frame_v it_o hinder_v all_o the_o rest_n if_o we_o will_v hold_v out_o because_o the_o error_n be_v in_o want_n of_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o the_o misery_n we_o be_v in_o by_o nature_n let_v we_o labour_v therefore_o to_o have_v our_o heart_n break_v more_o and_o more_o upon_o this_o fault_n it_o be_v that_o the_o stony_a ground_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n want_v root_a therefore_o it_o be_v christian_a policy_n to_o suffer_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v humble_v as_o deep_a as_o possible_a may_v be_v that_o there_o may_v be_v mould_n enough_o otherwise_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a joy_n in_o divine_a truth_n and_o they_o may_v be_v comfortable_a but_o all_o will_v be_v suck_v up_o like_o dew_n when_o persecution_n come_v if_o it_o be_v not_o root_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o god_n child_n sink_v not_o to_o hell_n when_o trouble_n be_v upon_o they_o because_o they_o have_v a_o inward_a presence_n strengthen_v they_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n help_v our_o infirmity_n not_o only_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o bear_v cross_n sweeten_v they_o with_o some_o glympe_n of_o his_o gracious_a countenance_n for_o what_o support_v our_o faith_n in_o prayer_n but_o inward_a strength_n from_o god_n in_o prosperity_n or_o after_o some_o deliverance_n its_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o praise_n because_o than_o our_o spirit_n be_v raise_v up_o and_o cheer_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n favour_n for_o the_o great_a the_o cross_n be_v from_o which_o we_o have_v be_v deliver_v the_o more_o will_v the_o spirit_n be_v enlarge_v to_o praise_v god_n when_o ever_o we_o receive_v any_o good_a to_o our_o soul_n or_o to_o our_o body_n who_o ever_o be_v the_o instrument_n let_v we_o look_v to_o the_o principal_a as_o in_o the_o gift_n we_o receive_v we_o look_v not_o to_o the_o bringer_n but_o to_o the_o sender_n take_v heed_n of_o satan_n policy_n that_o god_n have_v forget_v i_o because_o i_o be_o in_o extremity_n nay_o rather_o god_n will_v then_o show_v mercy_n for_o now_o be_v the_o special_a time_n of_o mercy_n therefore_o beat_v back_o satan_n with_o his_o own_o weapon_n whatsoever_o god_n take_v away_o from_o his_o child_n he_o either_o supply_v it_o with_o a_o great_a earthly_a favour_n or_o else_o with_o strength_n to_o bear_v it_o god_n give_v charge_n to_o other_o to_o take_v a_o care_n of_o the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n and_o will_v he_o neglect_v they_o himself_o that_o be_v spiritual_a knowledge_n which_o alter_v the_o taste_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o soul_n for_o we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v a_o bitter_a antithesis_fw-la in_o our_o nature_n against_o all_o save_a truth_n there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n between_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v deny_v ourselves_o and_o be_v save_v by_o another_o therefore_o the_o soul_n must_v first_o be_v bring_v to_o relish_v before_o it_o can_v digest_v there_o must_v be_v first_o a_o holy_a harmony_n between_o our_o nature_n and_o truth_n if_o we_o will_v walk_v aright_o in_o god_n way_n let_v we_o have_v heaven_n daily_o in_o our_o eye_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o time_n to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v stern_a the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o breed_v love_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o patience_n to_o undergo_v all_o condition_n let_v we_o have_v our_o eye_n with_o moses_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v invisible_a a_o man_n may_v know_v that_o he_o love_v the_o world_n if_o he_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o get_v than_o to_o use_v for_o we_o be_v but_o steward_n and_o we_o shall_v consider_v i_o must_v be_v as_o careful_a in_o distribute_v as_o in_o get_v for_o when_o we_o be_v all_o in_o get_v and_o nothing_o in_o distribute_v this_o man_n be_v a_o worldling_n though_o he_o be_v moderate_a in_o get_v without_o wrong_v any_o man_n yet_o the_o world_n have_v get_v his_o heart_n because_o he_o make_v not_o that_o use_n of_o it_o he_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o sottish_a conceit_n to_o think_v that_o we_o can_v fit_v our_o self_n for_o grace_n as_o if_o a_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n can_v forward_o its_o natural_a birth_n if_o god_n have_v make_v we_o man_n let_v we_o not_o make_v ourselves_o go_n as_o natural_a life_n preserve_v itself_o by_o repel_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o so_o where_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o skill_n of_o power_n