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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 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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
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conquest_n so_o that_o his_o soul_n be_v much_o embase_v by_o lust_n his_o resistance_n be_v either_o 1_o none_o 2_o or_o faint_a 3_o or_o fruitless_a but_o he_o be_v overbear_v by_o the_o tide_n more_o easy_o like_o a_o unskilful_a rower_n or_o a_o sick_a man_n by_o a_o thrust_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a who_o now_o can_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a he_o be_v mighty_a in_o prayer_n and_o resolute_a in_o defiance_n and_o general_o happy_a either_o in_o make_v sinful_a motion_n to_o fly_v or_o in_o preserve_v his_o soul_n from_o yield_v unto_o they_o either_o he_o be_v more_o quiet_a or_o less_o guilty_a he_o be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o sin_n a_o sure_a conqueror_n and_o still_o a_o lesser_a servant_n 4_o in_o respect_n of_o conversation_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o christian_n must_v be_v gold_n without_o and_z gold_z within_z he_o must_v be_v like_o the_o heaven_n excellent_a in_o substance_n and_o beautiful_a in_o appearance_n a_o good_a 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on_o which_o one_o may_v gather_v fruit_n he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a gift_n not_o enclose_v but_o employ_v of_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o his_o box_n of_o ointment_n shall_v be_v open_v if_o thou_o be_v good_a thou_o be_v bind_v also_o to_o do_v good_a for_o grace_n be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o make_v we_o good_a but_o also_o to_o make_v we_o to_o do_v good_a but_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o with_o the_o decay_a christian_n he_o be_v now_o fall_v into_o a_o penurious_a stock_n of_o grace_n have_v almost_o lose_v the_o art_n and_o skill_n of_o profitablenesse_n his_o act_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v those_o of_o civility_n than_o piety_n he_o may_v be_v as_o facetious_a but_o be_v not_o so_o religious_a in_o conversing_n his_o discourse_n be_v more_o censorious_a and_o insolent_a then_o substantial_a and_o edify_a i_o confess_v that_o some_o christian_n can_v so_o draw_v out_o their_o treasure_n through_o a_o bashfulness_n of_o spirit_n but_o he_o be_v grow_v less_o active_a because_o less_o able_a his_o barrenness_n be_v in_o the_o cause_n and_o not_o in_o the_o instrument_n so_o that_o he_o may_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o other_o but_o no_o good_a come_v from_o he_o his_o lip_n preserve_v not_o knowledge_n nor_o do_v his_o communication_n administer_v grace_n to_o the_o hear_v whence_o it_o follow_v 1_o that_o god_n have_v little_a or_o no_o glory_n by_o he_o 2_o that_o the_o saint_n have_v little_a or_o no_o delight_n in_o he_o 3_o that_o his_o conscience_n have_v little_a or_o no_o comfort_n in_o itself_o 3_o for_o clearness_n his_o river_n be_v not_o so_o sweet_a but_o ever_o and_o anon_o it_o prove_v brackish_a his_o sun_n though_o it_o run_v its_o course_n yet_o it_o be_v frequent_o cloud_v so_o be_v it_o with_o his_o life_n he_o be_v not_o do_v
or_o slubberlie_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o get_v not_o that_o strength_n over_o spiritual_a corruption_n nor_o that_o fruitful_a supply_n to_o their_o grace_n and_o consequent_o slip_v into_o dangerous_a languish_n and_o decay_n 7_o inactivity_n in_o our_o place_n and_o relation_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o spiritual_a languish_a and_o decay_v simile_n a_o lazy_a christian_a will_v quick_o prove_v a_o die_a christian_a the_o physician_n do_v observe_v that_o as_o too_o violent_a exercise_n overthrow_v health_n so_o likewise_o too_o much_o rest_n may_v cause_v extreme_a sickness_n because_o therein_o the_o superfluous_a humour_n be_v not_o carry_v or_o breathe_v away_o and_o the_o spirit_n and_o natural_a heat_n be_v not_o stir_v up_o to_o perform_v their_o proper_a function_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o christian_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o grace_n if_o they_o let_v they_o lie_v still_o and_o dead_a they_o will_v quick_o grow_v weak_a and_o die_a though_o their_o life_n be_v a_o implant_v by_o a_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v preserve_v by_o a_o operation_n of_o our_o spirit_n therefore_o grace_n be_v compare_v to_o fire_n which_o must_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o blow_v he_o who_o will_v not_o use_v grace_n will_v quick_o lose_v it_o or_o decay_v in_o it_o but_o christian_n many_o time_n employ_v not_o their_o grace_n they_o do_v not_o any_o good_a with_o they_o they_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n to_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o they_o do_v not_o lay_v their_o knowledge_n their_o zeal_n their_o love_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o particular_a relation_n but_o live_v together_o and_o do_v no_o