_o adjure_v other_o cant._n 5._o 9_o be_v not_o content_a to_o feast_v upon_o christ_n alone_o whilst_o other_o soul_n be_v starve_v and_o perhaps_o the_o soul_n of_o your_o dear_a natural_a relation_n say_v to_o they_o as_o david_n psal._n 34._o 8._o o_o taste_n and_o see_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v four_o and_o last_o see_v that_o your_o appetite_n to_o christ_n be_v right_a and_o true_o spiritual_a such_o a_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n upon_o which_o blessedness_n be_v entail_v by_o promise_n and_o you_o may_v conclude_v it_o so_o when_o first_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a and_o strong_a appetite_n psal._n 42._o 1._o let_v your_o thought_n run_v upon_o christ_n night_n and_o day_n like_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o long_a woman_n second_o when_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a appetite_n after_o every_o thing_n in_o christ_n his_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o his_o righteousness_n his_o command_n as_o well_o as_o his_o promise_n for_o he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a cant._n 5._o 16._o three_o when_o it_o be_v a_o continual_a appetite_n i_o mean_v not_o that_o the_o pulse_n of_o your_o desire_n shall_v keep_v a_o even_a stroke_n at_o all_o time_n but_o that_o there_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a work_n of_o heart_n after_o he_o always_o psal._n 119._o 20._o four_o when_o it_o be_v a_o industrious_a appetite_n awaken_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o use_v of_o all_o mean_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o satisfaction_n psal._n 27._o 4._o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o will_v i_o seek_v after_o five_o and_o last_o it_o be_v then_o aright_o when_o it_o be_v a_o insatiable_a appetite_n never_o to_o be_v allay_v with_o any_o thing_n beside_o christ_n psal._n 73._o 25._o no_o nor_o with_o christ_n himself_o till_o thou_o come_v to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o heaven_n the_o believer_n know_v how_o sweet_a soever_o his_o communion_n with_o christ_n be_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o that_o communion_n he_o shall_v have_v with_o christ_n in_o heaven_n far_o excel_v it_o there_o it_o will_v be_v more_o intimate_a and_o immediate_a 1_o cor._n 19_o 12._o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a even_o to_o satisfaction_n psal._n 17._o 15._o more_o constant_a and_o continue_a not_o suffer_v such_o interruption_n as_o it_o do_v here_o rev._n 21._o 25._o more_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a here_o our_o corruption_n work_v with_o our_o grace_n rom._n 7._o 21._o but_o there_o grace_n shall_v work_v alone_o in_o a_o word_n more_o durable_a and_o
religion_n upon_o your_o very_a heart_n and_o reins_o this_o will_v settle_v you_o better_o than_o all_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v by_o this_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v more_o endear_v to_o man_n than_o by_o any_o other_o way_n in_o the_o world_n when_o your_o heart_n have_v once_o feel_v it_o you_o will_v never_o forsake_v it_o the_o three_o meditation_n upon_o rom._n 7._o 21._o i_o find_v then_o a_o law_n that_o when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o i_o this_o chapter_n be_v the_o very_a anatomy_n of_o a_o christian_n heart_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o most_o secret_a frame_n &_o inward_a work_n of_o it_o both_z as_o to_o grace_n and_o corruption_n and_o this_o verse_n be_v a_o compendium_n of_o both_o for_o the_o word_n be_v a_o mournful_a complaint_n utter_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o a_o inward_a pressure_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v three_o thing_n 1._o the_o person_n complain_v 2._o the_o matter_n of_o complaint_n 3._o the_o discovery_n of_o that_o matter_n first_o the_o person_n complain_v i_o 1._o find_v i_o paul_n though_o i_o come_v not_o behind_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o the_o apostle_n though_o i_o have_v be_v ●…rapt_v into_o the_o three_o heaven_n &_o hear_v thing_n unutterable_a yet_o i_o for_o all_o that_o find_v in_o i_o a_o law_n never_o be_v any_o mere_a man_n more_o deep_o sanctify_v never_o any_o live_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n never_o any_o do_v christ_n more_o service_n in_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o he_o find_v a_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o himself_o second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o complaint_n 2._o which_o consist_v in_o a_o double_a evil_n he_o groan_v under_o viz._n 1._o the_o presence_n of_o sin_n at_o all_o time_n 2._o the_o operation_n of_o sin_n especial_o at_o some_o time_n first_o the_o presence_n of_o sin_n at_o all_o time_n evil_a say_v he_o be_v present_a with_o i_o it_o follow_v i_o as_o my_o shadow_n do_v by_o evil_a we_o must_v understand_v no_o other_o evil_n but_o sin_n the_o evil_a of_o evil_n which_o in_o respect_n of_o power_n and_o efficacy_n he_o also_o call_v a_o law_n because_o as_o law_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o annex_v reward_n and_o punishment_n have_v a_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o sin_n indwelling_a sin_n that_o root_n of_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n have_v a_o mighty_a efficacy_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o mournful_a matter_n of_o his_o complaint_n it_o be_v not_o for_o outward_a affliction_n though_o he_o have_v many_o nor_o for_o what_o he_o suffer_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n though_o he_o suffer_v many_o grievous_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v sin_n dwell_v and_o work_v in_o he_o that_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o trouble_n as_o river_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o sea_n this_o evil_n be_v always_o with_o he_o the_o constant_a residence_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o nature_n second_o and_o what_o further_o add_v to_o his_o burden_n as_o it_o dwell_v in_o he_o at_o all_o time_n so_o it_o exert_v its_o efficacy_n more_o especial_o at_o some_o time_n and_o those_o the_o special_a time_n and_o principal_a season_n in_o his_o whole_a life_n when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a tolletus_fw-la say_v he_o any_o spiritual_a good_a and_o among_o the_o rest_n when_o i_o address_v myself_o to_o any_o spiritual_a duty_n or_o heavenly_a employment_n when_o i_o design_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o promise_v myself_o comfort_n and_o redress_v in_o communion_n with_o he_o then_o be_v evil_a present_a o_o if_o i_o be_v but_o rid_v of_o it_o in_o those_o hour_n what_o a_o mercy_n shall_v i_o esteem_v it_o though_o i_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o at_o other_o time_n can_v i_o but_o enjoy_v my_o freedom_n from_o it_o in_o the_o season_n of_o duty_n and_o time_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n what_o a_o comfort_n will_v that_o be_v but_o than_o be_v the_o special_a season_n of_o its_o operation_n never_o be_v sin_n more_o active_a and_o busy_a than_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o this_o o_o this_o be_v my_o misery_n and_o burden_n three_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v heed_v here_o be_v the_o discovery_n of_o this_o evil_n to_o he_o over_o which_o he_o so_o mourn_v and_o lament_v i_o find_v then_o a_o law_n say_v he_o i_o find_v it_o i._n e._n by_o inward_a sense_n feeling_n and_o sad_a experience_n he_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o original_a sin_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n when_o he_o be_v a_o unregenerate_v pharisee_fw-mi but_o though_o he_o have_v then_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o he_o have_v not_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o it_o as_o now_o he_o have_v he_o now_o feel_v what_o before_o he_o traditional_o understand_v and_o talk_v of_o i_o find_v a_o law_n q._n d._n what_o or_o how_o other_o find_v i_o know_v not_o i_o examine_v not_o some_o may_v boast_v of_o their_o gift_n and_o some_o may_v talk_v more_o than_o become_v they_o of_o their_o grace_n they_o may_v find_v excellency_n in_o themselves_o and_o admire_v themselves_o too_o much_o for_o they_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o find_v a_o law_n that_o when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a i_o be_o sure_a i_o find_v a_o bad_a heart_n in_o the_o best_a season_n a_o proud_a dead_a wander_a hard_a heart_n i_o find_v it_o woeful_o out_o of_o order_n god_n know_v and_o this_o be_v my_o misery_n hence_o note_v doct._n that_o the_o best_a christian_n do_v sensible_o feel_v doct._n and_o sad_o bewail_v the_o work_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a season_n and_o opportunity_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o god_n bring_v thy_o thought_n reader_n close_o to_o this_o point_n and_o sad_o ponder_v these_o three_o thing_n in_o it_o first_o in_o what_o special_a act_n christian_n use_v to_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o their_o corruption_n in_o the_o season_n of_o their_o communion_n second_o why_o be_v it_o that_o corruption_n stir_v and_o trouble_v they_o more_o at_o such_o time_n than_o at_o other_o three_o upon_o what_o account_n this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o burden_n to_o every_o gracious_a heart_n 1._o first_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o 1._o the_o special_a act_n of_o corruption_n in_o the_o season_n of_o communion_n they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o natural_a aptitude_n and_o design_n to_o destroy_v all_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n gal._n 5._o 17._o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o contrariety_n a_o poor_a christian_n can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o will_v how_o many_o time_n have_v some_o christian_n lament_v this_o upon_o their_o knee_n with_o bleed_a heart_n and_o weep_a eye_n lord_n i_o come_v hither_o to_o enjoy_v thou_o i_o hope_v for_o some_o light_n strength_n and_o refreshment_n in_o this_o duty_n i_o promise_v myself_o a_o good_a hour_n my_o heart_n begin_v to_o warm_v and_o melt_v in_o duty_n i_o be_v nigh_o to_o the_o expectation_n and_o desire_n of_o my_o soul_n but_o the_o unbelief_n deadness_n and_o vanity_n of_o my_o heart_n have_v separate_v betwixt_o i_o and_o my_o god_n and_o withhold_v good_a thing_n from_o i_o three_o thing_n be_v requisite_a to_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o duty_n first_o composedness_n of_o thought_n second_o activity_n of_o faith_n three_o excitation_n of_o affection_n and_o all_o these_o be_v sensible_o obstruct_v by_o innate_a corruption_n for_o by_o indwelling_a sin_n first_o the_o order_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v disturb_v by_o send_v forth_o multitude_n of_o 1._o vain_a and_o impertinent_a thought_n to_o infest_v and_o distract_v the_o soul_n in_o its_o approach_n to_o god_n the_o sense_n of_o this_o evil_n give_v occasion_n to_o that_o prayer_n psal._n 86._o 11._o unite_v my_o heart_n to_o fear_v thy_o name_n how_o much_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n upon_o this_o account_n every_o day_n abundance_n of_o rule_n be_v give_v to_o cure_v this_o evil_a but_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n make_v they_o all_o necessary_a second_o the_o activity_n of_o faith_n be_v 2._o clog_v by_o natural_a unbelief_n o_o what_o difficulty_n be_v every_o work_n of_o faith_n carry_v through_o lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n mark_n 9_o 24._o it_o cramp_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o part_n of_o its_o work_n the_o soul_n sensible_o feel_v itself_o bind_v and_o fetter_a by_o its_o own_o unbelief_n so_o that_o it_o can_v assent_v with_o that_o fullness_n clearness_n and_o determinatness_n that_o it_o will_v it_o can_v apply_v with_o that_o strength_n certainty_n and_o comfort_v it_o desire_v and_o thus_o be_v the_o
