my_o grace_n be_v weaken_v when_o i_o yield_v to_o sin_n but_o it_o stand_v in_o strength_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o defiance_n and_o conflict_n with_o sin_n it_o argue_v the_o violence_n of_o sin_n to_o break_v out_o against_o grace_n and_o also_o it_o argue_v the_o potency_n of_o grace_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o serve_v unruly_a and_o boisterous_a lust_n 3_o betwixt_o sin_n in_o temptation_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o affection_n even_o a_o strong_a castle_n may_v be_v assault_v and_o a_o stout_a christian_a much_o tempt_v than_o the_o spiritual_a part_n be_v weaken_v when_o sin_n be_v favour_v if_o as_o there_o be_v much_o temptation_n in_o thy_o sinful_a flesh_n so_o there_o be_v much_o detestation_n on_o thy_o spiritual_a part_n thy_o bow_n yet_o abide_v in_o strength_n object_n but_o another_o christian_a reply_n if_o these_o sign_n of_o decay_a be_v right_o which_o you_o deliver_v then_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o a_o die_a frame_n for_o heretofore_o when_o as_o i_o think_v god_n look_v on_o i_o in_o mercy_n in_o quicken_a i_o from_o the_o dead_a i_o have_v a_o very_a melt_a heart_n for_o sin_n and_o a_o surpassingly_a zealous_a love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n but_o now_o i_o find_v no_o such_o height_n and_o flame_n and_o measure_n sol._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1_o you_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o equal_a sensibleness_n and_o equal_a spiritualnesse_n upon_o the_o inchoation_n of_o grace_n there_o may_v be_v more_o sensibleness_n for_o as_o much_o as_o grace_n erect_v itself_o much_o in_o the_o affection_n of_o who_o act_n we_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a be_v more_o near_o to_o sense_n but_o upon_o the_o advance_v in_o grace_n there_o may_v be_v more_o spiritualnesse_n though_o not_o such_o a_o sensible_a grief_n in_o the_o affection_n yet_o a_o pure_a loathe_n of_o sin_n and_o displicence_n with_o ourselves_o in_o the_o will_n 2_o betwixt_o passionate_a expression_n and_o deliberate_a or_o judicious_a expression_n i_o confess_v that_o heretofore_o thy_o zeal_n and_o love_n may_v be_v more_o passionate_a and_o violent_a but_o now_o they_o work_v upon_o more_o pure_a and_o mix_v ground_n and_o for_o ever_o know_v it_o argue_v the_o grace_n to_o be_v the_o more_o strong_a which_o can_v act_v its_o part_n with_o less_o turbulence_n and_o unquietness_n 3_o betwixt_o grace_n general_o diffuse_v and_o it_o particular_o employ_v at_o the_o first_o all_o the_o water_n run_v as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o channel_n grace_n exert_v itself_o most_o in_o the_o humble_v part_n and_o therefore_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o because_o very_o much_o employ_v in_o a_o particular_a but_o upon_o further_a knowledge_n of_o christian_a duty_n grace_n diffuse_v its_o strength_n to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o because_o the_o more_o improve_v only_o it_o be_v the_o less_o perceive_v simile_n as_o health_n and_o strength_n be_v when_o total_o diffuse_v over_o the_o whole_a body_n 4_o betwixt_o interruption_n and_o corruption_n spiritual_a principle_n may_v sometime_o be_v interrupt_v simile_n like_o a_o river_n which_o yet_o be_v scramble_n over_o the_o bay_n by_o temptation_n the_o passage_n be_v not_o always_o so_o open_a for_o operation_n the_o very_a ineptitude_n of_o a_o man_n temper_n may_v occasion_v unequal_a expression_n of_o the_o visible_a act_n actus_fw-la imperati_fw-la and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v no_o weaken_v and_o decay_v in_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n for_o the_o invisible_a frame_n actus_fw-la eliciti_fw-la be_v sure_a and_o full_a still_o the_o will_n and_o desire_n do_v act_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o though_o the_o tongue_n or_o hand_n can_v render_v it_o and_o beside_o this_o the_o work_n be_v make_v up_o by_o a_o secret_a humble_v which_o be_v so_o avoidable_o hinder_v from_o a_o open_a act_n 6_o but_o last_o if_o upon_o solid_a ground_n when_o we_o be_v ourselves_o we_o find_v a_o manifest_a inequality_n of_o our_o present_n with_o our_o former_a condition_n in_o grace_n then_o counsel_n be_v better_a for_o thou_o then_o comfort_n and_o i_o think_v no_o better_o advise_v can_v be_v prescribe_v then_o that_o of_o christ_n himself_o to_o the_o ephesian_a church_n slake_v in_o her_o first_o love_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n use_v 2_o if_o though_o upon_o perusal_n of_o these_o trial_n you_o