and_o strength_n to_o repel_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o when_o it_o see_v a_o succession_n of_o better_a thing_n it_o make_v the_o world_n seem_v cheap_a when_o it_o see_v another_o condition_n not_o liable_a to_o change_v than_o it_o have_v a_o sanctify_a judgement_n to_o esteem_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o so_o it_o overcome_v the_o world_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n intend_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n above_o all_o now_o faith_n be_v fit_a for_o it_o because_o it_o have_v a_o unite_n virtue_n to_o knit_v we_o to_o the_o mediator_n and_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o a_o thing_n out_o of_o itself_o it_o empty_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o conceit_n of_o worth_n or_o strength_n or_o excellency_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o so_o it_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o christ._n what_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v before_o man_n and_o to_o do_v for_o fear_n of_o danger_n let_v we_o be_v afraid_a to_o think_v before_o god_n therefore_o we_o shall_v stifle_v all_o ill_a conceit_n in_o the_o very_a conception_n in_o their_o very_a rise_n let_v they_o be_v use_v as_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n smother_v at_o the_o first_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n till_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n be_v in_o a_o waver_a condition_n its_o never_o at_o quiet_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o to_o have_v rest_n for_o perplexity_n make_v a_o man_n miserable_a if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o little_a scruple_n in_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v like_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n toss_v with_o contrary_a wind_n and_o can_v come_v to_o the_o haven_n the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n leave_v the_o soul_n in_o perplexity_n that_o righteousness_n which_o come_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o christ_n leave_v the_o soul_n unsettle_a because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n promise_v life_n only_o upon_o absolute_a and_o personal_a performance_n now_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n tell_v he_o that_o this_o he_o have_v not_o do_v and_o such_o duty_n he_o have_v omit_v and_o this_o breed_v perplexity_n because_o the_o heart_n have_v not_o whereon_o to_o stay_v itself_o glory_n follow_v affliction_n not_o as_o the_o day_n follow_v the_o night_n but_o as_o the_o spring_n follow_v winter_n for_o the_o winter_n prepare_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o spring_n so_o do_v affliction_n sanctify_v prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o glory_n this_o life_n be_v not_o a_o life_n for_o the_o body_n but_o for_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o soul_n shall_v speak_v to_o the_o body_n and_o say_v stay_v body_n for_o if_o thou_o move_v i_o to_o fulfil_v thy_o desire_n now_o thou_o will_v lose_v i_o and_o thyself_o hereafter_o but_o if_o the_o body_n be_v give_v up_o to_o christ_n than_o the_o soul_n will_v speak_v a_o good_a word_n for_o it_o in_o heaven_n as_o if_o it_o shall_v say_v lord_n there_o be_v a_o body_n of_o i_o in_o the_o earth_n that_o do_v fast_o for_o i_o and_o pray_v with_o i_o it_o will_v speak_v for_o it_o as_o pharaoh_n butler_n to_o the_o king_n for_o joseph_n affliction_n make_v a_o divorce_n and_o separation_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o a_o small_a thing_n that_o will_v work_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o burn_a the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n sanctify_v heaven_n be_v for_o holiness_n and_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o holiness_n affliction_n work_n out_o and_o so_o frame_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o further_a communion_n with_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n admire_v spiritual_a thing_n it_o be_v then_o a_o holy_a frame_n and_o so_o long_o it_o will_v not_o stoop_v to_o any_o base_a comfort_n we_o shall_v therefore_o labour_v to_o keep_v our_o soul_n in_o a_o estate_n of_o holy_a admiration_n all_o those_o who_o christ_n save_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o payment_n to_o those_o he_o discover_v their_o wretched_a condition_n and_o instead_o thereof_o a_o better_a to_o be_v attain_v he_o show_v by_o who_o we_o be_v redeem_v and_o from_o what_o and_o unto_o what_o condition_n the_o spirit_n inform_v we_o thorough_o that_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o we_o spiritual_a duty_n be_v as_o opposite_a tâ—â—_n flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o fire_n to_o water_n