never_o give_v that_o repose_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o internal_a witness_n or_o seal_v of_o the_o spirit_n do_v for_o that_o may_v be_v a_o delusion_n but_o this_o can_v the_o witness_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n may_v amount_v to_o a_o strong_a probability_n but_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v demonstration_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 24._o so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o design_n and_o work_v of_o satan_n to_o cast_v in_o doubt_n and_o fear_n into_o gracious_a heart_n to_o perplex_v and_o entangle_v they_o so_o opposite_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o clear_v and_o settle_v the_o sanctify_a soul_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v joh._n 16._o 7._o rom._n 14._o 17._o in_o seal_v he_o both_o atte_v the_o fidem_fw-la quae_fw-la creditur_fw-la the_o doctrine_n or_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o fidem_fw-la quâ_fw-la creditur_fw-la the_o infuse_a habit_n or_o grace_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o former_a he_o say_v this_o be_v my_o word_n of_o the_o latter_a this_o be_v my_o work_n and_o his_o seal_n or_o testimony_n be_v evermore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o write_a word_n isa._n 8._o 20._o so_o that_o what_o he_o speak_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v evermore_o concordant_a and_o harmonious_a testimony_n to_o conclude_v in_o seal_v the_o believer_n he_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o a_o audible_a voice_n nor_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n nor_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o he_o make_v use_v of_o his_o own_o grace_n implant_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o his_o own_o promise_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o this_o method_n he_o usual_o bring_v the_o doubt_v tremble_a heart_n of_o the_o believer_n to_o rest_n and_o comfort_n 2._o query_n why_o be_v none_o seal_v till_o after_o believe_v query_n answ._n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o person_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o unbelief_n may_v have_v ungrounded_a confidence_n and_o false_a comfort_n build_v thereupon_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o matth._n 7._o 22._o many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v not_o we_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o joh._n 8._o 54_o 55._o of_o who_o you_o say_v that_o he_o be_v your_o god_n and_o yet_o you_o have_v not_o know_v he_o and_o beyond_o all_o be_v that_o startle_a scripture_n heb._n 6._o 4_o 5._o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o fall_v away_o etc._n etc._n but_o for_o any_o except_o real_a believer_n to_o have_v those_o witness_n and_o sealing_n of_o the_o spirit_n describe_v above_o be_v utter_o impossible_a and_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o author_n nature_n object_n medium_n end_v and_o design_n of_o this_o work_n first_o consider_v the_o author_n of_o this_o work_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a 1._o spirit_n as_o the_o text_n call_v he_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n as_o christ_n call_v he_o joh._n 14._o 17._o and_o it_o can_v be_v that_o ever_o he_o shall_v give_v testimony_n to_o a_o lie_n or_o give_v a_o false_a witness_n quite_o cross_a to_o the_o very_a tenor_n of_o the_o write_a word_n as_o he_o must_v do_v shall_v he_o seal_v a_o unbeliever_n what_o though_o they_o be_v elect_a yet_o whilst_o unregenerate_a they_o have_v no_o actual_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v none_o seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n prius_fw-la est_fw-la praedicare_fw-la de_fw-fr esse_fw-la quam_fw-la de_fw-la cognosci_fw-la we_o must_v be_v saint_n befose_v we_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o second_o consider_v but_o the_o nature_n 2._o of_o this_o work_n and_o it_o can_v be_v that_o ever_o a_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o assurance_n be_v produce_v in_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o reflexive_a act_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o reflect_v upon_o what_o have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o former_o upon_o our_o heart_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 3._o to_o know_v that_o we_o know_v be_v a_o reflex_n act_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o reflex_n before_o there_o have_v be_v a_o direct_a act_n no_o man_n can_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o faith_n before_o the_o habit_n be_v infuse_v and_o the_o vital_a act_n first_o perform_v three_o consider_v the_o object_n matter_n 3._o to_o which_o he_o seal_v and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v his_o own_o sanctify_a operation_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o consequent_o to_o our_o privilege_n in_o christ_n rom._n 8._o 16._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 24._o the_o thing_n or_o matter_n attest_v be_v that_o christ_n abide_v in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v seal_v till_o we_o believe_v for_o neither_o our_o adoption_n nor_o sanctification_n can_v be_v before_o faith_n four_o consider_v the_o medium_n or_o 4._o instrument_n use_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o seal_v work_n the_o promise_n be_v his_o seal_a instrument_n and_o on_o that_o account_n he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n in_o the_o text_n not_o only_o because_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n promise_v but_o as_o the_o promise_v contain_v the_o spirit_n so_o the_o spirit'use_v the_o promise_n i._n e._n clear_v they_o to_o our_o understanding_n and_o help_v we_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o he_o never_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v till_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n have_v union_n with_o christ_n for_o till_o then_o it_o have_v no_o right_a in_o the_o promise_n five_o and_o last_o consider_v the_o end_n 5._o and_o design_n of_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o secure_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o peace_n pardon_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ_n he_o seal_v believer_n to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4._o 30._o i._n e._n to_o their_o complete_a salvation_n so_o than_o it_o must_v be_v equal_o impossible_a for_o a_o unbeliever_n to_o be_v seal_v as_o to_o be_v save_v 3._o query_n the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o all_o believer_n query_n be_v seal_v by_o the_o spirit_n answ._n the_o resolution_n of_o this_o query_n will_v depend_v upon_o several_a distinction_n that_o must_v be_v make_v upon_o this_o matter_n 1._o distinction_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o different_a kind_n of_o the_o spirit_n seal_v all_o his_o 1._o seal_v work_n be_v not_o of_o one_o kind_n nor_o to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o use_n and_o end_n there_o be_v a_o objective_n seal_v which_o distinguish_v the_o person_n and_o a_o formal_a seal_n which_o clear_v and_o ratify_v his_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o salvation_n the_o first_o he_o do_v in_o sanctify_v we_o the_o second_o in_o assure_v we_o when_o he_o seal_v we_o objective_o that_o be_v when_o he_o sanctify_v we_o real_o by_o the_o infusion_n of_o grace_n he_o seal_v we_o by_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o other_o man_n which_o be_v one_o end_n of_o seal_v for_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o purpose_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o before_o time_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o and_o although_o in_o regard_n of_o christ_n intention_n in_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o joh._n 17._o 9_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n there_o be_v no_o personal_a actual_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o till_o sanctification_n do_v make_v one_o eph._n 2._o 3._o and_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 11._o but_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v a_o real_a difference_n in_o the_o state_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o person_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o and_o manifest_v that_o difference_n which_o election_n put_v betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o beforetime_n 1_o thes._n 1._o 4_o 5._o and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v formal_o seal_v i_o e._n his_o sanctification_n may_v be_v very_o doubtful_a to_o himself_o and_o he_o may_v labour_v under_o great_a fear_n about_o it_o 2._o distinction_n the_o season_n of_o the_o spirit_n seal_v must_v be_v distinguish_v and_o these_o be_v 2._o to_o some_o first_o immediate_o upon_o the_o soul_n first_o close_n with_o christ_n at_o conversion_n especial_o when_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v at_o ripe_a age_n and_o be_v usher_v in_o by_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o deep_a inward_a terror_n thus_o the_o prodigal_n the_o emblem_n of_o a_o convert_n so_o bring_v home_o to_o god_n be_v entertain_v with_o the_o fat_a calf_n and_o music_n but_o all_o
christ_n the_o best_a mercy_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o when_o we_o be_v his_o enemy_n then_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v lesser_a mercy_n when_o we_o be_v reconcile_v and_o make_v friend_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o forcible_a reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o even_o compel_v assent_v rom._n 5._o 9_o much_o more_o be_v now_o justify_v by_o his_o blood_n we_o shall_v be_v save_v from_o wrath_n through_o he_o in_o a_o word_n four_o and_o last_o if_o it_o be_v the_o very_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n to_o open_v thereby_o a_o door_n for_o all_o mercy_n to_o be_v let_v in_o upon_o we_o then_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a he_o shall_v withhold_v they_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v his_o design_n nor_o lay_v so_o many_o stripe_n upon_o christ_n in_o vain_a some_o shall_v sure_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o none_o so_o capable_a as_o believer_n when_o god_n spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o it_o and_o can_v you_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o as_o these_o i_o will_v now_o manifest_v the_o fierceness_n of_o my_o wrath_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o my_o love_n to_o believer_n the_o pain_n shall_v be_v he_o that_o the_o ease_n and_o rest_n may_v be_v they_o the_o stripe_n his_o and_o the_o heal_a balm_n issue_v from_o they_o they_o the_o condemnation_n his_o and_o the_o justification_n they_o the_o reproach_n and_o shame_v his_o and_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n they_o the_o curse_v he_o and_o the_o blessing_n they_o the_o death_n his_o and_o the_o life_n they_o the_o vinegar_n and_o gall_n his_o the_o sweet_a of_o it_o they_o he_o shall_v groan_v and_o they_o shall_v triumph_v he_o shall_v mourn_v that_o they_o may_v rejoice_v his_o heart_n shall_v be_v heavy_a for_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v be_v light_a and_o glad_a for_o ever_o he_o shall_v be_v forsake_v that_o they_o may_v never_o be_v forsake_v out_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o misery_n to_o he_o shall_v spring_v the_o sweet_a of_o mercy_n to_o they_o o_o grace_n grace_n beyond_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o large_a mind_n the_o expression_n of_o the_o tongue_n of_o angel_n the_o seven_o meditation_n upon_o mark_n 9_o 24._o and_o straightway_o the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n cry_v and_o say_v with_o tear_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o context_n