good_a together_o meet_v together_o and_o provoke_v not_o one_o another_o unto_o further_a holiness_n 8_o last_o all_o perturbation_n or_o excess_n in_o passion_n cause_v a_o languish_a 198._o v._o fernel_n l_o 1._o de_fw-fr morb_n causis_fw-la cap_n 18_o p._n 198._o and_o therefore_o they_o observe_v in_o nature_n that_o immoderate_a fear_n or_o grief_n or_o anger_n or_o joy_n or_o agony_n which_o consist_v of_o anger_n and_o fear_n or_o desire_v or_o care_n all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o by_o their_o immoderation_n do_v check_v the_o spirit_n &_o natural_a heat_n immarcescere_fw-la spiritus_fw-la &_o calorem_fw-la and_o consequent_o diminish_v health_n and_o strength_n and_o sure_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n all_o inordinate_a affection_n be_v the_o empayrer_n of_o grace_n whether_o it_o be_v desire_n of_o the_o world_n or_o delight_n in_o it_o or_o fear_n of_o man_n or_o grief_n for_o loss_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o can_v now_o enlarge_v use_v i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o heart_n to_o see_v in_o what_o condition_n our_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v whether_o we_o be_v not_o sardian_n yea_o or_o not_o either_o have_v a_o name_n only_o but_o be_v total_o dead_a or_o if_o we_o do_v live_v whether_o that_o life_n of_o we_o be_v not_o grow_v so_o weak_a that_o we_o be_v almost_o die_v reason_n to_o move_v you_o to_o search_v your_o heart_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v these_o 1_o many_o among_o you_o who_o thing_n three_o thing_n profess_v and_o have_v a_o name_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o truth_n also_o of_o grace_n do_v not_o get_v on_o you_o do_v not_o make_v progress_n you_o have_v not_o advance_v yourselves_o in_o your_o spiritual_a condition_n though_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v you_o plentiful_a and_o rich_a mean_n yet_o what_o you_o be_v many_o year_n ago_o the_o same_o you_o be_v now_o a_o man_n may_v say_v of_o you_o as_o we_o do_v of_o our_o friend_n who_o we_o see_v perhaps_o once_o in_o ten_o year_n that_o they_o look_v and_o be_v just_a as_o we_o find_v and_o leave_v they_o then_o so_o many_o of_o you_o after_o many_o year_n preach_v and_o hear_v be_v just_a as_o you_o be_v have_v not_o attain_v to_o any_o further_a perfection_n in_o holiness_n now_o it_o be_v a_o ill_a symptom_n this_o for_o a_o stay_a heart_n be_v seldom_o otherwise_o then_o a_o decay_a heart_n creation_n though_o perfect_a at_o once_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o sanctification_n the_o old_a say_n be_v non_fw-la progredi_fw-la est_fw-la regredi_fw-la grace_n be_v either_o get_n or_o lose_v simile_n like_o a_o river_n either_o full_a or_o lesser_a or_o like_o a_o oak_n grow_v or_o die_v 2_o many_o person_n express_v palpable_a decay_n all_o who_o know_v they_o can_v see_v and_o say_v how_o strange_o they_o be_v alter_v they_o be_v scarce_o know_v now_o to_o be_v christian_n but_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o favourable_a charity_n who_o former_o have_v be_v very_o forward_o even_o to_o exemplarity_n the_o judgement_n of_o man_n be_v so_o alter_v with_o fond_a opinion_n their_o strictness_n of_o conversation_n be_v so_o strange_o slack_v into_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v a_o licentiousness_n of_o walk_v there_o be_v such_o a_o dumbness_n grow_v in_o their_o family_n and_o withal_o there_o be_v such_o a_o chillness_n come_v upon_o their_o affection_n oh_o where_o be_v that_o thy_o former_a zeal_n and_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o pity_n and_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n and_o flame_n for_o christ_n and_o desire_n of_o strength_n and_o assurance_n and_o circumspection_n to_o please_v thy_o god_n 3_o though_o we_o be_v not_o dead_a christian_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v die_a christian_n it_o make_v our_o condition_n very_o evil_a and_o very_o sad_a 1_o very_o evil_a no_o man_n can_v causal_o evil_n 1_o causal_o decay_v in_o good_a but_o by_o something_o that_o be_v bad_a it_o be_v always_o some_o sinful_a evil_n which_o make_v we_o to_o wither_v in_o spiritual_a good_a and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o formal_o 2_o formal_o evil_a in_o itself_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o to_o thrive_v in_o grace_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o be_v die_v in_o grace_n and_o then_o it_o occasion_n much_o eventual_o 3_o eventual_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v a_o man_n die_v in_o grace_n and_o not_o withal_o live_v in_o sin_n however_o believe_v it_o that_o sin_n will_v live_v the_o more_o strong_o in_o thou_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o weak_o grace_n do_v live_v in_o thou_o when_o natural_a heat_n grow_v low_a then_o do_v disease_n multiply_v and_o grow_v high_a if_o that_o which_o shall_v keep_v down_o sin_n be_v keep_v down_o by_o sin_v how_o exceed_o sinful_a may_v thou_o prove_v 2_o very_o sad_a the_o christian_a condition_n be_v excessive_o perplex_v