find_v yourselves_o not_o to_o be_v in_o a_o die_a condition_n 1_o then_o first_o bless_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v give_v grace_n and_o uphold_v it_o 2_o beseech_v he_o for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v and_o increase_v thy_o spiritual_a quality_n all_o thy_o day_n it_o be_v by_o his_o goodness_n that_o thou_o be_v good_a and_o of_o his_o strength_n that_o yet_o thou_o abide_v in_o thy_o strength_n 3_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n thou_o can_v to_o keep_v up_o thy_o grace_n that_o thou_o sink_v not_o into_o a_o die_a condition_n mean_v to_o preserve_v we_o from_o a_o die_a condition_n be_v these_o 1_o be_v humble_a simile_n the_o high_a tide_n quick_o ebb_v and_o the_o high_a sun_n be_v present_o decline_v faith_n be_v the_o champion_n for_o our_o grace_n and_o fear_v the_o watchman_n and_o humility_n the_o nurse_n spiritual_a pride_n fill_v our_o fancy_n but_o impair_v our_o grace_n now_o a_o man_n think_v he_o have_v enough_o and_o then_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o lose_v much_o if_o any_o thing_n keep_v we_o from_o be_v low_a in_o grace_n it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o still_o grow_v low_a and_o poor_a in_o spirit_n in_o the_o rickets_o they_o have_v large_a head_n but_o weak_a foot_n so_o etc._n etc._n 2_o strive_v for_o further_a perfection_n 18._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o 18._o in_o holiness_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o the_o most_o of_o what_o we_o have_v be_v but_o the_o least_o of_o that_o we_o want_v he_o that_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o be_v better_o will_v be_v worse_o in_o temporal_n we_o shall_v insist_v more_o on_o our_o receipt_n and_o that_o will_v make_v we_o thankful_a in_o spiritual_n we_o shall_v insist_v more_o on_o our_o want_n and_o that_o will_v make_v we_o fruitful_a 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n 6_o v._o and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n 8_o v._o for_o if_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a etc._n etc._n 3_o quit_v all_o formality_n in_o all_o holy_a duty_n take_v heed_n of_o the_o first_o cooling_n much_o impiety_n may_v hang_v upon_o much_o indifferency_n a_o cool_a spirit_n be_v always_o a_o lose_a spirit_n he_o who_o give_v way_n to_o do_v duty_n in_o a_o slight_a manner_n will_v after_o a_o while_n be_v able_a scarce_o to_o perform_v they_o in_o any_o manner_n but_o as_o the_o rule_n be_v hoc_fw-la age_n so_o still_o keep_v up_o thy_o spirit_n with_o the_o duty_n stir_v up_o thy_o grace_n in_o all_o duty_n put_v out_o thy_o heart_n and_o strength_n in_o holy_a action_n of_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o will_v keep_v thou_o alive_a in_o grace_n a_o conscionable_a and_o cordial_a act_n of_o good_a be_v bless_v not_o only_o with_o a_o preservation_n of_o grace_n but_o likewise_o with_o a_o addition_n and_o increase_n 4_o maintain_v a_o holy_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o decay_a blessed_n be_v the_o man_n who_o fear_v always_o say_v solomon_n prov._n 28._o three_o thing_n arise_v from_o this_o one_o be_v tender_a watchfulness_n against_o all_o decay_a occasion_n another_o be_v frequent_a search_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o estate_n quick_a repair_n of_o all_o fayling_n all_o which_o preserve_v we_o from_o a_o notorious_a decay_a or_o die_v 5_o be_v prudent_o serious_a in_o christian_n society_n spend_v not_o thy_o hour_n in_o vain_a dispute_n lest_o while_o thou_o study_v odd_a notion_n thou_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n lose_v precious_a grace_n there_o be_v dispute_n which_o end_v only_o in_o division_n and_o there_o be_v inquiry_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n rather_o study_v to_o make_v thyself_o better_a then_o to_o prove_v another_o to_o be_v bad_a 6_o keep_v up_o uprightness_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n away_o with_o hypocrisy_n say_v not_o the_o sin_n be_v little_a simile_n for_o many_o a_o man_n have_v dye_v of_o a_o little_a wound_n and_o we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o small_a end_n of_o the_o wedge_n make_v way_n for_o the_o great_a nor_o say_v it_o be_v secret_a a_o man_n may_v die_v of_o a_o secret_a stab_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o open_a wound_n when_o the_o child_n of_o the_o prophet_n taste_v of_o the_o pottage_n they_o cry_v out_o mors_fw-la in_o olla_fw-es death_n be_v in_o the_o pot_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o find_v upon_o experience_n that_o there_o go_v a_o die_a influence_n with_o