promise_n good_a or_o to_o disappoint_v we_o and_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v it_o good_a in_o our_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n proceed_v in_o grace_n and_o strength_n against_o temptation_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n man_n be_v natural_o of_o a_o short_a spirit_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o what_o he_o will_v and_o when_o he_o will_v he_o give_v up_o and_o shake_v off_o all_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o one_o that_o want_v faith_n then_o to_o be_v hasty_a such_o man_n though_o they_o may_v be_v civil_a yet_o they_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n they_o will_v labour_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o some_o thing_n here_o they_o must_v have_v present_a pleasure_n and_o present_a profit_n if_o god_n will_v save_v they_o in_o that_o way_n so_o if_o not_o they_o will_v put_v it_o to_o a_o venture_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o hinder_v this_o grace_n of_o wait_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n oftedious_a time_n and_o many_o cross_n we_o meet_v with_o as_o the_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n of_o this_o world_n and_o many_o other_o trial_n god_n seem_v also_o to_o do_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o perform_v his_o promise_n but_o le_fw-fr we_o comfort_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o he_o wait_v to_o do_v they_o good_a that_o wait_v on_o he_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o agree_v mutual_o in_o love_n for_o that_o wherein_o any_o christian_a differ_v from_o another_o it_o be_v but_o in_o petty_a thing_n grace_n know_v no_o difference_n the_o worm_n know_v no_o difference_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n know_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o worst_a thing_n we_o be_v all_o alike_o base_a and_o in_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o be_v all_o alike_o happy_a only_o in_o this_o world_n god_n will_v have_v distinction_n for_o order_n sake_n but_o else_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n christian_n be_v like_a to_o many_o man_n of_o great_a mean_n that_o know_v not_o how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o we_o live_v not_o like_o ourselves_o bring_v large_a faith_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v large_a grace_n and_o comfort_n we_o be_v scant_v in_o our_o own_o bowel_n therefore_o labour_v to_o have_v a_o large_a faith_n answerable_a to_o our_o largeâ—_n riches_n and_o though_o christian_n be_v low_a enough_o in_o outward_a thing_n and_o often_o time_n poor_a than_o other_o man_n yet_o they_o be_v rich_a for_o christ_n be_v rich_a unto_o they_o in_o their_o cross_n and_o abasement_n that_o which_o they_o want_v in_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v make_v up_o in_o grace_n and_o glory_n hereafter_o we_o ought_v daily_o to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o our_o place_n to_o be_v good_a to_o all_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v abundant_a always_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n le_fw-fr we_o labour_v to_o have_v large_a heart_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o seasonable_o and_o abundant_o and_o unweariable_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n will_v breed_v in_o we_o the_o same_o impression_n that_o be_v in_o he_o none_o come_v to_o god_n without_o christ_n none_o come_v to_o christ_n without_o faith_n none_o come_v to_o faith_n without_o the_o mean_n none_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n but_o where_o god_n have_v send_v it_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o salvation_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a intendment_n of_o god_n ordinary_o to_o save_v they_o prevent_v mercy_n be_v the_o great_a how_o many_o favour_n do_v god_n prevent_v we_o with_o we_o never_o ask_v for_o our_o be_v nor_o for_o that_o tender_a love_n which_o our_o parent_n bear_v towards_o we_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n we_o never_o ask_v for_o our_o baptism_n and_o engraft_v into_o christ_n what_o a_o motive_n therefore_o be_v that_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o year_n we_o may_v plead_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v thou_o have_v a_o care_n of_o i_o before_o i_o have_v a_o be_v and_o therefore_o much_o more_o will_v thou_o now_o have_v a_o care_n of_o i_o who_o thou_o have_v reconcile_v unto_o thyself_o and_o remember_v i_o in_o mercy_n for_o time_n to_o come_v if_o god_n mercy_n may_v be_v overcome_v with_o our_o sin_n we_o shall_v overcome_v it_o every_o day_n it_o must_v be_v a_o rich_a mercy_n that_o must_v