and_o brief_o it_o be_v this_o a_o tender_a father_n bring_v a_o possess_a child_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v cure_v with_o a_o sipotes_n a_o doubt_a question_n if_o thou_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o and_o help_v we_o word_n impart_v much_o natural_a affection_n and_o tender_a love_n to_o his_o child_n have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o and_o help_v us_o if_o the_o child_n be_v sick_a the_o parent_n be_v not_o well_o what_o touch_v the_o child_n be_v feel_v by_o his_o father_n and_o as_o they_o import_v his_o natural_a affection_n to_o his_o child_n so_o also_o his_o own_o spiritual_a disease_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n his_o child_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o dumb_a devil_n and_o himself_o with_o unbelieving_a doubt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o christ_n ability_n to_o cure_v his_o child_n the_o child_n have_v a_o sick_a body_n and_o the_o father_n a_o infirm_a soul._n satan_n afflict_v one_o by_o a_o possession_n and_o the_o other_o by_o temptation_n ver_fw-la 22._o christ_n return_v his_o doubt_a language_n upon_o himself_o ver_fw-la 23._o if_o thou_o can_v believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v q._n d._n do_v thou_o doubt_v of_o my_o ability_n to_o heal_v thy_o child_n question_n rather_o thy_o own_o ability_n to_o believe_v for_o his_o cure_n if_o he_o be_v not_o heal_v the_o cause_n will_v not_o be_v in_o my_o inability_n but_o in_o thy_o own_o infidelity_n which_o he_o speak_v not_o to_o insinuate_v that_o faith_n be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o weakness_n and_o drive_v he_o to_o god_n for_o assistance_n which_o effect_v it_o obtain_v for_o immediate_o he_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v with_o tear_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n o_o how_o good_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o straits_n of_o affliction_n sometime_o have_v not_o this_o man_n fall_v into_o this_o distress_n it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o he_o have_v at_o least_o not_o so_o soon_o arrive_v either_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o grace_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n we_o may_v note_v these_o three_o part_n first_o a_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n lord_n i_o believe_v second_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o weakness_n 2._o of_o his_o faith_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n three_o the_o affection_n with_o which_o 3._o both_o be_v utter_v he_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v with_o tear_n if_o these_o tear_n proceed_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o divine_a power_n enable_v he_o to_o believe_v as_o some_o think_v than_o they_o be_v tear_n of_o joy_n and_o will_v inform_v we_o of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o least_o and_o low_a measure_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v matter_n of_o joy_n unspeakable_a to_o 1._o the_o possessor_n of_o it_o if_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o they_o give_v we_o this_o note_n that_o the_o remainder_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v cost_v they_o many_o tear_n they_o 2._o be_v the_o burden_n and_o sorrow_n of_o gracious_a soul_n 1._o doct._n that_o the_o least_o and_o low_a measure_n of_o faith_n be_v matter_n of_o joy_n unspeakable_a to_o the_o possessor_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o call_v it_o precious_a faith_n and_o it_o well_o deserve_v that_o epithet_n for_o the_o least_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v of_o invaluable_a excellency_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o particular_n first_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o save_a 1._o faith_n true_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v it_o as_o real_o a_o branch_n or_o member_n of_o he_o as_o moses_n abraham_n or_o paul_n be_v all_o save_a faith_n receive_v christ_n joh._n 1._o 12._o indeed_o the_o strong_a believer_n receive_v he_o with_o a_o strong_a and_o steady_a hand_n than_o the_o weak_a one_o do_v who_o stagger_v doubt_n and_o tremble_v but_o yet_o receive_v he_o and_o consequent_o be_v as_o much_o interest_v in_o the_o bless_a privilege_n flow_v from_o union_n as_o the_o great_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n such_o be_v christ_n complacency_n in_o our_o person_n and_o duty_n his_o sympathy_n with_o we_o in_o our_o trouble_n and_o affection_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o his_o person_n and_o purchase_n and_o be_v not_o this_o matter_n of_o exceed_a joy_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o melt_v yea_o overwhelm_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n to_o discover_v and_o feel_v that_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n which_o entitle_v he_o to_o such_o mercy_n second_o from_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o save_a faith_n we_o may_v infer'as_o plenary_a a_o 2._o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o from_o that_o strong_a the_o weak_a believer_n be_v as_o complete_o pardon_v as_o the_o strong_a act._n 10._o 43._o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n all_o that_o believe_v without_o difference_n of_o size_n strength_n or_o degree_n the_o least_o as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a the_o believer_n of_o a_o day_n old_a as_o well_o as_o the_o father_n and_o worthy_n of_o great_a name_n and_o long_a stand_v loe_o than_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o faith_n entitle_v thou_o as_o real_o to_o the_o great_a blessing_n as_o the_o high_a act_n of_o faith_n can_v do_v it_o be_v true_a the_o strong_a the_o act_v of_o faith_n be_v the_o clear_a the_o evidence_n usual_o be_v but_o interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o if_o then_o thou_o can_v discern_v but_o the_o weak_a act_n and_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n in_o thy_o soul_n have_v thou_o not_o reason_n with_o he_o in_o the_o text_n to_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v with_o tear_n lord_n i_o believe_v can_v thou_o receive_v and_o read_v this_o pardon_n the_o pardon_n of_o such_o and_o so_o many_o sin_n and_o not_o wet_v it_o with_o thy_o tear_n o_o its_o matter_n of_o joy_n unspeakable_a three_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o save_a faith_n infer_v thy_o election_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o melt_a and_o transport_v consideration_n nothing_o be_v o_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o more_o joy_n that_o our_o name_n be_v write_v in_o
the_o book_n of_o life_n than_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v subject_a to_o we_o luk._n 10._o 20._o from_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o we_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n act._n 13._o 48._o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v four_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o 4._o save_a faith_n be_v a_o mercy_n great_a than_o most_o man_n ever_o partake_v of_o it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v rich_a and_o bountiful_a in_o the_o gift_n of_o providence_n to_o other_o they_o have_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n many_o of_o they_o more_o than_o their_o heart_n can_v wish_v psal._n 73._o 7._o he_o enrich_v many_o of_o they_o also_o with_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n natural_a and_o moral_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n yea_o and_o adorn_v they_o with_o homilitical_a virtue_n that_o render_v they_o very_o desirable_a and_o lovely_a in_o their_o converse_v with_o man_n but_o there_o be_v but_o few_o to_o who_o he_o give_v save_v faith_n isa._n 53._o 1._o believer_n be_v but_o a_o small_a remnant_n among_o man_n five_o and_o last_o he_o that_o have_v any_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o save_a faith_n have_v that_o which_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o all_o other_o excellency_n go_v away_o at_o death_n job_n 4._o 21._o but_o this_o be_v a_o spring_n that_o never_o fail_v it_o spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n joh._n 4._o 14._o a_o man_n may_v outlive_v his_o friend_n and_o familiar_n his_o estate_n and_o health_n his_o gift_n and_o natural_a part_n but_o not_o his_o faith_n how_o great_a matter_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o faith_n 1._o use_v of_o trial_n it_o concern_v we_o then_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o strong_a or_o weak_a and_o till_o we_o discern_v its_o truth_n it_o will_v yield_v we_o but_o little_a comfort_n i_o confess_v weak_a believer_n be_v under_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o comfort_n small_a and_o weak_a thing_n be_v usual_o very_o inevident_a and_o undiscernible_a but_o yet_o in_o this_o example_n before_o we_o we_o find_v weak_a faith_n be_v make_v evident_a though_o much_o unbelief_n be_v mix_v with_o it_o lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n in_o which_o word_n many_o very_a useful_a sign_n of_o true_a though_o weak_a faith_n do_v appear_v and_o they_o be_v very_o relieve_v to_o weak_a believer_n to_o consider_v they_o o_o that_o we_o may_v find_v the_o like_a in_o we_o first_o his_o faith_n give_v he_o a_o tender_a melt_a heart_n he_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v with_o tear_n do_v your_o faith_n melt_v your_o heart_n either_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o own_o vileness_n or_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o free_a grace_n to_o such_o vile_a creature_n second_o his_o faith_n give_v he_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o remain_a unbelief_n and_o burden_v his_o heart_n with_o it_o help_v my_o unbelief_n and_o sure_o so_o will_v you_o if_o it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n in_o you_o three_o his_o weak_a faith_n carry_v he_o to_o christ_n in_o servant_n prayer_n and_o cry_n for_o his_o help_n to_o subdue_v unbelief_n in_o he_o and_o so_o will_v you_o if_o your_o faith_n be_v right_a oh_o how_o often_o do_v the_o people_n of_o god_n go_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n upon_o that_o errand_n help_v lord_n my_o heart_n be_v dead_a vain_a and_o very_o unbelieving_a there_o be_v no_o deal_n with_o it_o in_o my_o own_o strength_n father_n help_v i_o four_o his_o faith_n make_v he_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o great_a measure_n of_o it_o help_v my_o unbelief_n i._n e._n lord_n cure_v it_o that_o i_o may_v believe_v with_o more_o strong_a and_o steady_a act_n os_fw-la faith_n that_o i_o may_v not_o question_v thy_o power_n any_o more_o or_o say_v if_o thou_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n why_o thus_o will_v it_o be_v with_o you_o if_o you_o be_v true_a believer_n luk._n 17._o 5._o lord_n say_v the_o disciple_n increase_v our_o faith_n five_o there_o be_v a_o conflict_n in_o his_o soul_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o infidelity_n grace_n and_o corruption_n and_o this_o very_a sensible_a to_o he_o faith_n incline_v he_o one_o way_n and_o unbelief_n carry_v he_o another_o and_o hence_o he_o speak_v like_o a_o man_n great_o distress_v betwixt_o the_o work_n of_o contrary_a principle_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o so_o you_o will_v also_o find_v it_o in_o yourselves_o gal._n 5._o 17._o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n so_o that_o you_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o will_v 2._o use_v of_o consolation_n well_o then_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o be_v not_o use._n so_o discourage_v at_o its_o imperfection_n as_o to_o overlook_a and_o slight_a the_o small_a work_v of_o faith_n in_o your_o soul_n this_o poor_a man_n be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o his_o unbelief_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n