less_o sometime_o with_o more_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n sometime_o with_o less_o sometime_o with_o more_o comfort_n sometime_o with_o less_o sol._n yet_o let_v nothing_o discourage_v thou_o or_o take_v off_o thy_o spirit_n from_o the_o work_n but_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o strength_n against_o all_o temptation_n against_o all_o suggestion_n against_o all_o discouragement_n against_o all_o thy_o own_o fear_n and_o feeling_n and_o inequality_n of_o operation_n yet_o give_v not_o over_o but_o keep_v up_o thy_o service_n still_o retain_v frequent_a communion_n with_o god_n still_o be_v beg_v still_o for_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o raise_v thou_o hear_v still_o use_v the_o prescription_n till_o health_n come_v thou_o be_v in_o the_o way_n and_o must_v not_o rest_v till_o thou_o have_v obtain_v if_o thou_o break_v off_o before_o thou_o have_v regain_v thy_o strength_n thou_o will_v fall_v back_o again_o and_o also_o lose_v all_o thy_o new_a endeavour_n for_o thy_o recovery_n in_o grace_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o of_o which_o i_o can_v but_o give_v a_o touch_n lest_o i_o be_v hinder_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a etc._n etc._n that_o the_o estate_n though_o visible_o three_o three_o fair_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v real_o imperfect_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n among_o the_o church_n sardis_n have_v a_o name_n that_o it_o live_v but_o with_o god_n it_o have_v not_o that_o name_n and_o estimation_n we_o christian_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o god_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o infallibility_n we_o look_v only_o on_o the_o skin_n and_o surface_n of_o action_n but_o god_n look_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o person_n we_o judge_v of_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o action_n but_o god_n judge_v of_o our_o estate_n by_o the_o heart_n now_o the_o outward_a act_n upon_o several_a argument_n and_o for_o several_a end_n and_o inducement_n may_v be_v extreme_o different_a from_o the_o inward_a habit_n and_o disposition_n person_n for_o their_o credit_n sake_n and_o for_o their_o peculiar_a advantage_n may_v draw_v out_o act_v natural_o good_a when_o yet_o their_o spirit_n stand_v not_o right_a either_o for_o principle_n or_o end_n of_o those_o act_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o profession_n their_o estate_n may_v be_v imperfect_a before_o god_n partly_o for_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o soul_n for_o the_o vigour_n and_o fullness_n of_o act_v for_o the_o scope_n and_o intention_n in_o perform_v for_o the_o mixture_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o conversation_n but_o i_o can_v now_o enlarge_v in_o this_o singular_a affection_n use_v 1_o only_o it_o may_v teach_v we_o above_o all_o to_o look_v unto_o our_o spiritual_n as_o they_o abide_v in_o and_o flow_v from_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n upon_o which_o principal_o the_o lord_n look_v he_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_n and_o approve_v the_o act_n of_o the_o heart_n more_o than_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v that_o he_o have_v first_o respect_n unto_o abel_n and_o then_o unto_o his_o offering_n 2_o to_o study_n god_n approbation_n more_o than_o man_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o safe_a that_o either_o we_o alone_o judge_v our_o estate_n to_o be_v good_a or_o that_o man_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v so_o unless_o the_o lord_n find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o every_o christian_a be_v that_o as_o god_n judge_v he_o to_o be_v and_o he_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o this_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a and_o alknowing_a god_n and_o so_o i_o take_v leave_n of_o that_o verse_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o remember_v therefore_o how_o thou_o 3_o revel_v 3._o 3_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v in_o these_o word_n you_o have_v the_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o spirit_n special_a direction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n which_o be_v three_o viz._n 1_o remembrance_n remember_v branch_n three_o branch_n therefore_o how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v 2_o persistence_n and_o hold_v fast_o 3_o renew_a repentance_n and_o repent_v brief_o to_o open_v the_o word_n remember_v sometime_o