satisfy_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n never_o speak_v of_o it_o without_o the_o extension_n of_o love_n the_o height_n and_o depth_n we_o want_v word_n we_o want_v thought_n to_o conceive_v of_o it_o we_o shall_v therefore_o labour_v to_o frame_v our_o soul_n to_o have_v rich_a and_o large_a conceit_n and_o apprehension_n of_o so_o large_a mercy_n god_n be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n not_o only_o to_o our_o soul_n but_o in_o provide_v all_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o he_o keep_v we_o from_o ill_a and_o so_o he_o be_v call_v a_o buckler_n he_o give_v we_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o so_o he_o be_v call_v a_o sun_n he_o keep_v we_o in_o good_a estate_n and_o advance_v we_o high_o so_o far_o as_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v capable_a the_o sun_n shine_v on_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n and_o they_o shine_v upon_o the_o earth_n so_o do_v god_n shine_v in_o goodness_n upon_o we_o that_o we_o may_v shine_v in_o our_o extention_n of_o goodness_n unto_o other_o especial_o unto_o they_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v style_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v good_a and_o righteous_a because_o our_o understanding_n our_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v our_o own_o but_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v holy_a they_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v the_o principle_n in_o our_o action_n as_o they_o be_v action_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v principle_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o action_n the_o gracious_a government_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n take_v away_o his_o government_n and_o do_v not_o guide_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o every_o holy_a action_n we_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o can_v go_v no_o further_o every_o man_n natural_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o himself_o not_o only_o in_o reflect_v all_o upon_o himself_o but_o in_o set_v upon_o divine_a thing_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n as_o if_o he_o be_v principal_a in_o his_o own_o action_n come_v to_o they_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o wit_n and_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n this_o seed_n be_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n until_o god_n have_v turn_v a_o man_n out_o of_o himself_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n those_o that_o care_v not_o for_o the_o word_n they_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o those_o that_o care_v not_o for_o the_o spirit_n never_o make_v right_a use_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n be_v nothing_o without_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v animate_v and_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o word_n be_v like_o the_o vein_n and_o artery_n in_o the_o body_n that_o give_v quicken_a and_o life_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o word_n be_v most_o reveal_v there_o be_v most_o spirit_n but_o where_o christ_n be_v not_o open_v in_o the_o gospel_n there_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o at_o all_o visible_a when_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n than_o he_o carrieâ—_n himself_o familiar_o discover_v the_o secret_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o show_v what_o love_n there_o be_v in_o god_n towards_o we_o it_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o all_o neglect_v and_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n it_o open_v a_o way_n for_o we_o it_o resolve_v our_o doubt_n it_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o discouragement_n and_o make_v we_o go_v bold_o to_o god_n in_o all_o our_o want_n as_o we_o may_v know_v who_o dwell_v in_o a_o house_n by_o observe_v who_o go_v in_o and_o they_o that_o come_v out_o so_o we_o may_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o by_o observe_v what_o sanctify_a speech_n he_o send_v forth_o and_o what_o delight_n he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v special_a and_o what_o price_n we_o set_v upon_o they_o whereas_o a_o carnal_a man_n pull_v down_o the_o price_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n because_o his_o soul_n cleave_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o he_o joy_v in_o more_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o slight_v the_o direction_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o word_n but_o those_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v they_o will_v consult_v with_o it_o and_o not_o regard_v what_o flesh_n and_o blood_n say_v but_o will_v follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n a_o christian_a will_v not_o do_v common_a thing_n but_o first_o he_o sanctify_v they_o and_o dedicate_v himself_o his_o person_n and_o his_o action_n to_o god_n and_o so_o see_v