true_o thankful_a for_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o shall_v you_o for_o first_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v more_o than_o all_o creature_n power_n can_v produce_v it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n col._n 2._o 12._o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v joh._n 6._o 29._o yea_o it_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n eph._n 1._o 19_o 20._o no_o minister_n of_o christ_n how_o excellent_a soever_o their_o gift_n be_v no_o duty_n or_o ordinance_n no_o labour_n or_o diligence_n of_o your_o own_o without_o this_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n can_v ever_o bring_v you_o to_o faith_n second_o it_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o astonishment_n that_o ever_o one_o spark_n of_o faith_n be_v kindle_v in_o such_o a_o heart_n as_o thou_o be_v a_o heart_n which_o have_v no_o predisposition_n or_o inclination_n in_o the_o least_o to_o believe_v yea_o it_o be_v not_o rasa_fw-la tabula_fw-la like_o clean_a paper_n vo●…d_v of_o any_o impression_n of_o faith_n but_o fill_v with_o contrary_a impression_n to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v marvellous_a that_o ever_o your_o heart_n receive_v the_o stamp_n or_o impression_n of_o faith_n on_o they_o it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o fire_n shall_v fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o burn_v upon_o the_o altar_n when_o elijah_n have_v lay_v the_o wood_n in_o order_n upon_o it_o but_o much_o more_o when_o he_o pour_v so_o much_o water_n upon_o it_o as_o not_o only_o wet_v all_o the_o wood_n but_o fill_v the_o trench_n 1_o king_n 18._o 33._o just_o so_o be_v the_o case_n of_o thy_o soul_n reader_n when_o god_n come_v to_o kindle_v faith_n there_o thy_o heart_n be_v dark_a and_o ignorant_a neither_o acquaint_v with_o god_n or_o thy_o own_o condition_n yea_o thy_o heart_n be_v a_o proud_a heart_n full_a of_o self-righteousness_n and_o self-conceitedness_n rev._n 3._o 17._o rom._n 10._o 3._o a_o heart_n that_o will_v rather_o venture_v eternal_a damnation_n than_o deny_v self_n and_o submit_v to_o christ_n and_o yet_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v shine_v into_o this_o darkness_n and_o the_o pride_n and_o stiffness_n of_o thy_o heart_n must_v be_v break_v and_o bring_v to_o yield_v or_o there_o be_v no_o believe_v beside_o how_o many_o and_o mighty_a enemy_n do_v oppose_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o thy_o soul_n among_o which_o satan_n and_o thy_o own_o carnal_a reason_n be_v the_o principal_a 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o by_o they_o what_o strong_a hold_v and_o sortification_n be_v raise_v to_o secure_v thou_o from_o the_o stroke_n of_o conviction_n and_o make_v way_n for_o faith_n let_v but_o the_o state_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v by_o nature_n be_v consider_v and_o thou_o will_v say_v it_o be_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o thou_o be_v bring_v in_o any_o degree_n to_o believe_v three_o though_o thy_o faith_n be_v weak_a yet_o it_o be_v grow_v if_o it_o be_v save_v faith_n the_o large_a tree_n be_v once_o but_o a_o kernel_n or_o acorn_n the_o most_o famous_a believer_n at_o first_o but_o a_o weak_a and_o doubt_v one_o be_v not_o discourage_v therefore_o god_n will_v fulfil_v all_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o you_o and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n it_o be_v certain_o much_o better_a for_o you_o to_o be_v blessing_n god_n for_o a_o little_a faith_n pray_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o diligent_o attend_v those_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v and_o make_v flourish_v in_o your_o soul_n than_o by_o a_o sinful_a ungrateful_a and_o prejudicial_a despondency_n at_o once_o to_o
have_v the_o wing_n of_o a_o dove_n to_o fly_v away_o from_o this_o pollute_a world_n this_o unquiet_a world_n and_o be_v at_o rest_n 1._o infer_v then_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o infer_v a_o state_n of_o glory_n for_o the_o saint_n heaven_n be_v no_o dream_n or_o night_n vision_n it_o be_v sensible_o taste_v and_o feel_v by_o thousand_o of_o witness_n in_o this_o world_n they_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v no_o mistake_n god_n be_v with_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o do_v not_o only_o read_v of_o a_o glorify_a eye_n but_o they_o have_v something_o of_o it_o or_o like_v it_o in_o this_o world_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n do_v here_o see_v god_n matth._n 5._o 8._o the_o saint_n have_v not_o only_o a_o witness_n without_o they_o in_o the_o word_n that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o glory_n prepare_v for_o believer_n but_o they_o have_v a_o witness_n in_o themselves_o these_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o craze_a brain_n but_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o serious_a of_o man_n not_o a_o few_o but_o a_o multitude_n of_o they_o not_o conjectural_o deliver_v but_o upon_o taste_n feeling_n and_o trial_n o_o bless_a be_v god_n for_o such_o sensible_a confirmation_n such_o sweet_a praelibation_n 2._o infer_v but_o o_o what_o be_v heaven_n and_o what_o infer_v ●…hat_o state_n of_o glory_n reserve_v for_o the_o saint_n do_v a_o glimpse_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o a_o duty_n go_v down_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o reins_o o_o how_o unutterable_a then_o must_v that_o be_v which_o be_v see_v and_o feel_v above_o where_o god_n come_v as_o near_o to_o man_n as_o can_v be_v rev._n 22._o 3_o 4._o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n shall_v be_v in_o it_o and_o his_o servant_n shall_v serve_v he_o and_o they_o shall_v see_v his_o face_n and_o 1_o thes._n 4._o 17._o and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n o_o what_o be_v that_o ever_o with_o the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d christian_n what_o you_o feel_v and_o taste_v here_o by_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o heaven_n glory_n but_o yet_o heaven_n will_v be_v a_o unspeakable_a surprisal_n to_o you_o when_o you_o come_v thither_o for_o all_o that_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v 1_o joh._n 3._o 1_o 2._o 3._o infer_v see_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o cast_v infer_v these_o very_a body_n into_o a_o new_a mould_n by_o their_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a according_a to_o that_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 41._o it_o be_v sow_v in_o weakness_n but_o raise_v in_o power_n how_o else_o can_v it_o be_v a_o copartner_n with_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o ineffable_a joy_n of_o that_o presence_n above_o certain_o my_o friend_n that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o vessel_n to_o contain_v such_o strong_a liquor_n as_o this_o have_v need_n be_v strong_o hoop_v lest_o it_o fly_v to_o piece_n as_o old_a bottle_n do_v when_o fill●…d_a with_o new_a wine_n the_o state_n of_o this_o mortality_n can_v bear_v the_o fullness_n of_o that_o joy_n hold_v lord_n stay_v thy_o hand_n say_v a_o choice_n christian_n once_o thy_o creature_n be_v but_o a_o clay_n vessel_n and_o can_v hold_v no_o more_o if_o a_o transient_a glimpse_n of_o god_n here_o be_v feel_v in_o the_o very_a reins_o if_o it_o so_o work_v upon_o the_o very_a body_n by_o sympathy_n with_o the_o soul_n o_o what_o vigorous_a spiritual_a body_n do_v the_o state_n of_o glory_n require_v and_o such_o they_o shall_v be_v phil._n 3._o 21._o like_a unto_o christ_n glorious_a body_n 4._o infer_v be_v god_n so_o near_o to_o his_o people_n above_o infer_v all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n how_o good_a be_v it_o to_o be_v near_o they_o that_o be_v so_o near_o to_o god_n o_o it_o will_v do_v a_o man_n heart_n good_a to_o be_v near_o that_o person_n who_o have_v late_o have_v god_n near_o to_o his_o soul._n well_o may_v david_n say_v psal._n 16._o 3._o all_o my_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n and_o again_o psal._n 119_o 63._o i_o be_o a_o companion_n of_o all_o such_o as_o fear_v thou_o o_o this_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n this_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o society_n not_o the_o communication_n of_o their_o gift_n but_o the_o savour_n of_o god_n on_o their_o spirit_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v allure_a in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v 1_o joh._n 1._o 3_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v say_v zech._n 8._o 23._o of_o the_o jew_n the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o that_o people_n that_o ten_o man_n out_o of_o all_o language_n shall_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o skirt_n of_o he_o that_o be_v a_o jew_n say_v we_o will_v go_v with_o you_o for_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o god_n be_v with_o you_o christian_n if_o there_o be_v more_o of_o god_n upon_o you_o and_o in_o you_o other_o will_v not_o be_v tempt_v to_o leave_v your_o society_n and_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n they_o will_v say_v we_o will_v go_v with_o you_o for_o god_n be_v with_o you_o 5._o infer_v if_o god_n be_v so_o near_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o infer_v reins_o of_o his_o people_n in_o their_o duty_n o_o how_o assiduous_a shall_v they_o be_v in_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n psal._n 73._o 28._o good_a indeed_o the_o world_n can_v reward_v the_o expense_n of_o time_n at_o this_o rate_n with_o all_o its_o glory_n jam._n 4._o 8._o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n and_o he_o will_v draw_v nigh_o to_o you_o thou_o meet_v he_o that_o rejoice_v and_o work_v righteousness_n those_o that_o remember_v thou_o in_o thy_o way_n isa._n 64._o 5._o it_o will_v be_v a_o encouragement_n indeed_o ob._n if_o i_o may_v thus_o meet_v god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o that_o be_v but_o seldom_o i_o can_v so_o meet_v god_n there_o in_o sensible_a powerful_a outlet_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n i_o be_o most_o dead_a and_o cold_a there_o i_o feel_v not_o communion_n with_o god_n go_v down_o to_o my_o heart_n and_o reins_o first_o you_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n but_o sol._n be_v it_o in_o truth_n or_o in_o mere_a formality_n god_n be_v only_o nigh_o to_o such_o as_o call_v in_o truth_n upon_o he_o psal._n 145._o 18._o second_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v sincere_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o sluggish_a do_v you_o stir_v up_o yourselves_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n many_o there_o be_v that_o do_v not_o isa._n 64._o 7._o and_o cant._n 5._o 3_o 5._o three_o have_v you_o not_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o withdraw_v from_o you_o o_o remember_v what_o pride_n and_o vanity_n have_v be_v in_o you_o after_o former_a manifestation_n eph._n 4._o 30._o four_o nevertheless_o wait_v for_o god_n in_o his_o way_n his_o come_n upon_o our_o soul_n be_v oftentimes_o yea_o most_o a_o surprisal_n to_o we_o cant._n 6._o 12._o or_o ever_o i_o be_v aware_a my_o soul_n make_v i_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n 6._o infer_v what_o steady_a christian_n shall_v all_o infer_v real_a christian_n be_v for_o lo_o what_o a_o seal_n and_o witness_n have_v religion_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o true_a christian_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v by_o report_n or_o learn_v by_o book_n the_o reality_n of_o it_o but_o feel_v by_o experience_n and_o have_v a_o sensible_a proof_n of_o it_o in_o their_o very_a heart_n and_o reins_o their_o reins_o instruct_v they_o as_o it_o be_v psal._n 16._o 7._o they_o learn_v by_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o feeling_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v give_v great_a confirmation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n among_o man_n one_o traditional_a the_o other_o experimental_a this_o last_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o know_v in_o ourselves_o heb._n 10_o 34._o and_o oppose_v it_o to_o that_o traditional_a knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o ourselves_o because_o borrow_v from_o other_o man_n now_o this_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o soul_n be_v that_o only_a which_o fix_v a_o man_n spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n it_o make_v the_o hebrew_n take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n no_o argument_n or_o temptation_n can_v wrest_v truth_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o experience_n non_fw-la est_fw-la disputandum_fw-la de_fw-fr gustu_fw-la for_o want_v of_o this_o many_o professor_n turn_v aside_o from_o truth_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o trial_n o_o brethren_n labour_v to_o feel_v the_o influence_n of_o