the_o word_n be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o a_o particular_a faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o philosopher_n reminiscentia_fw-la and_o then_o it_o be_v the_o call_n back_o of_o a_o thing_n or_o object_n former_o know_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o memory_n sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o serious_a consideration_n appertain_v to_o the_o judicious_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o apprehend_v truth_n be_v well_o weigh_v thorough_o think_v on_o or_o consider_v of_o in_o both_o respect_v i_o conjecture_v it_o may_v be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n how_o some_o read_v that_o word_n rather_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o remember_v i._o call_v to_o mind_n and_o consider_v what_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o word_n declare_v the_o matter_n but_o rather_o in_o this_o place_n it_o import_v the_o manner_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o note_v the_o manner_n how_o christ_n teach_v and_o prescribe_v they_o at_o the_o first_o and_o also_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o embrace_v those_o holy_a rule_n of_o his_o for_o doctrine_n &_o conversation_n thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v that_o be_v assent_v unto_o and_o embrace_v those_o truth_n and_o direction_n of_o christ_n where_o be_v express_v first_o their_o ancient_a subjection_n or_o embrace_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n receive_v and_o second_o the_o mean_n or_o way_n thereof_o viz._n by_o hear_v and_o hear_v i_o can_v possible_o with_o any_o profit_n insist_v on_o all_o the_o observables_n out_o of_o these_o and_o the_o other_o word_n consider_v that_o little_a part_n of_o time_n which_o remain_v for_o i_o to_o work_v among_o you_o only_o i_o will_v point_v at_o three_o singular_a proposition_n viz._n 1_o that_o holy_a truth_n once_o receive_v proposition_n three_o proposition_n be_v often_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o think_v on_o remember_v etc._n etc._n 2_o that_o acceptance_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o christian_n must_v add_v thereto_o a_o persistence_n in_o truth_n hold_v fast_o 3_o that_o renew_v repentance_n be_v require_v of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o initial_a and_o repent_v you_o see_v that_o all_o these_o proposition_n natural_o flow_v from_o the_o text_n and_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o we_o and_o for_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v handle_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o they_o viz._n doct._n that_o holy_a truth_n once_o receive_v be_v often_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o think_v on_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o frequent_a consideration_n 1_o our_o former_a sin_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v we_o humble_a 2_o god_n former_a mercy_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o thankful_a 3_o receive_a truth_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o dutiful_a and_o fruitful_a the_o jew_n be_v to_o bind_v they_o as_o frontlet_n between_o their_o eye_n deut._n 6._o 8._o to_o which_o solomon_n allude_v in_o pro._n 6._o 21._o bind_v 21._o deut._n 6._o 8._o pro._n 6._o 21._o they_o continual_o upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o tie_v they_o about_o thy_o neck_n and_o eccles_n 12._o 11._o they_o be_v to_o be_v as_o nail_n 11._o eccl._n 12._o 11._o fasten_v look_v on_o david_n and_o this_o be_v his_o practice_n psal_n 119._o 15._o psal_n 119_o 15._o i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n there_o once_o then_o read_v verse_n 23._o thy_o servant_n do_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n there_o be_v the_o second_o time_n but_o then_o read_v verse_n 48._o i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n there_o be_v the_o three_o time_n what_o speak_v i_o of_o once_o or_o twice_o or_o thrice_o see_v he_o in_o verse_n 97._o oh_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n the_o apostle_n be_v frequent_a in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o remember_v to_o lay_v up_o to_o keep_v in_o mind_n not_o to_o forget_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n deliver_v by_o they_o nay_o and_o christ_n press_v the_o same_o also_o upon_o themselves_o upon_o many_o occasion_n but_o for_o the_o clear_a open_n of_o this_o proposition_n premise_v with_o i_o these_o particular_n 1_o the_o frequent_a remember_v of_o former_a truth_n must_v be_v a_o remembrance_n by_o way_n of_o subjection_n and_o not_o by_o way_n of_o contradiction_n we_o must_v not_o remember_v they_o and_o question_v they_o much_o less_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v they_o lest_o of_o all_o oppose_v