divine_a meditation_n and_o holy_a contemplation_n by_o that_o reverend_a divine_a r._n sibbes_n d._n d._n master_n of_o catherine_n hall_n in_o cambridge_n and_o sometime_o preacher_n of_o gray_n inn_n london_n london_n print_v for_o john_n crook_n and_o richard_n sergier_n in_o pauâ—_n churâ—_n yard_n 1638_o divine_a meditation_n and_o holy_a contemplation_n by_o that_o reverend_a divine_a r._n sibbes_n d._n d._n master_n of_o catherine_n hall_n in_o cambridge_n and_o sometime_o preacher_n of_o gray_n inn_n in_o london_n london_n print_v by_o tho._n cotes_n for_o john_n crook_n and_o richard_n sergier_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o greyhound_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1638._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n courteous_a reader_n thou_o have_v here_o meditation_n upon_o meditation_n offer_v to_o thy_o consideration_n as_o a_o help_n to_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v private_o alone_a as_o sweet_a spice_n yield_v small_a savour_n until_o they_o be_v beat_v to_o powder_n so_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n be_v either_o not_o at_o all_o or_o very_o slight_o smell_v in_o the_o nostril_n of_o man_n who_o be_v of_o a_o dull_a sense_n unless_o they_o be_v rub_v and_o chase_v in_o the_o mind_n through_o a_o fervent_a affection_n and_o single_v out_o with_o a_o particular_a view_n like_v they_o which_o tell_v money_n who_o look_v not_o confuse_o at_o the_o whole_a heap_n but_o at_o the_o value_n of_o every_o parcel_n so_o than_o a_o true_a christian_a must_v endeavour_v himself_o to_o deliver_v not_o in_o gross_a but_o by_o retail_v the_o million_o of_o god_n mercy_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o secret_a thought_n chew_v the_o cud_n of_o every_o circumstance_n with_o continual_a contemplation_n and_o as_o a_o thrifty_a gardi_n never_o which_o be_v loath_a to_o see_v one_o rose_n leaf_n to_o fall_v from_o the_o stalk_n without_o still_v so_o the_o christian_a soul_n be_v unwilling_a to_o pass_v or_o to_o stifle_v the_o bed_n of_o spice_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o christ_n without_o gather_v some_o fruit_n cant._n 6._o which_o contain_v a_o mystery_n and_o hide_a virtue_n and_o our_o champhire_n cluster_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o engedie_n cant._n 1._o must_v bear_v solve_v into_o drop_n by_o the_o still_o of_o meditation_n or_o else_o they_o may_v be_v note_v for_o weed_n in_o the_o herbal_a of_o man_n which_o have_v his_o full_a of_o all_o kind_n but_o some_o be_v slight_o pass_v over_o as_o the_o watery_a herb_n of_o vanity_n which_o grow_v on_o every_o wall_n of_o carnal_a man_n heart_n and_o yeeldbut_a a_o slight_a taste_n how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v to_o their_o soul_n it_o therefore_o behove_v we_o first_o to_o mind_v the_o token_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n and_o afterward_o for_o the_o help_a os_fw-la our_o weak_a digestion_n to_o champ_v and_o chew_v by_o a_o often_o revolution_n every_o part_n and_o parcel_n thereof_o before_o we_o let_v it_o down_o into_o our_o stomach_n that_o by_o that_o mean_v it_o may_v effectual_o nourish_v every_o vein_n and_o live_a artery_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o fill_v they_o full_a with_o the_o pure_a blood_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o least_o drop_n whereof_o refresh_v &_o cheer_v the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o he_o which_o be_v in_o a_o swoon_n through_o his_o sin_n and_o make_v he_o apt_a to_o walk_v and_o talk_v as_o one_o who_o be_v now_o live_v in_o christ._n by_o this_o sweet_a meditation_n the_o soul_n take_v the_o key_n where_o all_o her_o evidence_n lie_v and_o peruse_v the_o bill_n and_o article_n of_o covenant_n agree_v and_o condescend_v unto_o between_o god_n and_o man_n there_o she_o see_v the_o great_a grant_n and_o pardon_n of_o her_o sin_n subscribe_v unto_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n there_o he_o behold_v his_o unspeakable_a mercy_n to_o a_o prisoner_n condemn_v to_o die_v without_o which_o at_o the_o last_o in_o a_o desperate_a case_n he_o be_v lead_v and_o hale_v unto_o execution_n by_o the_o curse_a crew_n of_o hellish_a fury_n here_o she_o learn_v how_o the_o holy_a land_n be_v entail_v and_o retail_v by_o discourse_n the_o descent_n from_o adam_n unto_o abraham_n &_o his_o son_n isaac_n and_o so_o forward_o unto_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o meditation_n the_o soul_n pri_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o