soul_n to_o he_o we_o have_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v to_o we_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 16._o 19_o when_o christ_n have_v forgive_v much_o to_o that_o poor_a woman_n that_o have_v sin_v much_o and_o manifest_v pardon_v mercy_n to_o her_o soul_n o_o how_o much_o be_v her_o love_n to_o christ_n inflame_v thereby_o luk._n 7._o 47._o second_o renew_v care_n and_o diligence_n follow_v the_o sealing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o now_o be_v the_o soul_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n as_o mary_n be_v at_o the_o sepulchre_n with_o fear_n and_o great_a joy_n he_o that_o travel_n the_o road_n with_o a_o rich_a treasure_n about_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o thief_n in_o every_o bush_n this_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o spouse_n who_o have_v endure_v many_o a_o sad_a day_n and_o night_n in_o christ_n absence_n and_o seek_v he_o sorrow_v but_o when_o she_o have_v regain_v his_o felt_n and_o sensible_a presence_n it_o be_v say_v cant._n 3._o 4._o i_o find_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v i_o hold_v he_o and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v she_o do_v not_o as_o one_o speak_v lay_v by_o loc._n diligence_n as_o if_o all_o be_v do_v but_o be_v of_o new_a take_v up_o with_o as_o great_a care_n to_o retain_v and_o improve_v this_o mercy_n as_o before_o she_o be_v solicitous_a to_o obtain_v it_o whether_o a_o believer_n want_n or_o have_v whether_o he_o be_v seek_v or_o enjoy_v there_o be_v still_o matter_n of_o exercise_n for_o he_o in_o his_o condition_n three_o deep_a abasement_n and_o great_a 3._o humbling_n use_v to_o follow_v the_o eminent_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n lord_n say_v that_o disciple_n how_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o will_v manifest_v thyself_o to_o we_o and_o not_o unto_o the_o world_n joh._n 14._o 22._o when_o god_n seal_v the_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o at_o this_o abraham_n fall_v upon_o his_o face_n gen._n 17._o 1_o 2_o 3._o never_o do_v a_o soul_n lie_v low_a in_o the_o dust_n and_o abhor_v itself_o than_o when_o the_o lord_n make_v the_o most_o signal_n manifestation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o it_o four_o increase_v strength_n follow_v 4._o the_o sealing_n of_o the_o spirit_n new_a power_n enter_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o sensible_a improvement_n of_o its_o ability_n for_o duty_n or_o ever_o i_o be_v aware_a say_v the_o spouse_n my_o soul_n make_v i_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n cant._n 6._o 12._o now_o the_o wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v oil_v with_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n run_v nimble_o in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v your_o strength_n five_o sealing_n of_o the_o spirit_n inflame_v 5._o the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o heaven_n and_o make_v it_o long_o to_o go_v home_o nothing_o make_v death_n so_o undesirable_a to_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o doubt_n and_o fear_n that_o hang_v upon_o their_o spirit_n about_o their_o condition_n be_v their_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n clear_a and_o their_o doubt_n resolve_v they_o will_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v desire_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n phil._n 1._o 23._o if_o once_o the_o great_a question_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v thorough_o decide_v and_o all_o be_v clear_a betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v life_n the_o matter_n of_o patience_n and_o death_n the_o object_n of_o desire_n six_o and_o last_o improve_v mortification_n 6._o to_o the_o world_n flow_v natural_o from_o the_o sealing_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v with_o our_o soul_n after_o such_o a_o view_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o seal_a interest_n therein_o as_o it_o be_v with_o he_o that_o have_v be_v gaze_v upon_o that_o glorious_a creature_n the_o sun_n when_o he_o come_v to_o cast_v his_o eye_n again_o upon_o the_o earth_n all_o thing_n seem_v dark_a and_o cloudy_a to_o he_o he_o see_v no_o beauty_n in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n because_o of_o that_o excellent_a lustre_n which_o he_o late_o behold_v we_o know_v say_v the_o apostle_n 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 a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n there_o be_v assurance_n or_o seal_v for_o in_o this_o we_o groan_v earnest_o desiridg_n to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n there_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o it_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 1_o 2._o uses_n the_o point_n speak_v to_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n viz._n 1._o to_o those_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v seal_v 2._o to_o those_o that_o once_o have_v but_o now_o want_v this_o comfort_n 3._o to_o those_o that_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o first_o to_o those_o that_o yet_o want_v this_o 1._o mercy_n who_o have_v not_o be_v formal_o seal_v by_o any_o assurance_n of_o their_o title_n to_o christ_n but_o all_o their_o day_n have_v be_v clog_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n of_o their_o condition_n to_o such_o my_o counsel_n be_v first_o that_o you_o be_v not_o quiet_a under_o these_o uncertainty_n but_o pant_v after_o the_o assurance_n of_o peace_n and_o pardon_n say_v unto_o christ_n as_o the_o spouse_n do_v cant._n 8._o 6._o set_a i_o as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o heart_n as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o arm_n pant_n after_o it_o as_o david_n do_v psal._n 35._o 3._o say_v unto_o my_o soul_n i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n how_o can_v you_o look_v upon_o such_o precious_a promise_n and_o not_o dare_v to_o taste_v they_o how_o can_v you_o hear_v other_o speak_v of_o their_o satisfaction_n peace_n and_o assurance_n and_o be_v quiet_a until_o you_o also_o have_v attain_v it_o what_o be_v it_o that_o hinder_v this_o mercy_n that_o it_o can_v come_v home_o to_o your_o soul_n be_v it_o your_o neglect_n of_o duty_n o_o stir_v up_o yourselves_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n be_v it_o want_v of_o a_o through_o search_n and_o examination_n of_o your_o estate_n o_o let_v not_o thy_o eye_n find_v rest_n till_o that_o be_v full_o do_v be_v it_o some_o special_a guilt_n upon_o thy_o soul_n that_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v restless_a till_o it_o be_v remove_v i_o know_v this_o mercy_n be_v not_o at_o your_o command_n do_v what_o you_o can_v do_v but_o yet_o i_o also_o know_v when_o god_n bestow_v it_o he_o usual_o do_v it_o in_o these_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n second_o to_o those_o that_o once_o have_v 2._o but_o now_o want_v this_o blessing_n who_o say_v as_o job_n 29._o 2_o 3._o o_o that_o it_o be_v with_o i_o as_o in_o day_n past_a the_o darkness_n be_v the_o great_a to_o you_o because_o you_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o sum_n of_o christ_n counsel_n in_o this_o case_n be_v give_v in_o three_o word_n rev._n 2._o 5._o remember_v repent_v reform_v first_o remember_v i._n e._n ponder_v consider_v compare_v time_n with_o time_n and_o state_n with_o state_n how_o well_o it_o once_o be_v how_o sad_a it_o now_o be_v second_o repent_v mourn_v over_o these_o your_o sinful_a relapse_n sure_o you_o may_v challenge_v the_o first_o place_n among_o all_o the_o mourner_n in_o the_o world_n your_o loss_n be_v great_a o_o better_o to_o have_v lose_v the_o light_n of_o your_o eye_n than_o this_o sweet_a light_n of_o god_n countenance_n your_o sin_n have_v separate_v betwixt_o you_o and_o your_o god_n o_o mourn_v over_o it_o three_o reform_v do_v your_o first_o work_n again_o o_o christian_n consider_v thy_o heart_n be_v sink_v deep_a into_o the_o world_n than_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v thy_o duty_n be_v few_o and_o thy_o zeal_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n much_o abate_v return_v return_n o_o backslide_n soul_n and_o labour_n to_o recover_v thy_o first_o love_n to_o christ_n whatever_o pain_n it_o cost_v thou_o last_o to_o those_o that_o do_v enjoy_v 3._o these_o choice_n and_o invaluable_a mercy_n the_o sealing_n of_o the_o spirit_n first_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o grieve_v not_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o you_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4._o 30._o he_o have_v comfort_v you_o do_v you_o grieve_v he_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o tender_a and_o delicate_a thing_n you_o may_v quick_o deprive_v yourselves_o of_o his_o joy_n and_o peace_n second_o be_v humble_a under_o this_o advancement_n and_o dignity_n if_o your_o heart_n once_o begin_v to_o swell_v look_v out_o for_o humble_v dispensation_n quick_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 7._o this_o treasure_n be_v always_o keep_v in_o the_o vessel_n of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a heart_n three_o keep_v close_o to_o duty_n yea_o tack_v one_o duty_n to_o