god_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v holiness_n which_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o man_n more_o than_o reason_n make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o beast_n if_o with_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n thou_o shall_v lose_v thy_o sheep_n or_o with_o she_o in_o the_o gospel_n thou_o shall_v lose_v thy_o groat_n thou_o will_v seek_v to_o recover_v they_o how_o much_o more_o when_o thy_o crown_n be_v lose_v etc._n etc._n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o safety_n grace_n be_v not_o only_a ornamenta_fw-la beautiful_a garment_n but_o munimenta_fw-la powerful_a weapon_n thou_o lose_v thy_o weapon_n in_o the_o very_a field_n before_o thy_o enemy_n if_o thou_o lose_v thy_o spiritual_n and_o make_v thyself_o naked_a so_o that_o any_o temptation_n may_v insult_v over_o thou_o and_o wound_v thou_o simile_n at_o least_o thou_o can_v not_o so_o well_o wield_v and_o use_v thy_o weapon_n a_o break_a arm_n what_o can_v it_o do_v especial_o with_o a_o dull_a weapon_n against_o strong_a and_o skilful_a adversary_n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o serenity_n the_o weaken_a grace_n and_o the_o wound_a conscience_n still_o go_v together_o or_o if_o not_o than_o it_o be_v the_o die_a grace_n and_o the_o dead_a conscience_n which_o be_v far_o worse_a than_o the_o other_o in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o felicity_n ah_o unhappy_a christian_a who_o when_o thy_o bow_n abode_n in_o strength_n can_v see_v a_o love_a god_n enjoy_v a_o gracious_a father_n can_v speak_v to_o he_o much_o and_o hear_v from_o he_o much_o but_o now_o have_v change_v thy_o confidence_n into_o fear_n thy_o sun_n into_o darkness_n thy_o communion_n into_o strangeness_n thy_o glory_n into_o shame_n 2_o who_o know_v what_o the_o end_n will_v be_v if_o thou_o strengthen_v not_o thy_o decay_a grace_n the_o lord_n know_v how_o far_o thou_o may_v fall_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o think_v of_o rise_v thou_o see_v how_o poor_a a_o crop_n of_o duty_n come_v from_o thy_o decay_a grace_n thou_o feel_v thy_o affection_n almost_o go_v thou_o apprehend_v not_o only_o a_o weakness_n but_o a_o weariness_n in_o holy_a service_n thou_o find_v thy_o appetite_n go_v from_o the_o word_n thou_o know_v thy_o neglect_n of_o many_o a_o sacrament_n thou_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v a_o vanity_n to_o arise_v in_o thy_o mind_n in_o stead_n of_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o a_o more_o delightful_a consociation_n with_o vain_a and_o idle_a person_n then_o with_o solid_a and_o fruitful_a christian_n yea_o and_o since_o thy_o grace_n have_v be_v weaken_v easy_a temptation_n have_v be_v very_o likely_a if_o not_o altogether_o effectual_a to_o ensnare_v thou_o to_o great_a transgression_n from_o many_o omission_n thou_o be_v now_o ready_a for_o great_a commission_n simile_n so_o that_o like_o a_o stone_n run_v down_o a_o hill_n or_o a_o man_n carry_v further_o and_o further_o into_o the_o sea_n thou_o do_v endanger_v what_o in_o thou_o lie_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o salvation_n of_o thyself_o and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o set_v be_v not_o his_o frown_n rise_v and_o here_o will_v be_v work_n now_o make_v for_o that_o miserable_a soul_n of_o thou_o which_o have_v so_o far_o go_v from_o home_n and_o be_v depart_v from_o thy_o father_n house_n 3_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v our_o grace_n in_o repair_n and_o more_o than_o so_o orgo_v we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o decay_a estate_n but_o to_o recover_v etc._n etc._n simile_n as_o the_o tenant_n who_o take_v a_o house_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o repair_n that_o it_o may_v be_v habitable_a against_o wind_n and_o weather_n so_o must_v we_o keep_v up_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o and_o not_o let_v they_o sink_v at_o all_o nay_o more_o than_o so_o we_o be_v bind_v against_o not_o only_a decay_n but_o against_o mere_a stand_n we_o must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n we_o must_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o must_v grow_v in_o the_o love_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n we_o must_v abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n