and_o prejudice_v by_o it_o v._o gr_n 1_o there_o be_v a_o extenuation_n of_o it_o 7_o effect_n of_o it_o our_o chief_a excellency_n simile_n our_o gold_n be_v now_o clip_v and_o wash_v beloved_n we_o have_v not_o more_o real_a excellency_n here_o on_o earth_n then_o gracious_a and_o holy_a quality_n if_o the_o naked_a soul_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o a_o whole_a world_n what_o be_v grace_n the_o which_o high_o elevate_v and_o advance_v the_o soul_n but_o even_o our_o grace_n in_o a_o decay_a condition_n be_v droop_v ing_z and_o pine_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o finger_n wither_v be_v nothing_o to_o that_o as_o to_o have_v his_o heart_n consume_v to_o behold_v a_o candle_n put_v out_o what_o be_v that_o to_o behold_v the_o sun_n grow_v dim_a or_o purblind_a when_o grace_n decay_v then_o that_o but_o to_o lose_v a_o house_n a_o friend_n etc._n etc._n but_o which_o be_v as_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o member_n or_o as_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o body_n a_o vital_a spring_n decay_v as_o she_o say_v about_o the_o take_n away_o of_o the_o ark_n that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o diminution_n in_o grace_n now_o the_o glory_n be_v depart_v from_o israel_n now_o thy_o honour_n be_v lie_v in_o the_o dust_n the_o less_o good_a thou_o grow_v the_o more_o vile_a thou_o becom_a it_o be_v as_o if_o thy_o fair_a hand_n shall_v become_v leprous_a or_o thy_o sun_n set_v at_o noon_n day_n 2_o it_o be_v a_o depression_n of_o our_o heavenly_a strength_n when_o sampsons_n hair_n be_v off_o he_o be_v then_o as_o other_o man_n he_o lose_v his_o hair_n and_o lose_v his_o strength_n too_o simile_n when_o the_o fountain_n be_v low_a and_o root_n weak_a than_o the_o stream_n prove_v thin_a and_o branch_n grow_v almost_o fruitless_a for_o these_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o be_v and_o of_o assistance_n unto_o they_o our_o grace_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o spring_n to_o our_o gracious_a ability_n when_o we_o be_v less_o good_a we_o shall_v always_o do_v the_o less_o good_a and_o the_o more_o evil_a thy_o wheel_n
will_v move_v slow_o and_o thy_o foot_n like_o those_o of_o a_o sick_a man_n will_v move_v stagger_o and_o weary_o there_o will_v be_v much_o a_o do_v to_o do_v a_o little_a good_a thy_o service_n will_v be_v like_o the_o thin_a ray_n of_o gold_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o ash_n and_o dross_n now_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n when_o at_o the_o most_o it_o be_v the_o most_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o grieve_v for_o sin_n or_o to_o love_n god_n and_o fear_v he_o or_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o whereas_o heretofore_o he_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v and_o rejoice_v to_o mourn_v and_o lament_v etc._n etc._n 3_o a_o damp_n upon_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n there_o be_v a_o double_a communion_n one_o be_v direct_v which_o be_v our_o active_a communion_n with_o god_n another_o be_v reflexive_a which_o be_v god_n gracious_a communion_n with_o we_o now_o by_o a_o die_a in_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n there_o arise_v a_o cloud_n and_o a_o damp_n upon_o this_o reciprocal_a communion_n we_o can_v so_o behave_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o god_n will_v not_o so_o behave_v himself_o to_o we_o as_o in_o former_a day_n note_n 1_o for_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n it_o will_v grow_v more_o strange_a less_o confident_a and_o more_o gainlesse_a small_a for_o heart_n lesser_a for_o trust_n and_o least_o of_o all_o for_o benefit_n and_o success_n 2_o for_o god_n communion_n with_o we_o it_o will_v be_v eclipse_v both_o in_o the_o effective_a and_o assist_a part_n of_o it_o as_o also_o in_o the_o affective_a and_o comfort_a part_n of_o it_o he_o will_v not_o give_v thou_o his_o hand_n or_o his_o eye_n as_o former_o david_n find_v upon_o his_o great_a decay_n not_o only_o a_o cloud_n in_o god_n face_n but_o also_o a_o strangeness_n in_o god_n spirit_n 51._o psal_n 51._o psal_n 5â—_n 12._o we_o do_v by_o our_o notorious_a decay_n debar_v ourselves_o of_o much_o help_n from_o god_n and_o of_o all_o manifest_v favour_n for_o the_o present_a desertion_n be_v ever_o the_o consequent_a of_o decay_v 4_o a_o vexation_n and_o restlessness_n in_o the_o conscience_n when_o we_o take_v our_o leave_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v take_v our_o leave_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n a_o dead_a man_n many_o time_n rest_v in_o peace_n but_o a_o die_a christian_n be_v never_o without_o trouble_n the_o remain_a grace_n serve_v most_o to_o trouble_v we_o for_o our_o decay_n in_o grace_n spiritual_a comfort_n usual_o attend_v we_o either_o upon_o great_a grief_n for_o sin_n or_o upon_o great_a progress_v in_o duty_n and_o spiritual_a trouble_n usual_o follow_v we_o either_o upon_o great_a adventuring_n in_o sin_n or_o upon_o great_a remission_n in_o holiness_n for_o conscience_n will_v trouble_v we_o