carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o which_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n hereunto_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n and_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v particular_o to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o what_o be_v this_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o how_o it_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n 1._o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o context_n be_v evident_o use_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n as_o be_v usual_a where_o both_o the_o holy_a spirit_n himself_o and_o his_o work_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v relate_v unto_o 1._o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v intend_v by_o it_o v_o 9_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o and_o so_o also_o v._n 11._o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a mercy_n and_o benefit_n here_o and_o afterward_o insist_v on_o 2._o it_o be_v use_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n wrought_v in_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n joh._n 3.6_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o name_n spirit_n be_v here_o use_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n not_o for_o the_o spirit-himself_a but_o for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n act_n inclination_n and_o operation_n oppose_v unto_o the_o flesh_n v_o 1.4_o 5_o but_o the_o flesh_n here_o intend_v be_v that_o inherent_a corrupt_a principle_n of_o deprave_a nature_n whence_o all_o evil_a action_n do_v proceed_v and_o wherewith_o the_o action_n of_o all_o evil_a man_n be_v vitiate_a the_o opposition_n between_o they_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o mention_a and_o declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 5.17_o 18_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n be_v the_o holy_a vital_a principle_n of_o new_a obedience_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n enable_v they_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n 2._o unto_o this_o spirit_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ascribe_v which_o as_o we_o have_v intimate_v be_v translate_v with_o great_a variety_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o principal_a power_n and_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v its_o light_n wisdom_n prudence_n knowledge_n understanding_n and_o discretion_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o respect_n unto_o speculation_n or_o ratiocination_n mere_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v its_o power_n as_o it_o be_v practical_a include_v the_o habitual_a frame_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o affection_n also_o it_o be_v its_o faculty_n to_o conceive_v of_o thing_n with_o a_o delight_n in_o they_o and_o adherence_n unto_o they_o from_o that_o suitableness_n which_o it_o find_v in_o they_o unto_o all_o its_o affection_n hence_o we_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o to_o think_v that_o be_v to_o conceive_v and_o judge_v rom._n 12.3_o sometime_o to_o set_v the_o affection_n col._n 3.2_o to_o have_v such_o a_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o cleave_v unto_o they_o with_o our_o affection_n sometime_o to_o mind_n to_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n phil._n 3.19_o which_o include_v that_o relish_n and_o savour_n which_o the_o mind_n find_v in_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v fix_v on_o no_o where_o do_v it_o design_v a_o notional_a conception_n of_o thing_n only_o but_o principal_o the_o engagement_n of_o the_o affection_n unto_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n apprehend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v express_v the_o actual_a exercise_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n before_o describe_v wherefore_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o furnish_v with_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o light_n in_o its_o conception_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o the_o set_n of_o its_o affection_n on_o they_o as_o find_v that_o relish_n and_o savour_n in_o they_o wherewith_o it_o be_v please_v and_o satisfy_v and_o something_o we_o must_v yet_o further_o observe_v to_o give_v light_n unto_o this_o description_n of_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o absolute_o as_o unto_o what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o power_n and_o prevalency_n in_o we_o significant_o render_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v that_o be_v to_o have_v the_o mind_n change_v and_o renew_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o light_n so_o as_o to_o be_v continual_o act_v and_o influence_v thereby_o unto_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n from_o the_o affection_n cleave_v unto_o they_o with_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v when_o man_n mind_v earthly_a thing_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n unto_o they_o arise_v from_o their_o suitableness_n unto_o their_o corrupt_a affection_n their_o thought_n meditation_n and_o desire_n be_v continual_o engage_v about_o they_o wherefore_o 2._o three_o thing_n may_v be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v under_o which_o notion_n it_o be_v here_o recommend_v unto_o we_o 1._o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o its_o thought_n meditation_n and_o desire_n about_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a so_o be_v it_o express_v in_o the_o verse_n forego_v they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n they_o think_v on_o they_o their_o contrivance_n be_v about_o they_o and_o their_o desire_n after_o they_o but_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o mind_v they_o by_o fix_v their_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o they_o 2._o the_o inclination_n disposition_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o all_o its_o affection_n whereby_o it_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n this_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n reside_v habitual_o in_o the_o affection_n wherefore_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o mind_n as_o renew_v and_o act_v by_o a_o spiritual_a principle_n of_o light_n and_o life_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o its_o thought_n meditation_n and_o desire_n on_o spiritual_a thing_n proceed_v from_o the_o love_n and_o delight_n of_o its_o affection_n in_o they_o and_o engagement_n unto_o they_o 3._o a_o complacency_n of_o mind_n from_o that_o gust_n relish_v and_o savour_n which_o it_o find_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n from_o their_o suitableness_n unto_o its_o constitution_n inclination_n and_o desire_n there_o be_v a_o salt_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n whereby_o they_o be_v condit_v and_o make_v savoury_a unto_o a_o renew_a mind_n though_o to_o other_o they_o be_v as_o the_o white_a of_o a_o egg_n that_o have_v no_o taste_n or_o savour_n in_o it_o in_o this_o gust_n and_o relish_n lie_v the_o sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o spiritual_a life_n speculative_a notion_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o be_v dry_a sapless_a and_o barren_a in_o this_o gust_n we_o taste_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n be_v gracious_a and_o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n or_o whatever_o else_o have_v the_o most_o grateful_a relish_n unto_o a_o sensual_a appetite_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a foundation_n of_o the_o joy_n which_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n all_o these_o thing_n do_v concur_v in_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n or_o to_o constitute_v any_o person_n spiritual_o mind_v and_o although_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n include_v in_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o affection_n and_o their_o immediate_a adherence_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n whence_o the_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o mind_n about_o they_o do_v proceed_v yet_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o distinct_a part_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o order_n lay_v down_o begin_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n about_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o first_o genuine_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n according_a unto_o the_o prevalency_n of_o affection_n in_o it_o they_o will_v make_v the_o best_a and_o most_o evident_a discovery_n of_o what_o nature_n the_o spring_n be_v from_o whence_o they_o do_v arise_v and_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v