we_o must_v use_v and_o increase_v our_o talent_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o answer_n of_o proof_n to_o retain_v our_o naked_a talon_n and_o say_v master_n there_o be_v thy_o own_o the_o first_o use_n of_o this_o point_n shall_v be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o use_v use_v practice_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o will_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o we_o need_v strengthen_v i_o may_v speak_v my_o conscience_n with_o grief_n that_o general_o we_o be_v a_o decay_a people_n in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o flame_n of_o holy_a affection_n yea_o our_o own_o conscience_n secret_o testify_v against_o we_o this_o day_n that_o so_o it_o be_v yea_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o fire_n of_o his_o wrath_n which_o begin_v to_o burn_v and_o fly_v abroad_o in_o this_o city_n yet_o again_o testify_v as_o much_o and_o therefore_o my_o exhortation_n to_o we_o all_o be_v that_o we_o wise_o consider_v of_o our_o die_n and_o decay_n ah_o if_o the_o plague_n shall_v break_v into_o our_o dwelling_n and_o take_v we_o away_o in_o our_o decay_a estate_n a_o torment_a sore_n and_o a_o torment_a conscience_n a_o die_a spirit_n and_o a_o die_a body_n both_o at_o once_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o woefulness_n of_o such_o a_o condition_n there_o be_v only_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v commend_v unto_o you_o for_o the_o application_n of_o this_o viz._n 1_o the_o motive_n to_o excite_v we_o 2_o the_o mean_n to_o perform_v it_o thing_n three_o thing_n 3_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o 1_o the_o motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o strengthen_v our_o spiritual_a condition_n shall_v disadvantage_n seven_o disadvantage_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o disadvantage_n in_o a_o weaken_a &_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o strengthen_v condition_n 1_o in_o respect_n of_o duty_n the_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v god_n workman_n he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o impose_v on_o he_o not_o a_o few_o but_o many_o work_n not_o easy_a but_o many_o time_n difficult_a worker_n not_o for_o a_o while_n but_o constant_a work_n such_o duty_n that_o a_o little_a knowledge_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n nor_o a_o little_a wisdom_n nor_o a_o little_a faith_n nor_o a_o little_a patience_n etc._n etc._n some_o of_o these_o duty_n be_v active_a some_o passive_a some_o respect_v his_o general_n some_o his_o particular_a call_n some_o of_o relation_n to_o god_n some_o to_o man_n some_o to_o himself_o now_o the_o weaken_a christian_a he_o be_v no_o body_n to_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a for_o duty_n for_o every_o man_n be_v as_o his_o strength_n be_v and_o our_o action_n for_o the_o course_n of_o they_o be_v as_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v from_o whence_o they_o come_v the_o weaken_a christian_n come_v very_o short_a of_o the_o other_o both_o for_o his_o adaptation_n of_o spirit_n unto_o duty_n there_o be_v not_o that_o connaturalnesse_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o his_o spirit_n to_o spiritual_a office_n duty_n come_v hardly_o from_o he_o simile_n like_o a_o rusty_a key_n to_o open_v a_o door_n he_o do_v his_o work_n with_o a_o more_o indispose_a spirit_n not_o free_o but_o like_o a_o sickeman_n he_o go_v very_o little_a and_o be_v quick_o weary_a and_o poor_o not_o full_o whereas_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n duty_n flow_v from_o he_o as_o from_o a_o easy_a principle_n and_o lively_a and_o quick_a cause_n his_o adequation_n of_o duty_n to_o the_o rule_n he_o do_v not_o mind_n the_o rule_n of_o holy_a action_n so_o much_o nor_o do_v he_o proportion_v his_o work_n to_o the_o command_n god_n may_v command_v much_o more_o than_o he_o do_v for_o ordinary_o the_o decay_a christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o omission_n he_o fail_v wonderful_o ofttimes_o in_o pass_v over_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o read_v or_o hear_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a he_o be_v for_o all_o duty_n difficult_a as_o well_o as_o easy_a private_a as_o well_o as_o public_a though_o he_o can_v intensive_o answer_v the_o rule_n for_o duty_n yet_o extensive_o he_o do_v know_o and_o willing_o he_o omit_v no_o duty_n his_o affective_a cooperation_n with_o duty_n he_o do_v duty_n but_o without_o such_o coworking_a affection_n more_o formal_o he_o do_v pray_v and_o hear_v perhaps_o but_o it_o be_v cold_o and_o sleepy_o it_o be_v not_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o indifferent_a work_n he_o act_v with_o a_o careless_a and_o indifferent_a spirit_n his_o eye_n be_v not_o so_o full_a on_o god_n glory_n nor_o be_v his_o heart_n so_o warm_a in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n his_o coal_n of_o fire_n burn_v in_o a_o cold_a hearth_n he_o be_v not_o