as_o well_o for_o lose_v what_o be_v good_a as_o for_o commit_v what_o be_v evil_a 5_o a_o great_a silence_n in_o heaven_n the_o decay_a christian_n shall_v either_o hear_v of_o much_o displeasure_n from_o god_n or_o little_a and_o no_o good_a from_o he_o the_o ordinance_n to_o which_o he_o now_o more_o perfunctory_o apply_v himself_o shall_v either_o be_v dumb_a and_o speak_v no_o encouragement_n or_o bitter_a and_o speak_v no_o strength_n or_o peace_n his_o prayer_n which_o now_o be_v more_o cold_a and_o formal_a shall_v either_o have_v no_o answer_n or_o else_o the_o answer_n be_v more_o fear_n and_o trouble_v in_o spirit_n god_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o speak_v unto_o that_o man_n who_o now_o have_v scarce_o any_o mind_n to_o speak_v unto_o his_o god_n 6_o a_o strange_a suspicion_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o a_o spiritual_a condition_n if_o grace_n be_v often_o put_v in_o dispute_n when_o the_o christian_a can_v perceive_v it_o to_o thrive_v how_o much_o more_o questionable_a will_v it_o be_v when_o the_o same_o christian_n perceive_v it_o to_o abate_v and_o decay_v usual_o it_o must_v be_v more_o than_o mere_a grace_n which_o must_v assure_v we_o of_o grace_n forasmuch_o as_o nothing_o resemble_v hypocrisy_n more_o than_o to_o be_v formal_a in_o our_o duty_n and_o with_o it_o to_o be_v wither_v in_o our_o disposition_n a_o die_a christian_a look_n very_o like_a to_o a_o dead_a hypocrite_n 7_o to_o all_o these_o may_v be_v add_v other_o evil_n as_o horrid_a temptation_n external_a misery_n fear_n of_o death_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o may_v not_o insist_v on_o every_o thing_n q_n but_o here_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o may_v we_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o a_o die_a condition_n or_o not_o a._n i_o know_v no_o better_a way_n to_o discern_v this_o then_o by_o a_o just_a comparison_n of_o thing_n present_a with_o thing_n past_a as_o also_o by_o a_o faithful_a observation_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o grace_n thus_o then_o 1_o look_v first_o upon_o your_o judgement_n and_o minding_n 2_o upon_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n 3_o upon_o your_o heart_n and_o conscience_n 4_o upon_o your_o worship_n and_o service_n 5_o upon_o your_o way_n and_o conversation_n so_o may_v you_o discern_v whether_o you_o be_v die_v or_o not_o 1_o for_o your_o judgement_n and_o mind_n former_o in_o these_o there_o be_v strong_a endeavour_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o search_v out_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n and_o admirable_a appretiation_n of_o holiness_n and_o god_n favour_n and_o sweet_a meditation_n on_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o mind_n be_v eminent_o take_v up_o with_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o grace_n and_o obedience_n and_o heaven_n be_v it_o so_o now_o or_o rather_o do_v not_o worldly_a thing_n seem_v great_a in_o our_o eye_n be_v not_o our_o minding_n more_o for_o inferior_a good_a then_o for_o spiritual_a good_a divine_a study_n be_v they_o not_o rare_a and_o poor_a and_o transient_a glance_n where_o be_v that_o study_n to_o know_v god_n or_o to_o see_v his_o favour_n in_o christ_n unto_o thou_o where_o be_v that_o reverend_a regard_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n where_o be_v that_o diligence_n to_o know_v the_o estate_n of_o thy_o soul_n where_o be_v that_o sweet_a delight_n thou_o take_v once_o to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n as_o thou_o 2_o for_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n time_n be_v that_o thy_o will_n be_v a_o flexible_a will_n easy_a to_o obedience_n submissive_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n cheerful_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n much_o close_n with_o divine_a promise_n ravish_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n fearful_a to_o offend_v careful_a to_o please_v desirous_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o god_n love_a kindness_n strict_o hate_v all_o evil_a joyful_a in_o this_o alone_a that_o god_n be_v thy_o portion_n flood_n of_o tear_n swell_v thy_o grief_n heavenly_a delight_n satisfy_v thy_o soul_n mercy_n be_v blessed_v threaten_n fear_v etc._n etc._n if_o in_o stead_n of_o these_o thy_o will_n grow_v weary_a and_o surly_a hard_a to_o be_v persuade_v often_o clatter_v with_o the_o divine_a will_n impatient_a of_o strict_a obedience_n indifferent_a to_o please_v slow_a to_o hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o god_n be_v of_o small_a efficacy_n sin_n be_v not_o so_o watch_v and_o loathe_a god_n alone_o be_v not_o so_o delightful_a and_o sufficient_a thy_o heart_n grow_v more_o insensible_a of_o sin_n and_o hardly_o mournful_a thy_o delight_n be_v less_o in_o heavenly_a thing_n ah_o now_o how_o be_v the_o mighty_a fall_v how_o be_v the_o noble_a plant_n degenerate_v etc._n etc._n 3_o for_o your_o heart_n and_o conscience_n compare_v they_o now_o with_o what_o former_o they_o be_v how_o quick_a be_v conscience_n to_o direct_v how_o