wit_n have_v reciprocal_a judgement_n examine_v herself_o and_o every_o faculty_n thereof_o what_o she_o have_v what_o she_o want_v where_o she_o dwell_v where_o she_o remove_v and_o where_o she_o shall_v be_v by_o this_o she_o feel_v the_o pulse_n of_o god_n spirit_n beat_v in_o she_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n the_o corruption_n of_o her_o own_o affection_n who_o like_o a_o cruel_a steppedame_n mingle_v poison_n and_o pestilent_a thing_n to_o murder_v the_o spirit_n to_o repel_v every_o good_a motion_n and_o to_o be_v in_o the_o end_n the_o lamentable_a ruin_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n here_o she_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v with_o saul_n upon_o the_o mountain_n behold_v the_o combat_n between_o david_n and_o goliath_n botweene_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o uncircumcised_a rage_a of_o the_o flesh_n the_o stratagem_n of_o satan_n the_o bootless_a attempt_n of_o the_o world_n here_o appear_v she_o own_o infirmity_n her_o relapse_n into_o sin_n herself_o astonde_v by_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n her_o fort_n shrewd_o batter_v by_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n her_o colour_n and_o procession_n darken_v and_o dim_v through_o the_o smoke_n of_o affliction_n her_o faith_n hide_v because_o of_o such_o massacre_n and_o and_o treason_n her_o hope_n banish_v with_o her_o mistrust_n herself_o ho_o vere_v ready_a to_o take_v flight_n from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o her_o profession_n here_o she_o may_v discern_v as_o from_o the_o top_n of_o a_o mast_n a_o army_n come_v who_o captain_n be_v the_o spirit_n guard_v with_o all_o his_o grace_n the_o bloody_a arm_n of_o christ_n by_o he_o display_v the_o trum._n pet_n sound_a satan_n vanquish_v the_o world_n conquer_v the_o flesh_n subdue_v the_o soul_n recvive_v profession_n better_v and_o each_o thing_n restore_v to_o his_o former_a integrity_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o make_v isaac_n go_v meditate_v in_o the_o evening_n gen._n 24._o this_o cause_v hezekiah_n to_o mourn_v like_o a_o dove_n and_o chatter_v like_o a_o pie_n in_o his_o heart_n in_o deep_a silence_n esa._n 58._o this_o force_a david_n to_o meditate_v in_o the_o morning_n nay_o all_o the_o day_n long_o psal._n 63._o and_o 119._o 148._o ver_fw-la as_o also_o by_o night_n in_o secret_a thought_n psal._n 16._o this_o cause_v paul_n to_o give_v timothy_n this_o lesson_n to_o meditate_v 1_o tim._n 4._o and_o god_n himself_o command_v joshua_n when_o he_o be_v elect_v governor_n that_o he_o shall_v meditate_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n both_o day_n and_o night_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v perform_v the_o thing_n write_v therein_o joshu_n 1_o and_o moses_n add_v this_o clause_n teach_v the_o whole_a law_n from_o god_n himself_o these_o word_n must_v remain_v in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o must_v meditate_v upon_o they_o both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o when_o thou_o go_v to_o bed_n and_o when_o thou_o rise_v in_o the_o morning_n deut._n 6._o this_o meditation_n be_v not_o a_o passion_n of_o melancholy_n nor_o a_o fit_a of_o fiery_a love_n nor_o covetous_a care_n nor_o senseless_a dump_n but_o a_o serious_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_o of_o the_o soul_n who_o object_n be_v spiritual_a who_o affection_n be_v a_o provoke_v appetite_n to_o practice_v holy_a thing_n a_o kindle_v in_o we_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n a_o zeal_n towards_o his_o truth_n a_o heal_a our_o benumb_a heart_n according_a to_o that_o speech_n of_o the_o prophet_n my_o heart_n do_v wax_v hot_a within_o i_o and_o fire_n do_v kindle_v in_o my_o meditation_n psal._n 39_o though_o want_n whereof_o cause_v adam_n to_o fall_v yea_o and_o all_o the_o earth_n into_o utter_a desolation_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n consider_v deep_o in_o his_o heart_n jer._n 12._o if_o cain_n have_v consider_v the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o his_o heavy_a hand_n against_o that_o grievous_a and_o cry_a sin_n he_o will_v not_o have_v slay_v his_o own_o brother_n if_o pharaoh_n will_v have_v set_v his_o heart_n to_o ponder_v of_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n by_o the_o plagve_v already_o past_a he_o shall_v have_v prevent_v those_o which_o follow_v and_o have_v foreslow_v his_o haste_n in_o make_v pursuit_n with_o the_o destruction_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o whole_a army_n if_o nadad_n and_o abihu_n have_v regard_v the_o fire_n they_o put_v in_o their_o censer_n they_o may_v have_v be_v safe_a from_o the_o fire_n of_o heaven_n to_o conclude_v the_o want_n of_o meditation_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o many_o fearful_a