covenant_n and_o vow_n what_o be_v our_o baptism_n but_o a_o devote_v and_o solemn_a vow_v of_o ourselves_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o truth_n we_o solemn_o profess_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v our_o lord_n but_o god_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o faithful_a servant_n unto_o our_o life_n end_v yea_o and_o we_o have_v ratify_v this_o vow_n many_o a_o time_n by_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n but_o forsake_v they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o extreme_a perjury_n not_o in_o a_o matter_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n but_o betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n thou_o be_v forswear_v again_o and_o again_o unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o haste_n as_o much_o as_o in_o thou_o lie_v make_v void_a the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n for_o thy_o poor_a soul_n 4_o consider_v but_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v fast_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n or_o divine_a truth_n respect_v the_o everlasting_a and_o happy_a condition_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o everlasting_a and_o true_a happiness_n be_v the_o end_n and_o scope_n that_o every_o christian_a look_n at_o and_o divine_a truth_n serve_v he_o full_o and_o effectual_o to_o this_o end_n both_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o to_o bring_v man_n unto_o it_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n require_v to_o set_v we_o in_o the_o true_a way_n to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n v._o g._n 1_o conviction_n of_o his_o sinful_a condition_n but_o the_o word_n inlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o convince_v the_o conscience_n 2_o contrition_n for_o sin_n but_o the_o word_n prick_v our_o heart_n as_o act_n 2._o and_o humble_v they_o 3_o conversion_n of_o soul_n but_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n psal_n 19_o 7._o by_o it_o come_v faith_n into_o the_o soul_n 7._o psal_n 19_o 7._o which_o get_v christ_n rom._n 10._o 17._o 17._o rom._n 10._o 17._o by_o it_o come_v repentance_n act_v 3._o 19_o 4_o augmentation_n of_o grace_n but_o by_o the_o word_n we_o be_v build_v up_o act_v 20._o 32._o and_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o 5_o perseverance_n in_o grace_n but_o by_o the_o word_n we_o be_v keep_v and_o establish_v to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1._o 16._o 16._o rom._n 1._o 16._o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o read_v the_o apostle_n sum_v up_o all_o in_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v 16._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 17_o that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n 15_o yea_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n â—hich_v be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n again_o there_o be_v many_o encouragement_n comfort_v and_o support_v in_o our_o way_n as_o divine_a consolation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n peace_n in_o conscience_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o which_o be_v the_o myrrh_n drop_v only_o from_o divine_a truth_n thy_o word_n have_v comfort_v i_o say_v david_n thy_o word_n have_v quicken_v i_o in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n they_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o calamity_n they_o be_v the_o stay_n of_o his_o heart_n now_o put_v all_o together_o if_o divine_a truth_n show_v we_o the_o true_a happiness_n if_o they_o only_o put_v we_o into_o the_o true_a way_n unto_o that_o true_a happiness_n if_o they_o only_o keep_v we_o in_o that_o way_n if_o they_o only_a comfort_n and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o that_o way_n if_o they_o only_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n will_v we_o not_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o hold_v they_o fast_o use_v the_o first_o use_n of_o this_o point_n shall_v be_v to_o convince_v and_o reprove_v the_o wonderful_a inconstancy_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o slipperinesse_n and_o