apt_a be_v conscience_n to_o check_v how_o tender_a be_v conscience_n to_o offend_v how_o unquiet_a be_v conscience_n till_o peace_n be_v make_v how_o exact_a be_v conscience_n to_o obey_v be_v it_o so_o now_o thou_o can_v sin_v and_o conscience_n strike_v not_o god_n strike_v thou_o but_o conscience_n strike_v thou_o not_o conscience_n strike_v thou_o and_o thou_o care_v not_o conscience_n be_v grow_v sleepy_a and_o drowsy_a almost_o dead_a and_o scare_v thou_o can_v omit_v duty_n or_o perform_v they_o careless_o slip_n and_o fall_v and_o lie_v and_o either_o conscience_n say_v nothing_o or_o thou_o reforme_v nothing_o 4_o and_o for_o thy_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n how_o precious_a be_v the_o ordinance_n unto_o thou_o how_o delightful_a thou_o have_v rather_o have_v spend_v a_o day_n with_o they_o than_o a_o hundred_o day_n in_o other_o employment_n what_o secret_a impression_n make_v the_o power_n of_o they_o upon_o thy_o heart_n what_o grief_n what_o joy_n what_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n what_o expectation_n of_o hope_n what_o furtherance_n unto_o holy_a duty_n what_o conflicting_n with_o and_o conquest_n over_o sin_n and_o temptation_n what_o more_o serious_a care_n and_o
diligence_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n oh_o why_o be_v it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o now_o it_o be_v not_o as_o once_o it_o be_v there_o be_v not_o that_o connaturalnesse_n as_o former_o the_o word_n work_v not_o on_o thou_o as_o former_o the_o sacrament_n work_v not_o on_o thou_o as_o former_o the_o word_n of_o threaten_v reveal_v wrath_n and_o thou_o tremble_v not_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n reveal_v goodness_n and_o thou_o love_v it_o not_o fidelity_n and_o thou_o believe_v it_o not_o the_o sacrament_n open_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o thou_o thirste_a not_o thou_o rejoic_a not_o thou_o be_v grow_v dull_a under_o all_o and_o bar_n ren_fw-it after_o all_o thy_o dead_a heart_n argue_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o die_a soul_n 5_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v for_o our_o conversation_n and_o way_n if_o they_o be_v now_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o sinfulness_n or_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o unprofitablenesse_n that_o we_o be_v now_o become_v as_o the_o heath_n that_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o or_o as_o the_o briar_n which_o bring_v forth_o thorn_n that_o we_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o discourse_n or_o censure_n or_o dispute_v we_o can_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o talk_v and_o sin_n how_o have_v the_o shadow_n of_o death_n cover_v we_o how_o chill_n and_o languish_a be_v our_o grace_n turn_v well_o serious_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n you_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n and_o look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o die_a people_n more_o fearful_a will_v your_o condition_n be_v than_o the_o condition_n of_o other_o for_o first_o you_o have_v more_o enliven_a mean_n then_o any_o people_n on_o the_o earth_n no_o city_n like_a unto_o you_o for_o public_a offer_n or_o for_o private_a opportunity_n you_o be_v even_o exalt_v unto_o heaven_n in_o the_o abundance_n and_o choice_n of_o spiritual_a help_n and_o therefore_o your_o decay_n will_v have_v more_o in_o the_o account_n then_o other_o man_n the_o more_o mean_n of_o strength_n and_o life_n accidental_o make_v die_v disease_n to_o be_v the_o more_o deadly_a 2_o we_o can_v but_o approve_v your_o flock_v to_o the_o word_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n as_o if_o you_o will_v take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o force_n if_o now_o under_o so_o fair_a a_o complexion_n you_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o consumption_n that_o the_o vital_n of_o godliness_n shall_v slack_v and_o pine_v away_o in_o your_o heart_n and_o private_a walking_n this_o dissonancie_n will_v be_v not_o only_o shameful_a to_o your_o profession_n but_o also_o uncomfortable_a to_o your_o conscience_n 2_o again_o another_o way_n person_n may_v discern_v whether_o they_o be_v die_v and_o decay_v by_o a_o observation_n of_o the_o act_n or_o operation_n of_o their_o grace_n as_o if_o they_o be_v faint_a and_o more_o inconstant_a simile_n you_o see_v that_o the_o root_n be_v less_o able_a when_o but_o a_o little_a fruit_n appear_v on_o the_o tree_n and_o that_o the_o spring_n be_v fall_v when_o the_o stream_n scarce_o run_v which_o yet_o be_v wont_a to_o flow_v when_o grace_n be_v scarce_o active_a or_o be_v uneven_a in_o their_o general_a act_n sure_o there_o be_v some_o spiritual_a languor_n in_o thou_o o_o christian_n thy_o faith_n do_v not_o commit_v thing_n to_o god_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o love_n be_v not_o so_o settle_v on_o christ_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o patience_n can_v bear_v in_o any_o measure_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o sorrow_n be_v dry_a