unless_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n apply_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v the_o conscience_n will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n will_v be_v in_o darkness_n and_o call_v their_o state_n into_o question_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o convince_v they_o and_o answer_v all_o cavil_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o only_o be_v convince_v at_o the_o first_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o our_o continue_a course_n of_o christianity_n this_o therefore_o shall_v make_v we_o to_o come_v to_o god_n ordinance_n with_o a_o holy_a devotion_n oh_o lord_n vouch_v safe_a the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n and_o take_v the_o scale_n from_o my_o eye_n that_o as_o these_o be_v truth_n so_o they_o may_v be_v truth_n to_o i_o do_v thou_o sway_v my_o soul_n that_o i_o may_v cast_v myself_o upon_o thy_o mercy_n in_o christ._n spiritual_a convince_a be_v not_o total_a in_o this_o life_n but_o always_o leave_v in_o the_o heart_n some_o dregs_n of_o doubt_v though_o the_o soul_n be_v safe_a for_o the_o main_a as_o a_o ship_n that_o ride_v at_o anchor_n be_v toss_v and_o trouble_v but_o the_o anchor_n hold_v it_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v convince_v weak_o it_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o main_a yet_o it_o be_v toss_v with_o many_o doubt_n and_o fear_n but_o the_o anchor_n be_v in_o heaven_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o far_o convince_v every_o christian_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o preserve_v in_o he_o such_o a_o power_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o cast_v himself_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n god_n will_v send_v his_o spirit_n so_o far_o into_o the_o heart_n as_o it_o shall_v not_o betray_v itself_o to_o despair_n he_o will_v let_v such_o a_o beam_n into_o the_o soul_n as_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o quench_v when_o we_o neglect_v prayer_n and_o set_v upon_o duty_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o in_o confidence_n of_o our_o own_o part_n if_o we_o belong_v to_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o miscarry_v though_o another_o man_n perhaps_o may_v prosper_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v continual_o dependent_a upon_o god_n for_o his_o direction_n and_o for_o his_o blessing_n in_o whatsoever_o we_o go_v about_o as_o many_o woman_n because_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o pain_n of_o childbirth_n do_v kill_v their_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n so_o many_o man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o holy_a action_n do_v stifle_v holy_a motion_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v he_o the_o of_o murder_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o let_v we_o entertain_v they_o that_o when_o they_o be_v kindle_v they_o may_v turn_v to_o resolution_n and_o resolution_n into_o practice_n this_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n that_o we_o can_v converse_v with_o company_n that_o be_v not_o spiritual_a but_o if_o they_o vex_v we_o not_o they_o will_v taint_v we_o unless_o we_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o in_o our_o calling_n we_o shall_v therefore_o make_v special_a choice_n of_o our_o company_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o continual_a watchfulness_n it_o be_v rebellion_n against_o god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v away_o himself_o the_o very_a heathen_n can_v say_v that_o we_o must_v not_o go_v out_o of_o our_o station_n till_o we_o be_v call_v it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o satan_n cast_v thyself_o down_o but_o what_o say_v s._n paul_n to_o the_o jailor_n do_v thyself_o no_o harm_n for_o we_o be_v all_o here_o we_o shall_v so_o carry_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v be_v content_a to_o stay_v here_o till_o god_n have_v do_v that_o work_n he_o have_v to_o do_v in_o we_o and_o by_o we_o and_o then_o he_o will_v call_v we_o hence_o in_o the_o best_a time_n he_o be_v a_o valiant_a man_n that_o can_v command_v himself_o to_o be_v miserable_a and_o he_o that_o can_v command_v himself_o to_o endure_v some_o bondage_n and_o disgrace_n in_o the_o world_n it_o argue_v weakness_n christ_n can_v have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n but_o he_o show_v his_o strength_n and_o power_n by_o endure_v their_o reproach_n and_o torment_n the_o reason_n why_o many_o christian_n stagger_v and_o be_v so_o full_a of_o doubt_n be_v because_o they_o be_v idle_a and_o labour_v