unsettledness_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o consider_v divine_a truth_n as_o they_o lie_v 1_o in_o doctrine_n we_o may_v now_o complain_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o the_o galathian_o chap._n 1._o verse_n 6._o 6._o gal._n 1._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n some_o revolt_n from_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n to_o the_o popish_a leven_fw-mi other_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o orthodox_n article_n of_o our_o church_n to_o anabaptisticall_a fancy_n and_o socinian_n blasphemy_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o what_o daily_a unsettledness_n and_o giddiness_n possess_v we_o if_o any_o novelty_n of_o doctrine_n though_o a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n start_v up_o and_o be_v deliver_v with_o any_o confidence_n or_o cunning_n of_o deceive_a wit_n how_o instant_o we_o fly_v off_o from_o our_o old_a truth_n how_o greedy_o and_o mad_o we_o suck_v in_o poisonous_a error_n and_o be_v thus_o drive_v with_o every_o wind_n what_o tempest_n of_o rail_n and_o disgrace_n do_v we_o heap_v upon_o those_o who_o across_o our_o fickleness_n with_o constant_a vindication_n and_o asserting_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n it_o make_v i_o to_o pity_v this_o great_a and_o famous_a city_n while_o i_o behold_v a_o colluvy_n a_o very_a rabble_n of_o all_o opinion_n and_o such_o a_o go_v and_o come_v touching_n at_o and_o sayling_n off_o from_o the_o land_n of_o uprightness_n one_o week_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o almost_o a_o article_n the_o next_o week_n it_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v the_o right_n simile_n thus_o we_o play_v many_o time_n with_o great_a truth_n as_o child_n do_v with_o their_o baby_n one_o while_o embrace_v they_o anon_o break_v they_o and_o throw_v they_o into_o the_o dirt_n but_o be_v there_o so_o many_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o man_n will_v make_v or_o have_v thou_o power_n to_o coin_n other_o article_n of_o faith_n at_o pleasure_n or_o will_v the_o lord_n bear_v all_o this_o rest_a and_o mock_v with_o his_o truth_n two_o thing_n make_v i_o fear_v the_o lord_n will_v punish_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n one_o be_v our_o general_a barrenness_n in_o life_n another_o be_v our_o great_a sicklenesse_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n 2_o in_o conversation_n many_o time_n we_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n we_o do_v not_o prize_v the_o truth_n and_o love_v it_o nor_o live_v according_a to_o it_o with_o constancy_n but_o as_o the_o prophet_n cry_v out_o how_o be_v the_o beautiful_a city_n become_v a_o heap_n so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o many_o how_o be_v their_o righteous_a walking_n degenerate_v into_o a_o ungodly_a live_n their_o wine_n be_v sour_v and_o lamp_n put_v out_o but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o inconstancy_n constancy_n the_o cause_n of_o constancy_n and_o apostasy_n v._o g._n 1_o man_n be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o therefore_o very_o inconstant_a ignorance_n be_v the_o great_a sponge_n to_o suck_v in_o error_n as_o pride_n be_v the_o great_a bawd_n to_o vent_v they_o chaff_n may_v be_v toss_v any_o way_n that_o which_o be_v weak_a be_v also_o light_a 2_o though_o their_o apprehension_n be_v large_a yet_o their_o affection_n be_v foul_a they_o know_v truth_n but_o love_v sin_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n simile_n now_o a_o foul_a stomach_n ever_o make_v a_o ill_a head_n and_o a_o secret_a love_n of_o sin_n work_v out_o the_o strength_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o mind_n man_n do_v the_o more_o easy_o grow_v erroneous_a who_o first_o grow_v irreligious_a 3_o there_o be_v a_o itch_n of_o pride_n evah_n and_o adam_n will_v know_v more_o than_o be_v fit_a and_o therefore_o lose_v all_o that_o be_v good_a you_o never_o read_v of_o a_o proud_a person_n but_o either_o his_o life_n be_v notorious_o taint_v or_o his_o judgement_n notable_o corrupt_v the_o great_a error_n have_v fall_v from_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o proud_a and_o have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o ignorant_a 4_o and_o then_o also_o many_o have_v athenian_a wit_n they_o long_v for_o novelty_n though_o the_o old_a wine_n be_v best_a yet_o their_o palate_n must_v be_v in_o the_o fashion_n for_o new_a there_o be_v a_o sore_a vanity_n in_o a_o natural_a mind_n that_o it_o can_v long_o fix_v on_o any_o estate_n or_o on_o any_o truth_n 5_o a_o colloge_a