and_o thy_o zeal_n be_v cool_v etc._n etc._n simile_n if_o thy_o eye_n can_v see_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v dark_a and_o thy_o foot_n can_v go_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v lame_a and_o thy_o shoulder_n can_v bear_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v weak_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o natural_a vigour_n be_v decay_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v for_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n if_o grace_n exert_v not_o themselves_o in_o a_o former_a vigour_n etc._n etc._n note_n i_o pray_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o grace_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o for_o three_o end_n and_o use_n 1_o to_o be_v incline_v principle_n to_o gracious_a or_o holy_a act_n 2_o to_o be_v enlarge_n principle_n to_o pious_a performance_n 3_o to_o be_v cleanse_v &_o oppose_v principle_n of_o sinful_a corruption_n 1_o they_o be_v incline_v principle_n to_o gracious_a act_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n without_o grace_n be_v like_o a_o dead_a man_n who_o have_v no_o disposition_n to_o walk_v but_o when_o grace_n come_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o do_v enliven_v it_o and_o enable_v it_o and_o incline_v or_o dispose_v it_o unto_o holy_a operation_n to_o mind_n to_o will_v to_o desire_v to_o do_v heavenly_a work_n as_o you_o see_v in_o saint_n paul_n when_o convert_v that_o renew_v grace_n incline_v he_o quite_o to_o another_o way_n and_o to_o other_o act_n to_o pray_v to_o preach_v christ_n etc._n etc._n now_o where_o be_v that_o ancient_a disposition_n in_o thou_o unto_o good_a duty_n whence_o be_v that_o wonderful_a unwilling_a esse_fw-la and_o untowardlinesse_n of_o spirit_n in_o thou_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o if_o thou_o do_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o constraint_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o averseness_n and_o hang_v back_o thou_o do_v not_o mind_v he_o in_o any_o measure_n and_o his_o law_n be_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n 2_o again_o they_o be_v enlarge_n principle_n they_o do_v not_o only_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o good_a performance_n for_o the_o matter_n but_o also_o for_o the_o manner_n they_o make_v we_o a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o offering_n and_o to_o delight_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v glad_a in_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o now_o there_o be_v not_o that_o relish_n of_o godliness_n there_o be_v not_o delightfulness_n of_o service_n there_o be_v not_o that_o liberty_n and_o alacrity_n of_o spirit_n thou_o be_v become_v a_o dull_a and_o heavy_a christian_a as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o suitableness_n '_o twiâ—t_v thy_o heart_n and_o holy_a duty_n thou_o be_v grow_v very_o slothful_a and_o careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o thy_o work_n 3_o last_o they_o be_v cleanse_v and_o oppose_v principle_n of_o corruption_n therefore_o compare_v to_o water_v which_o wash_v out_o the_o spot_n and_o to_o fire_v which_o fetch_v off_o the_o rust_n and_o as_o our_o corrupt_a flesh_n be_v say_v to_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o renew_a spirit_n be_v say_v to_o lust_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o still_o in_o opposition_n and_o conflict_n and_o so_o the_o time_n have_v be_v that_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o that_o grace_n do_v humble_a and_o cleanse_v thy_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o raise_v tender_a fear_n about_o it_o and_o singular_a hatred_n and_o opposition_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o thou_o how_o often_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rebellion_n in_o nature_n have_v thou_o cry_v out_o with_o saint_n paul_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o etc._n etc._n be_v it_o thus_o now_o why_o be_v it_o not_o thus_o now_o be_v sin_n quite_o subdue_v or_o think_v thou_o that_o grace_n and_o sin_n will_v ever_o be_v at_o truce_n nay_o but_o why_o do_v thou_o suffer_v those_o contemplative_a evil_n to_o lodge_v in_o thy_o mind_n or_o those_o delightful_a imagination_n to_o tickle_v and_o invegle_v thy_o affection_n nay_o how_o dare_v thou_o to_o be_v tamper_n with_o act_n if_o not_o sinful_a yet_o doubtful_a and_o as_o like_a sin_n as_o can_v be_v and_o which_o occasion_n sin_n yea_o and_o sin_n prevail_v much_o on_o thou_o as_o pride_n vanity_n etc._n etc._n and_o under_o all_o this_o thy_o heart_n smite_v thou_o not_o restrain_v thou_o not_o the_o time_n have_v be_v thou_o dare_v not_o have_v be_v or_o do_v this_o for_o a_o world_n etc._n etc._n object_n but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v so_o may_n some_o tender_a conscience_n reply_n than_o i_o fear_v my_o estate_n be_v not_o right_a for_o i_o never_o have_v so_o much_o ado_n with_o a_o sinful_a nature_n all_o my_o life_n as_o of_o late_a day_n and_o if_o the_o great_a power_n of_o sin_n show_v the_o more_o weaken_a estate_n of_o grace_n i_o be_o then_o the_o person_n in_o a_o die_a condition_n sol._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v brief_o 1_o you_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o turbulence_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n the_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v not_o decay_v because_o sin_n be_v more_o molest_v and_o rebel_a but_o because_o sin_n be_v more_o prevail_a and_o lead_v 2_o between_o sin_n in_o conflict_n and_o sin_n in_o subjection_n