perpetual_a we_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes._n 4._o 7._o long_o therefore_o to_o drink_v that_o new_a wine_n in_o the_o father_n kingdom_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v and_o let_v he_o that_o hear_v say_v come_v even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o the_o eleven_o meditation_n upon_o cant._n 8._o v._n 6._o set_v i_o as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o heart_n as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o arm_n for_o love_n be_v strong_a as_o death_n jealousy_n be_v cruel_a as_o the_o grave_n the_o coal_n thereof_o be_v coal_n of_o fire_n which_o have_v a_o most_o vehement_a flame_n this_o book_n be_v a_o sacred_a allegory_n the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v deep_a and_o spiritual_a our_o unacquaintedness_n with_o such_o scheme_n and_o figure_n of_o speech_n together_o with_o the_o want_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o experience_n make_v it_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o the_o allegory_n be_v once_o unfold_v by_o reason_n of_o its_o affinity_n with_o the_o fancy_n truth_n be_v more_o easy_o and_o affect_o transmit_v both_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n st._n augustine_n assign_v this_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v so_o much_o delight_v with_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n because_o they_o be_v so_o much_o proportion_v to_o our_o sense_n with_o which_o our_o reason_n have_v contract_v a_o intimacy_n and_o familiarity_n and_o therefore_o god_n to_o accommodate_v his_o truth_n to_o our_o capacity_n do_v as_o it_o be_v embody_n it_o in_o earthly_a expression_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a gaballist_n lumen_fw-la supremum_fw-la nunquam_fw-la descendit_fw-la sine_fw-la in_o dument●…_n heavenly_a truth_n never_o descend_v to_o we_o without_o its_o vail_n and_o cover_n the_o word_n before_o we_o be_v the_o request_n of_o the_o spouse_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n viz._n 1._o her_o suit_n which_o be_v earnest_a 2._o her_o argument_n which_o be_v weighty_a her_o earnest_a suit_n or_o request_n to_o jesus_n christ_n set_v i_o as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o heart_n 1._o as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o arm_n the_o heart_n of_o christ_n note_v his_o most_o dear_a inward_a and_o tender_a affection_n his_o arm_n note_v his_o protect_a and_o preserve_v care_n and_o power_n the_o last_o natural_o follow_v the_o first_o what_o man_n dear_o affect_v they_o tender_o and_o careful_o protect_v and_o by_o set_v she_o as_o a_o seal_n upon_o his_o heart_n and_o arm_n she_o mean_v a_o sure_a and_o a_o well-confirmed_n interest_n both_o in_o his_o love_n and_o power_n this_o she_o will_v have_v firm_o seal_v and_o ratify_v and_o that_o this_o be_v her_o meaning_n will_v plain_o appear_v from_o the_o argument_n with_o which_o she_o enforce_v her_o request_n for_o love_n be_v strong_a as_o 2._o death_n jealousy_n be_v cruel_a as_o the_o grave_n etc._n etc._n by_o jealousy_n we_o must_v understand_v her_o fear_n and_o suspicion_n of_o come_v short_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o love_n q._n d._n what_o if_o after_o all_o i_o shall_v be_v deceive_v what_o if_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o love_v i_o with_o a_o special_a love_n o_o these_o fear_n and_o suspicion_n be_v intolerable_a torment_n to_o she_o she_o can_v bear_v they_o they_o be_v cruel_a as_o the_o grave_n insufferable_a as_o coal_n of_o fire_n which_o have_v a_o most_o vehement_a flame_n q._n d._n lord_n if_o thou_o leave_v i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o jealousy_n of_o thy_o love_n i_o shall_v be_v but_o a_o torment_n to_o myself_o i_o shall_v live_v as_o one_o upon_o the_o rack_n or_o in_o the_o flame_n hence_o the_o note_n be_v doct._n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n which_o true_a christian_n more_o earnest_o desire_n than_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v and_o satisfy_v of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o this_o point_n two_o thing_n must_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o why_o this_o assurance_n be_v so_o desirable_a 2._o how_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v why_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o 1._o christ_n be_v so_o desirable_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o among_o other_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o especial_o make_v it_o so_o viz._n 1._o the_o sweetness_n of_o its_o enjoyment_n 2._o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o attainment_n the_o sweetness_n of_o its_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v unexpressable_a and_o inconceivable_a 1._o for_o it_o be_v a_o mercy_n above_o all_o estimation_n it_o be_v 1._o the_o riches_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o rest_n and_o ease_v of_o the_o heart_n 3._o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n 4._o a_o cordial_n in_o death_n 5._o a_o sweet_a support_n in_o all_o trouble_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o very_a riches_n of_o faith_n the_o most_o pleasant_a fruit_n which_o grow_v upon_o the_o top_n branch_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o assurance_n of_o understanding_n hope_v and_o faith_n all_o these_o grace_n be_v precious_a in_o themselve_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v the_o most_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a part_n knowledge_n above_o knowledge_n be_v the_o full_a assurance_n of_o knowledge_n hope_v above_o hope_n be_v the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n and_o faith_n above_o faith_n be_v the_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n the_o least_o and_o low_a act_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v precious_a &_o above_o all_o value_n what_o then_o must_v the_o high_a and_o most_o excellent_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v certain_o there_o be_v a_o sweetness_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o few_o man_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o taste_v and_o they_o that_o do_v can_v find_v no_o word_n able_a to_o express_v it_o to_o another_o understanding_n the_o weak_a christian_n be_v exalt_v above_o other_o man_n but_o the_o assure_a christian_n have_v a_o preference_n before_o all_o other_o christian_n 2._o it_o be_v heart_n ease_n the_o very_a sabbath_n and_o sweet_a repose_n of_o the_o soul._n thousand_o of_o poor_a christian_n will_v part_v with_o all_o they_o possess_v in_o this_o world_n to_o enjoy_v it_o but_o it_o fly_v from_o they_o the_o life_n that_o most_o of_o they_o live_v be_v a_o life_n betwixt_o hope_n and_o fear_n their_o interest_n in_o christ_n be_v very_o doubtful_a to_o they_o sometime_o they_o be_v encourage_v from_o sensible_a working●…_n of_o grace_n than_o all_o be_v dash_v again_o by_o the_o contrary_a stir_n and_o work_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n now_o the_o sun_n shine_v out_o clear_a by_o and_o by_o the_o heaven_n be_v overcast_v and_o cloud_v again_o but_o the_o assure_a christian_n be_v at_o rest_n from_o those_o torment_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n which_o my_o text_n speak_v of_o that_o be_v as_o cruel_a as_o the_o grave_n and_o as_o insufferable_a as_o coal_n of_o fire_n in_o a_o man_n bosom_n he_o can_v take_v christ_n into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o say_v my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o return_v to_o thy_o rest_n o_o my_o soul_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o thou_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n yea_o the_o most_o rational_a pure_a and_o transport_v pleasure_n what_o be_v life_n without_o pleasure_n and_o what_o pleasure_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n comparable_a to_o this_o pleasure_n for_o let_v the_o seal_a and_o assure_a believer_n consider_v and_o compare_v and_o he_o must_v needs_o find_v a_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n beyond_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n if_o he_o consider_v well_o what_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o be_v no_o common_a mercy_n but_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o love_n a_o mercy_n incomprehensible_a by_o man_n or_o angel_n eph._n 3._o 19_o put_v christ_n into_o the_o sensible_a possession_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o joy_n be_v no_o more_o under_o his_o command_n for_o that_o time_n he_o can_v no_o more_o refuse_v to_o rejoice_v than_o he_o that_o be_v tickle_v can_v forbear_v to_o laugh_v and_o especial_o when_o his_o thought_n be_v exercise_v in_o compare_v state_n and_o condition_n either_o his_o own_o with_o other_o man_n or_o his_o own_o now_o with_o what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o think_v with_o thyself_o thus_o i_o be_o assure_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o love_n my_o interest_n in_o he_o be_v seal_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mercy_n few_o enjoy_v beside_o i_o there_o be_v million_o of_o soul_n of_o equal_a value_n with_o i_o by_o nature_n that_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v such_o a_o mercy_n as_o this_o yea_o the_o time_n be_v when_o i_o myself_o be_v far_o from_o it_o in_o my_o unregenerate_a estate_n lord_n how_o be_v it_o i_o have_v not_o then_o be_v seal_v to_o damnation_n o_o it_o be_v well_o with_o i_o for_o present_v that_o i_o can_v call_v christ_n my_o own_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v better_a and_o better_o my_o condition_n will_v
mend_v every_o day_n i_o be_o now_o in_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n before_o i_o shall_v be_v with_o christ_n and_o arrive_v at_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o my_o very_a heart_n o_o what_o pleasure_n do_v every_o glance_n backward_o or_o forward_o give_v to_o the_o seal_a soul_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o cordial_n in_o death_n and_o there_o be_v none_o like_o it_o this_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n triumph_n over_o the_o grave_n take_v death_n cheerful_o by_o the_o cold_a hand_n welcome_o its_o grim_a messenger_n and_o long_o to_o be_v go_v and_o be_v with_o christ._n dark_a and_o doubt_a christian_n may_v indeed_o shrink_v back_o from_o it_o and_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o exchange_n but_o the_o assure_a soul_n belong_v to_o be_v go_v and_o needs_o patience_n to_o live_v as_o other_o man_n do_v to_o die_v when_o one_o be_v ask_v if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v his_o answer_n be_v illius_fw-la est_fw-la nolle_fw-la mori_fw-la qui_fw-la nolit_fw-la ire_n ad_fw-la christum_fw-la let_v he_o be_v loath_a to_o die_v that_o be_v loath_a to_o go_v to_o christ._n the_o sugar_n of_o assurance_n sweeten_v the_o bitter_a cup_n of_o death_n and_o make_v it_o delectable_a to_o a_o believer_n relish_v 5._o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v a_o sweet_a support_n in_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_n let_v the_o assure_a soul_n be_v cast_v into_o what_o condition_n the_o lord_n please_v be_v it_o upon_o a_o bed_n of_o sickness_n yet_o this_o give_v his_o soul_n such_o support_n and_o comfort_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o say_v i_o be_o sick_a sin_n be_v forgive_v the_o soul_n be_v well_o when_o the_o body_n be_v in_o pain_n isa._n 33._o 24._o let_v he_o be_v cast_v in_o to_o a_o prison_n here_o be_v that_o will_v turn_v a_o prison_n into_o a_o paradise_n act._n 5._o 41._o let_v he_o be_v pinch_v with_o any_o outward_a want_n this_o will_v supply_v all_o as_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 10._o thus_o you_o see_v how_o desirable_a it_o be_v for_o its_o own_o excellency_n and_o as_o it_o be_v desirable_a for_o the_o sweetness_n 2._o of_o its_o own_o enjoyment_n so_o also_o from_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o attainment_n all_o excellency_n be_v lock_v up_o under_o many_o difficulty_n but_o none_o like_o this_o it_o be_v indeed_o easy_a to_o presume_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o cheat_v a_o man_n own_o soul_n with_o a_o dream_n and_o fancy_n of_o our_o own_o creation_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o get_v a_o seal_v clear_a title_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n and_o there_o be_v among_o other_o three_o thing_n that_o make_v it_o difficult_a 1._o the_o corruption_n that_o remain_v and_o daily_o work_v in_o the_o best_a heart_n these_o be_v evermore_o puzzle_v and_o scare_v the_o poor_a soul_n with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n about_o its_o condition_n grace_n teach_v man_n due_a severity_n to_o themselves_o and_o fear_v of_o their_o own_o deceitfulness_n make_v they_o think_v no_o heart_n be_v like_o their_o heart_n especial_o whilst_o they_o compare_v other_o man_n outside_n with_o their_o own_o inside_n as_o general_o they_o do_v o_o how_o do_v our_o own_o corruption_n every_o moment_n raise_v mist_n and_o cloud_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n we_o ever_o shall_v have_v one_o clear_a beam_n of_o assurance_n shine_v into_o such_o heart_n as_o our_o heart_n be_v 2._o the_o multitude_n of_o mistake_n and_o cheat_n that_o be_v frequent_o commit_v and_o find_v in_o this_o matter_n make_v upright_a heart_n the_o more_o suspicious_a and_o doubtful_a of_o their_o own_o condition_n o_o when_o they_o read_v matth._n 7._o 22._o that_o many_o will_v say_v to_o christ_n in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n it_o scare_n they_o lest_o they_o also_o be_v deceive_v 3._o the_o grand_a importance_n