not_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o mortification_n for_o in_o that_o way_n we_o come_v to_o assurance_n whatsoever_o good_a be_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v deprave_v by_o a_o selfe-end_n self-love_n rule_v all_o his_o action_n he_o keep_v within_o himself_o and_o make_v for_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o god_n to_o himself_o god_n be_v but_o his_o idol_n this_o be_v true_a of_o all_o natural_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o make_v themselves_o their_o last_a end_n and_o where_o the_o end_n be_v deprave_v the_o whole_a course_n be_v corrupt_v the_o sense_n of_o assure_a hope_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n &_o election_n sure_a insinuate_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v have_v without_o it_o it_o be_v the_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a christian_n that_o have_v this_o assurance_n otherwise_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v suffer_v we_o to_o be_v in_o a_o damp_n and_o under_o a_o cloud_n if_o we_o stir_v not_o up_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v grace_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o love_n in_o the_o exercise_n that_o be_v a_o earnest_n and_o so_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o the_o exercise_n be_v a_o earnest_n iâ—_n grace_n be_v asleep_a you_o may_v have_v grace_n and_o not_o know_v it_o therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o put_v our_o grace_n into_o exercise_n those_o that_o have_v assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n have_v oftentimes_o troublesome_a distraction_n because_o they_o do_v not_o always_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n sometime_o they_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o sometime_o cast_v down_o even_o to_o hell_n yet_o always_o in_o the_o worst_a condition_n there_o be_v something_o leave_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o suggest_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o utter_o cast_v off_o he_o to_o who_o this_o pilgrimage_n be_v oversweete_a love_v not_o his_o country_n yet_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o shall_v sit_v by_o they_o but_o that_o god_n follow_v we_o with_o several_a cross_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v in_o good_a part_n any_o cross_n because_o it_o be_v out_o of_o heavenly_a love_n that_o we_o be_v exercise_v lest_o we_o shall_v surfeit_v upon_o thing_n here_o below_o in_o melancholy_a distemper_n especial_o when_o there_o go_v guilt_n of_o spirit_n with_o it_o we_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n in_o wife_n child_n friend_n estate_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o pitiful_a darkness_n when_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o all_o be_v distemper_v now_o let_v a_o christian_a see_v god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o promise_n and_o though_o he_o can_v live_v by_o sight_n in_o such_o a_o distemper_n yet_o let_v he_o then_o live_v by_o faith_n though_o god_n do_v personate_v a_o enemy_n yet_o faith_n see_v a_o fatherly_a nature_n in_o he_o it_o apprehend_v some_o beam_n of_o comfort_n though_o there_o be_v no_o sense_n and_o feeling_n yet_o the_o spirit_n work_v a_o power_n in_o the_o heart_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a to_o clasp_v with_o god_n and_o to_o allege_v his_o word_n and_o nature_n against_o himself_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o world_n see_v not_o the_o happy_a condition_n of_o god_n child_n be_v because_o their_o body_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o infirmity_n with_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n nor_o be_v they_o exempt_v from_o trouble_n they_o be_v also_o subject_a to_o fall_v into_o gross_a sin_n and_o therefore_o worldly_a man_n think_v be_v these_o the_o man_n that_o be_v happy_a than_o we_o they_o see_v their_o cross_n but_o not_o their_o crown_n they_o see_v their_o infirmity_n but_o not_o their_o grace_n they_o see_v their_o misery_n but_o not_o their_o inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n to_o walk_v by_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v active_a in_o our_o walk_n not_o to_o do_v as_o we_o list_v but_o it_o be_v a_o stir_v by_o rule_n since_o the_o fall_n we_o have_v lose_v our_o hold_n of_o god_n and_o we_o must_v be_v bring_v again_o to_o god_n by_o the_o same_o way_n we_o fall_v from_o he_o we_o fall_v by_o infidelity_n and_o we_o must_v be_v bring_v again_o by_o faith_n and_o lead_v our_o life_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o faith_n afford_v we_o must_v walk_v by_o faith_n look_v upon_o god_n promise_n and_o god_n call_v and_o god_n commandment_n and_o not_o live_v by_o