every_o sin_n therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o sin_v especial_o of_o those_o against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n these_o be_v peccata_fw-la vulnerantia_fw-la &_o divastantia_fw-la wound_v and_o waste_v sin_n the_o tender_a heart_n and_o the_o upright_a these_o be_v the_o live_n and_o the_o lively_a heart_n 7_o i_o may_v add_v that_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o a_o live_a christ_n and_o to_o live_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n but_o these_o allege_a rule_n shall_v suffice_v for_o this_o time_n object_n but_o suppose_v we_o be_v in_o a_o die_a condition_n what_o mean_v now_o sol._n 1_o find_v out_o the_o special_a disease_n or_o cause_n of_o thy_o decay_n in_o what_o grace_n most_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n and_o way_n and_o act_n 2_o be_v low_o humble_v that_o thou_o have_v so_o humble_v and_o abase_v thy_o glory_n thou_o shall_v grieve_v exceed_o that_o by_o thy_o great_a decay_n god_n have_v be_v so_o much_o dishonour_v his_o spirit_n grieve_v religion_n shame_v conscience_n wound_v and_o grace_v impair_v 3_o then_o use_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v here_o in_o the_o text_n strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v whence_o we_o come_v to_o the_o next_o proposition_n viz._n doct._n that_o spiritual_n if_o languish_v and_o die_v be_v to_o be_v strengthen_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o assertion_n premise_v with_o i_o a_o few_o particular_n 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o implantation_n perfect_a strengthen_v of_o holy_a principle_n the_o implantation_n of_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o their_o free_a and_o effectual_a communication_n unto_o a_o person_n from_o god_n holy_a spirit_n his_o hand_n alone_o set_v all_o these_o heavenly_a plant_n and_o from_o his_o sole_a goodness_n and_o power_n be_v all_o those_o star_n those_o shine_a and_o beautiful_a star_n create_v in_o our_o soul_n perfect_v of_o holy_a principle_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o successive_a addition_n unto_o grace_n receive_v a_o rise_n or_o sprout_v of_o those_o plant_n a_o go_v on_o from_o a_o weak_a to_o a_o strong_a degree_n the_o strengthen_n of_o they_o differ_v from_o both_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creation_n of_o holy_a principle_n but_o a_o restauration_n of_o they_o and_o so_o it_o differ_v from_o grace_n implant_v and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o grace_v receive_v yet_o this_o addition_n be_v not_o to_o grace_v as_o mere_o weak_a but_o proper_o to_o grace_v as_o weaken_v and_o so_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o perfect_a of_o holy_a principle_n 2_o the_o strengthen_n of_o decay_a principle_n or_o habit_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o proportionable_a reparation_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o former_a liberty_n and_o ability_n and_o efficacy_n it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a sustain_n of_o they_o in_o genere_fw-la gratiarum_fw-la or_o in_o esse_fw-la vitali_fw-la that_o they_o shall_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v simile_n as_o when_o a_o house_n be_v only_o so_o keep_v that_o it_o fall_v not_o to_o the_o ground_n this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o sustain_v for_o grace_n may_v be_v strengthen_v as_o radical_a habit_n when_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v pine_v in_o their_o vigour_n and_o remit_v in_o their_o measure_n and_o gradual_n but_o strengthen_v of_o grace_n import_v addition_n as_o well_o as_o sustentation_n simile_n like_a recovery_n which_o be_v health_n in_o some_o measure_n come_v and_o rise_v again_o nor_o be_v all_o regain_n sufficient_a unless_o it_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o decay_v &_o sink_v when_o the_o decay_a christian_n recover_v again_o unto_o that_o ancient_a pitch_n of_o heavenly_a power_n and_o inclination_n and_o unto_o his_o old_a liberty_n of_o holy_a act_n whether_o inward_a in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n or_o outward_a in_o his_o open_a and_o visible_a duty_n now_o have_v he_o right_o strengthen_v himself_o it_o be_v true_a that_o before_o he_o full_o recover_v that_o equal_a pitch_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o strengthen_v his_o grace_n by_o way_n of_o disposition_n but_o punctual_o by_o way_n of_o habit_n the_o strengthen_n imply_v a_o new_a equality_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o