of_o the_o matter_n make_v poor_a soul_n fearful_a of_o conclude_v certain_o about_o it_o o_o when_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v upon_o the_o resolution_n of_o these_o question_n be_o i_o in_o christ_n or_o be_o i_o not_o it_o will_v mak●…_n he_o tremble_v to_o determine_v in_o a_o word_n assurance_n be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n or_o at_o our_o command_n there_o be_v many_o holy_a humble_a diligent_a and_o long_a soul_n to_o who_o it_o be_v deny_v it_o be_v arbitrary_o dispense_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o who_o he_o will_v and_o such_o favour_n be_v rare_a even_o among_o true_a believer_n the_o more_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v value_v and_o desire_v by_o all_o as_o the_o spouse_n do_v in_o this_o place_n and_o so_o much_o to_o the_o first_o thing_n upon_o what_o account_n the_o assurance_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v so_o desirable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o chrian_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o this_o mercy_n which_o be_v so_o desirable_a may_v be_v 2._o obtain_v and_o this_o be_v our_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n at_o this_o time_n you_o be_v now_o come_v to_o a_o seal_a ordinance_n institute_v on_o purpose_n for_o this_o noble_a end_n and_o use._n o_o that_o we_o can_v pray_v and_o plead_v for_o it_o as_o the_o spouse_n here_o do_v set_a i_o as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o heart_n as_o a_o seal_n upon_o thy_o arm_n for_o love_n be_v strong_a as_o death_n jealousy_n be_v cruel_a as_o the_o grave_n etc._n etc._n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o most_o desirable_a mercy_n take_v a_o few_o necessary_a hint_n of_o your_o present_a work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o follow_a direction_n 1._o direction_n will_v you_o be_v well_o secure_v of_o christ_n love_n to_o you_o and_o that_o you_o be_v set_v as_o a_o 1._o seal_n upon_o his_o heart_n then_o exercise_n and_o manifest_v more_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o be_v much_o upon_o your_o heart_n if_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o you_o that_o you_o have_v true_a love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n you_o need_v not_o at_o all_o to_o doubt_v but_o you_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o in_o his_o love_n i_o love_v they_o that_o love_v i_o prov._n 8._o 17._o and_o sure_o you_o have_v now_o before_o you_o the_o great_a motive_n in_o the_o world_n to_o inflame_v your_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ._n behold_v he_o as_o he_o here_o represent_v to_o you_o wound_v for_o your_o iniquity_n yea_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o your_o peace_n pardon_v and_o salvation_n o_o what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o behold_v how_o he_o love_v thou_o if_o christ_n love_n draw_v forth_o thou_o it_o will_v so_o far_o clear_v thy_o interest_n in_o his_o love_n as_o it_o shall_v engage_v thy_o heart_n in_o love_n to_o he_o 2._o direction_n but_o see_v the_o activity_n of_o your_o love_n will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o activity_n of_o your_o faith_n therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o advise_v you_o to_o make_v it_o the_o main_a work_n and_o business_n of_o this_o hour_n to_o exercise_v your_o faith_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n set_v yourselves_o this_o day_n to_o believe_v the_o more_o strong_a the_o direct_a act_n of_o your_o faith_n shall_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a its_o reflex_n act_n be_v like_a to_o be_v there_o be_v three_o distinct_a office_n or_o employment_n for_o your_o faith_n at_o this_o table_n viz._n 1._o to_o realize_v 2._o to_o apply_v 3._o to_o infer_v from_o the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 1._o realize_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o you_o and_o behold_v they_o here_o represent_v in_o a_o true_a glass_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n see_v you_o that_o bread_n break_v and_o that_o wine_n pour_v out_o as_o sure_o as_o this_o be_v so_o jesus_n christ_n endure_v the_o cross_n suffer_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a god_n in_o his_o soul_n and_o in_o his_o body_n upon_o the_o curse_a tree_n for_o and_o in_o the_o room_n of_o poor_a condemn_a sinner_n your_o faith_n for_o the_o one_o have_v as_o much_o yea_o more_o certainty_n than_o your_o sense_n have_v for_o the_o other_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v 16._o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n 2._o apply_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n this_o day_n to_o thy_o own_o soul._n believe_v all_o this_o to_o be_v do_v &_o suffer_v in_o thy_o room_n and_o for_o thy_o sake_n he_o offer_v not_o this_o sacrifice_n for_o his_o own_o sin_n but_o we_o isa._n 53._o 9_o heb._n 7._o 27._o he_o
nor_o bottom_n the_o bounty_n and_o liberality_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n pass_v knowledge_n who_o can_v number_v or_o value_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n they_o be_v more_o than_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o seashore_n it_o will_v weary_v the_o arm_n of_o a_o angel_n to_o write_v down_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n which_o come_v to_o the_o share_n of_o any_o particular_a christian_a in_o this_o world_n who_o can_v tell_v how_o many_o sin_n it_o pardon_n the_o free_a gift_n be_v of_o many_o offence_n unto_o justification_n rom._n 5._o 16._o how_o many_o danger_n it_o prevent_v or_o how_o many_o want_v it_o supply_v this_o we_o know_v that_o of_o all_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n joh._n 1._o 16._o but_o how_o full_a of_o grace_n christ_n be_v and_o how_o many_o mercy_n have_v and_o shall_v flow_v to_o we_o out_o of_o that_o fountain_n of_o love_n this_o be_v unknown_a to_o man_n to_o the_o best_a wise_a and_o most_o observant_a man_n o_o if_o the_o record_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o life_n be_v or_o can_v be_v gather_v and_o keep_v what_o vast_a volume_n will_v they_o swell_v to_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o you_o have_v the_o total_a sum_n give_v you_o in_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 22._o all_o be_v you_o but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o number_n as_o no_o man_n can_v number_v the_o constancy_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o his_o people_n pass_v knowledge_n no_o length_n 4._o of_o time_n no_o distance_n of_o place_n no_o change_n of_o condition_n either_o with_o he_o or_o we_o can_v possible_o make_v any_o alteration_n of_o his_o affection_n towards_o we_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o heb._n 13._o 8._o it_o be_v note_v also_o by_o the_o evangelist_n joh._n 13._o 1._o that_o have_v love_v his_o own_o which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o love_v they_o to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v true_a his_o condition_n be_v alter_v he_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o world_n converse_v with_o his_o people_n as_o he_o do_v once_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o be_v now_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o the_o high_a glory_n but_o yet_o his_o heart_n be_v the_o same_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o his_o people_n our_o condition_n also_o be_v often_o alter_v in_o this_o world_n but_o his_o love_n suffer_v no_o alteration_n yea_o which_o be_v much_o more_o admirable_a we_o do_v many_o thing_n daily_o that_o grieve_v he_o and_o offend_v he_o yet_o he_o take_v not_o away_o his_o love_a kindness_n from_o we_o nor_o suffer_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v we_o pour_v out_o so_o much_o cold_a water_n of_o unkindness_n and_o provocation_n as_o be_v enough_o to_o cool_v and_o quench_v any_o love_n in_o the_o world_n except_o his_o love_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o he_o continue_v unchangeable_a in_o love_n to_o we_o this_o peter_n find_v notwithstanding_o that_o great_a offence_n of_o he_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o lord_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o he_o greet_v he_o in_o the_o style_n of_o his_o former_a love_n and_o ancient_a respect_n go_v tell_v the_o disciple_n and_o tell_v peter_n so_o then_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o love_n transcend_v all_o creature-love_n and_o humane_a understanding_n we_o read_v in_o rom._n 5._o 7_o 8._o that_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v but_o we_o never_o find_v where_o any_o beside_o jesus_n christ_n will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o enemy_n it_o be_v record_v as_o a_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o love_n in_o damon_n and_o pythias_n the_o two_o sicilian_a philosopher_n that_o each_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o die_v for_o his_o friend_n for_o one_o of_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v by_o the_o tyrant_n and_o desire_v to_o give_v the_o last_o farewell_n to_o his_o family_n his_o friend_n go_v into_o prison_n for_o he_o as_o his_o surety_n to_o die_v for_o he_o if_o he_o return_v not_o at_o the_o appoint_a time_n but_o he_o do_v not_o die_v yea_o he_o have_v such_o a_o confidence_n in_o his_o friend_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o by_o default_n to_o die_v for_o he_o and_o if_o he_o have_v yet_o he_o have_v die_v for_o his_o friend_n but_o such_o be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o put_v he_o into_o danger_n of_o death_n but_o put_v he_o actual_o unto_o death_n yea_o the_o worst_a of_o death_n and_o that_o for_o his_o enemy_n o_o what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o we_o read_v of_o the_o love_n that_o jacob_n have_v for_o rachel_n and_o how_o he_o endure_v both_o the_o cold_a of_o winter_n and_o heat_n of_o summer_n for_o her_o sake_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n who_o for_o we_o endure_v the_o heat_n of_o god_n wrath_n beside_o she_o be_v beautiful_a but_o we_o unlovely_a david_n wish_v for_o absolom_n his_o son_n will_v god_n i_o have_v die_v for_o thou_o but_o it_o be_v but_o a_o wish_n and_o have_v it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n david_n will_v have_v shrinkt_v from_o death_n for_o all_o the_o affection_n he_o bear_v his_o beautiful_a son_n but_o christ_n actual_o give_v his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o do_v not_o only_o wish_v he_o have_v do_v it_o o_o love_n transcend_v the_o love_n of_o creature_n yea_o and_o surmount_v all_o creature-knowledge_n the_o use_v follow_v if_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n pass_v knowledge_n 1._o o_o then_o admire_v it_o yea_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n as_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o great_a weakness_n to_o admire_v small_a and_o common_a thing_n so_o it_o speak_v great_a stupidity_n not_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o great_a and_o unusual_a thing_n o_o christian_n if_o thou_o be_v one_o that_o converse_a with_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o love_n thou_o can_v not_o but_o admire_v it_o and_o the_o more_o thou_o study_v the_o more_o still_o will_v thou_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o and_o among_o the_o many_o wonder_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n these_o two_o will_v most_o of_o all_o affect_v thou_o viz._n 1._o that_o ever_o it_o pitch_v at_o first_o on_o thou_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o so_o many_o sin_n quench_v towards_o thou_o 1._o it_o be_v admirable_a that_o ever_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n pitch_v at_o first_o upon_o thou_o for_o be_v there_o not_o million_o in_o the_o world_n of_o sweet_a temper_n and_o better_a constitution_n than_o thyself_o who_o it_o have_v pass_v by_o and_o yet_o embrace_v thou_o lord_n say_v the_o disciple_n how_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o will_v manifest_v thyself_o unto_o we_o and_o not_o unto_o the_o world_n joh._n 14._o 22._o sure_o he_o do_v not_o set_v his_o love_n upon_o thou_o nor_o choose_v thou_o because_o thou_o be_v better_o than_o other_o but_o because_o he_o love_v thou_o 2._o it_o be_v admirable_a that_o his_o love_n to_o thou_o be_v not_o extinguish_v by_o so_o many_o sin_n as_o thou_o have_v commit_v against_o he_o lay_v thy_o hand_n christian_n this_o day_n upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o be_v think_v thyself_o how_o many_o have_v be_v the_o provocation_n wrong_n and_o dishonour_v thou_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o against_o thy_o god_n and_o that_o since_o he_o call_v thou_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o set_v his_o love_n upon_o thou_o what!