latitude_n of_o his_o former_a condition_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a strengthen_n of_o decay_a principle_n strength_n a_o threefold_a strength_n of_o holiness_n 1_o one_o be_v by_o way_n of_o authority_n and_o plain_a causality_n this_o strengthen_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o as_o he_o only_o be_v life_n to_o a_o dead_a man_n so_o he_o only_o be_v medicine_n to_o a_o sick_a soul_n his_o blood_n be_v the_o only_a comfort_a medicine_n to_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_o strengthen_v medicine_n to_o a_o decay_a christian_a it_o be_v he_o who_o must_v set_v we_o upon_o our_o leg_n again_o and_o who_o must_v make_v our_o wither_a branch_n to_o flourish_v again_o now_o christ_n jesus_n do_v way_n christ_n strengthen_v three_o way_n strengthen_v the_o languish_a christian_n as_o i_o suppose_v three_o way_n 1_o excitando_fw-la by_o awaken_n he_o out_o of_o his_o drowsy_a and_o deadly_a sleep_n like_o those_o to_o jonah_n what_o mean_v thou_o o_o sleeper_n arise_v so_o do_v jesus_n christ_n awaken_v the_o decay_a christian_a partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la sonantem_fw-la by_o the_o powerful_a knock_v be_v of_o the_o word_n which_o will_v not_o let_v he_o rest_v thus_o but_o charge_v on_o he_o all_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o withdrawment_n of_o his_o love_n if_o he_o will_v continue_v thus_o partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la tonantem_fw-la by_o some_o singular_a affliction_n and_o near_a correction_n scourge_v of_o he_o in_o some_o singular_a outward_a mercy_n that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o spiritual_a loss_n in_o temporary_a one_o partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la pulsantem_fw-la by_o his_o own_o spirit_n clear_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o understanding_n to_o open_v and_o reflect_v and_o consider_v on_o the_o decay_a condition_n as_o also_o by_o exciting_a the_o conscience_n bitter_o to_o accuse_v and_o judge_v he_o for_o this_o reciduation_n and_o withering_n with_o much_o torment_n fear_v and_o shame_n 2_o adjuvando_fw-la by_o confer_v 698._o alvarez_n de_fw-fr aux_fw-fr gr._n disp_n 88_o p._n 698._o on_o he_o actual_a and_o efficacious_a strength_n specialem_fw-la concursumro_fw-la burr_n actuale_fw-la whereby_o his_o will_n resolve_v to_o forsake_v those_o course_n of_o death_n and_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o into_o the_o path_n of_o light_n and_o be_v also_o enable_v by_o that_o help_a grace_n both_o to_o bewail_v its_o former_a decay_n and_o also_o earnest_o and_o constant_o to_o supplicate_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o pardon_n and_o for_o strength_n to_o recover_v 3_o renovando_fw-la by_o a_o daily_o infuse_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n such_o new_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o holiness_n until_o the_o decay_a christian_n recover_v his_o former_a ability_n and_o vigour_n shake_v off_o his_o corruption_n and_o attain_v unto_o that_o strength_n of_o holy_a understanding_n faith_n will_n love_n desire_v fear_v care_n obedience_n as_o heretofore_o 2_o another_o be_v by_o way_n of_o ministry_n and_o office_n this_o concern_v the_o pastor_n of_o flock_n who_o shall_v consider_v the_o estate_n of_o their_o sheep_n and_o if_o they_o find_v any_o to_o wander_v to_o reduce_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o any_o to_o be_v weak_a to_o bear_v they_o up_o in_o their_o arm_n with_o comfort_n if_o any_o to_o be_v pine_v and_o decay_v to_o stir_v they_o up_o by_o holy_a reproof_n and_o pious_a counsel_n and_o direction_n for_o all_o the_o way_n of_o a_o speedy_a and_o safe_a recovery_n and_o many_o interpreter_n think_v this_o the_o principal_a strengthen_n mean_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n 3_o a_o three_o by_o way_n of_o personal_a duty_n and_o so_o the_o decay_a christian_a strengthener_n himself_o when_o be_v awaken_v and_o excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o apply_v himself_o unto_o and_o continue_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o holy_a and_o raise_v mean_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a or_o both_o until_o god_n again_o strengthen_v what_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o he_o this_o strengthen_v be_v partly_o privative_a in_o the_o expulsion_n of_o those_o disease_n and_o occasion_n which_o have_v impair_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n positive_a in_o a_o continual_a succour_v of_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n till_o it_o recover_v to_o its_o ancient_a degree_n and_o station_n quest_n but_o why_o must_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v thus_o strengthen_v reason_n hereof_o be_v many_o sol._n 1_o spiritual_a decay_n be_v exceed_v loss_n therefore_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o strengthen_v they_o be_v a_o loss_n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o excellency_n holiness_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o