_o and_o yet_o love_v thou_o still_o yea_o notwithstanding_o all_o he_o be_v still_o thy_o god_n and_o love_v thou_o with_o a_o unchangeable_a love_n o_o with_o how_o many_o notwithstanding_n be_v his_o love_n continue_v to_o thy_o soul_n all_o this_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o admiration_n and_o wonder_n for_o ever_o be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n past_o knowledge_n a_o unsearchable_a love_n then_o learn_v whence_o and_o why_o it_o be_v that_o th●…_n soul_n of_o believer_n never_o be_v not_o can_v be_v tire_v in_o behold_v and_o enjoy_v jesus_n christ._n we_o use_v to_o say_v one_o thing_n be_v tiresome_a and_o it_o be_v very_o true_a if_o it_o be_v a_o earthly_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v so_o how_o sweet_a or_o excellent_a soever_o it_o seem_v at_o first_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o b●…t_a creature-enjoyment_n be_v but_o a_o shallow_a thing_n and_o a_o few_o thought_n will_v sound_v it_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o there_o be_v no_o supply_n of_o new_a matter_n to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a soul_n upon_o it_o be_v quick_o sate_v and_o cloy_v with_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n over_o and_o over_o but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o in_o christ_n for_o though_o he_o be_v but_o one_o yet_o in_o that_o one_o thing_n all_o thing_n be_v virtual_o and_o eminent_o
wing_n of_o faith_n pinion_v that_o when_o we_o shall_v soar_v aloft_o in_o the_o high_a act_n of_o sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n we_o can_v but_o flutter_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v some_o weak_a essay_n and_o offer_n heaven-ward_n which_o often_o time_n be_v frustrate_v and_o put_v by_o through_o the_o unbelief_n that_o be_v in_o we_o three_o the_o excitation_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v render_v difficult_a by_o reason_n of_o that_o natural_a deadness_n and_o hardness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n alas_o it_o be_v natural_o a_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o as_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o dissolve_v or_o melt_v the_o rock_n into_o a_o sweet_a syrup_n as_o the_o heart_n into_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a affection_n towards_o god_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n that_o christian_n more_o passionate_o bewail_v and_o be_v more_o sensible_o afflict_v for_o than_o the_o deadness_n and_o hardness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n nothing_o be_v find_v sufficient_a sometime_o to_o effect_v and_o raise_v they_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o excite_v out_o of_o their_o torpor_n and_o stupidity_n they_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o duty_n 2._o second_o and_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o poor_a christian_n find_v 2._o themselves_o more_o infest_a by_o natural_a corruption_n in_o the_o season_n of_o duty_n than_o at_o other_o time_n the_o reason_n be_v obvious_a to_o he_o that_o consider_v that_o 1._o duty_n irritate_v it_o 2._o satan_n excite_v it_o 3._o god_n permit_v it_o to_o be_v so_o first_o corruption_n be_v irritate_v by_o 1._o duty_n it_o be_v provoke_v by_o that_o which_o bridle_n and_o purge_v it_o nothing_o be_v find_v more_o destructive_a to_o sin_n than_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v and_o therefore_o nothing_o make_v a_o fierce_a opposition_n to_o all_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o god_n than_o sin_n do_v as_o water_n swell_v and_o rage_n when_o they_o be_v obstruct_v by_o a_o dam_n so_o do_v our_o corruption_n when_o obstruct_a and_o check_v by_o duty_n sin_n will_v fain_o make_v man_n leave_v pray_v and_o prayer_n will_v fain_o make_v man_n leave_v sin_v second_o as_o duty_n irritate_v it_o so_o satan_n excite_v it_o especial_o in_o such_o season_n 2._o when_o joshua_n the_o high_a priest_n stand_v before_o the_o lord_n satan_n be_v see_v stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o resist_v he_o zech._n 3._o 1._o how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o a_o christian_a then_o to_o be_v dexterous_a apt_a and_o ready_a for_o spiritual_a work_n whilst_o satan_n stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o work_a hand_n to_o make_v resistance_n the_o devil_n be_v aware_a that_o one_o hour_n of_o close_a spiritual_a and_o hearty_a converse_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v able_a to_o pull_v down_o what_o he_o have_v be_v contrive_v and_o build_v many_o a_o year_n now_o this_o envious_a spirit_n have_v a_o easy_a access_n to_o to_o the_o fancy_n that_o busy_a and_o unruly_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o create_v such_o figment_n and_o notion_n in_o it_o as_o like_o a_o rapid_a stream_n shall_v carry_v away_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o thought_n from_o god_n in_o duty_n oh_o what_o ado_n have_v most_o christian_n to_o prevent_v the_o sally_n and_o excursion_n of_o their_o heart_n from_o god_n at_o such_o time_n three_o as_o satan_n exercise_v it_o so_o 3._o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n for_o good_a end_n to_o his_o people_n permit_v it_o to_o be_v so_o this_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n keep_v they_o humble_a these_o lament_a destruction_n and_o corruption_n in_o their_o duty_n destroy_v their_o dependence_n upon_o they_o and_o glory_v in_o they_o for_o if_o we_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o pride_n and_o confidence_n in_o our_o duty_n amid_o such_o sensible_a work_n and_o mingling_n of_o corruption_n with_o they_o what_o shall_v we_o be_v if_o they_o be_v more_o pure_a and_o excellent_a these_o thing_n also_o make_v the_o saint_n weary_a of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o groan_v within_o themselves_o after_o the_o more_o perfect_a state_n wherein_o god_n shall_v be_v enjoy_v and_o see_v in_o more_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o 3._o three_o this_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n 3._o can_v but_o be_v a_o very_a grievous_a affliction_n and_o pressure_n to_o the_o gracious_a soul_n to_o be_v thus_o clog_v and_o infest_a by_o its_o own_o corruption_n in_o the_o very_a season_n of_o its_o communion_n with_o god_n for_o first_o by_o this_o the_o soul_n be_v render_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o that_o holy_a presence_n it_o approach_v hab._n 1._o 13._o thou_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v evil_a and_o can_v not_o look_v upon_o iniquity_n must_v the_o great_a and_o bless_a god_n wait_v upon_o a_o poor_a worm_n till_o it_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o attend_v he_o must_v he_o be_v forsake_v for_o every_o trifle_n that_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o fancy_n oh_o how_o provoke_v a_o evil_n be_v this_o sure_o god_n hear_v not_o vanity_n neither_o will_v the_o almighty_a regard_n it_o job_n 35._o 13._o this_o unsuitableness_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o the_o lord_n can_v do_v less_o than_o cover_v our_o face_n with_o shame_n as_o it_o do_v ezra_n 9_o 6._o o_o my_o god_n i_o be_o ashamed_a and_o even_o blush_v to_o look_v up_o unto_o thou_o second_o by_o this_o those_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n be_v intercept_v which_o be_v better_a than_o life_n there_o be_v a_o sensible_a presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v manifestation_n of_o pardon_n peace_n and_o love_n there_o be_v revive_a influence_n and_o fresh_a anointing_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o thousand_o mercy_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o in_o their_o season_n be_v communicate_v to_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o will_v it_o not_o grieve_v a_o man_n to_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n to_o be_v defeat_v of_o those_o inestimable_a treasure_n by_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o the_o unbelief_n pride_n or_o vanity_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n when_o such_o mercy_n be_v almost_o in_o his_o hand_n your_o iniquite_v say_v the_o prophet_n have_v separate_v betwixt_o you_o and_o your_o god_n and_o your_o sin_n have_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v isa._n 59_o 2._o o_o cruel_a cover_n o_o dismal_a cloud_n that_o hide_v the_o face_n of_o god_n from_o his_o people_n that_o they_o can_v behold_v it_o wherefoream_v i_o come_v from_o geshur_n say_v absalon_n if_o i_o may_v not_o see_v the_o king_n face_n what_o do_v i_o here_o upon_o my_o knee_n say_v a_o christian_n if_o i_o may_v not_o see_v god_n duty_n be_v nothing_o to_o i_o without_o god_n the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o comfort_n be_v dry_a and_o tasteless_a thing_n to_o i_o without_o god_n his_o manifest_a favour_n and_o seal_v love_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o my_o life_n and_o from_o this_o the_o corruptiun_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n have_v cut_v i_o off_o three_o by_o these_o thing_n the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o duty_n be_v deface_v these_o dead_a fly_n spoil_v that_o excellent_a ointment_n for_o wherein_o consist_v the_o beauty_n and_o true_a excellency_n of_o duty_n but_o in_o that_o spirituality_n &_o heavenly_a temper_n of_o soul_n with_o which_o they_o be_v perform_v this_o make_v they_o suitable_a to_o their_o object_n joh._n 4._o 24._o take_v away_o spirituality_n from_o duty_n and_o then_o you_o may_v number_v they_o among_o your_o sin_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o your_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n take_v away_o the_o heart_n from_o duty_n and_o what_o remain_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n without_o life_n or_o beauty_n four_o by_o these_o thing_n gracious_a soul_n be_v great_o puzzle_v and_o perplex_v about_o their_o estate_n and_o condition_n this_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o their_o fear_n and_o doubt_n o_o when_o a_o man_n feel_v such_o deadness_n in_o his_o heart_n towards_o god_n such_o stiffness_n in_o his_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n such_o a_o listless_a careless_a temper_n to_o all_o that_o be_v spiritual_a how_o think_v he_o can_v this_o consist_v with_o a_o renew_a state_n and_o temper_n sure_o no_o christian_n be_v trouble_v with_o such_o a_o heart_n as_o i_o be_v especial_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o its_o ordinary_a course_n so_o free_a nimble_a and_o indefatigable_a in_o its_o persuit_n and_o entertainment_n of_o thing_n sensual_a and_o earthly_a there_o it_o be_v as_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n but_o here_o like_o pharoahs_n chariot_n there_o it_o as_o much_o need_v the_o curb_n as_o it_o do_v the_o spur_n here_o lord_n say_v the_o poor_a soul_n i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v if_o i_o do_v not_o look_v into_o my_o heart_n i_o can_v be_v sincere_a and_o if_o i_o