excess_n in_o it_o both_o weaken_v spiritual_a life_n and_o disturb_v yea_o destroy_v all_o solid_a spiritual_a peace_n i_o have_v occasional_o speak_v unto_o it_o before_o as_o also_o the_o way_n whereby_o our_o mind_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n do_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o snare_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o diligent_o examine_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o our_o inordinate_a affection_n and_o cleave_v unto_o these_o thing_n the_o principal_a cause_n why_o we_o thrive_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o whence_o we_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o disquietment_n and_o dejection_n of_o spirit_n unto_o the_o disturbance_n of_o our_o prace_n and_o rest_v in_o god_n be_v from_o hence_o for_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o impair_v by_o it_o in_o its_o nature_n or_o not_o obstruct_v by_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n wherefore_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a be_v life_n and_o peace_n because_o it_o subdue_v and_o expel_v that_o inordinate_a love_n unto_o present_a thing_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o they_o both_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o they_o 4_o it_o preserve_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o due_a and_o holy_a frame_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n this_o also_o be_v indispensible_o require_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n especial_o unto_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v much_o less_o thrive_v and_o flourish_v in_o any_o person_n who_o be_v negligent_a in_o holy_a duty_n or_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n which_o impede_fw-la or_o hinder_v we_o from_o such_o a_o attendance_n unto_o holy_a duty_n as_o may_v be_v advantageous_a unto_o our_o soul_n against_o all_o which_o we_o have_v relief_n by_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a 1_o distraction_n 2_o despondency_n 3_o weariness_n 4_o unreadiness_n of_o grace_n for_o exercise_n 1_o distraction_n of_o mind_n and_o thought_n have_v this_o evil_a effect_n which_o many_o complain_v of_o few_o take_v the_o right_a way_n of_o deliverance_n from_o for_o this_o evil_n will_v not_o be_v cure_v by_o attendance_n unto_o any_o particular_a direction_n without_o a_o change_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o our_o mind_n nothing_o can_v give_v we_o relief_n herein_o but_o a_o prevalent_a delight_n in_o be_v exercise_v about_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a for_o hence_o arise_v all_o our_o distraction_n the_o want_n of_o fix_v our_o mind_n on_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o delight_n make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o be_v divert_v from_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n yea_o to_o seek_v occasion_n for_o such_o diversion_n it_o be_v this_o frame_n alone_o namely_o of_o spiritual_a mindedness_n that_o will_v give_v we_o this_o delight_n for_o thereby_o the_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v suit_v unto_o it_o and_o pleasant_a unto_o our_o affection_n the_o mind_n and_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v thereby_o so_o fit_v unto_o each_o other_o that_o on_o every_o occasion_n they_o be_v ready_a for_o mutual_a embrace_n and_o not_o easy_o draw_v off_o by_o any_o cause_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o distraction_n so_o complain_v of_o yea_o they_o will_v all_o be_v prevent_v hereby_o 2_o despondencys_n in_o duty_n arise_v from_o the_o frequent_a incursion_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n the_o remembrance_n hereof_o frequent_o solicit_v the_o mind_n of_o person_n in_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o duty_n unless_o they_o be_v under_o especial_a act_n of_o grace_n stir_v they_o up_o unto_o earnestness_n and_o fervency_n in_o what_o they_o undertake_v at_o other_o season_v it_o render_v man_n lifeless_a and_o heartless_a so_o as_o that_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v best_o pray_v or_o no_o when_o duty_n and_o opportunity_n call_v they_o thereunto_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a we_o have_v manifest_v in_o many_o instance_n be_v the_o great_a preservative_n against_o these_o dishearten_v incursion_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n watch_v and_o guard_n against_o they_o whence_o ever_o they_o arise_v or_o proceed_v no_o lust_n or_o corruption_n can_v be_v prevalent_a in_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o such_o incursion_n of_o sin_n as_o affect_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o dishearten_v sense_n of_o gild_n no_o affection_n can_v abide_v in_o any_o sinful_a disorder_n where_o the_o mind_n be_v so_o affect_v this_o also_o give_v sin_n a_o entrance_n unto_o a_o distract_n sense_n of_o gild_n but_o the_o foal_n cure_v hereof_o lie_v in_o this_o grace_n and_o duty_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o way_n mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o such_o incursion_n of_o sin_n 3_o weariness_n in_o and_o of_o spiritual_a duty_n abate_v their_o tendency_n unto_o the_o improvement_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n in_o we_o this_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o same_o cause_n with_o that_o or_o distraction_n before_o mention_v and_o it_o be_v ofttimes_o increase_v by_o the_o weakness_n and_o indisposition_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o outward_a man_n sometime_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v disappoint_v the_o principal_a cure_n hereof_o lie_v in_o that_o delight_n which_o spiritual_a mindedness_n give_v unto_o the_o soul_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n for_o where_o there_o be_v constant_a delight_n in_o any_o thing_n there_o will_v be_v no_o weariness_n at_o least_o not_o such_o as_o shall_v hinder_v any_o from_o cleave_v firm_o unto_o the_o thing_n wherein_o he_o do_v delight_n while_o therefore_o we_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o delight_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n weariness_n can_v prevalent_o assault_v the_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a relief_n against_o that_o weariness_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o as_o it_o will_v preserve_v the_o mind_n from_o attend_v too_o much_o unto_o their_o solicitation_n cry_v spare_a thyself_o by_o fill_v and_o possess_v the_o thought_n with_o other_o thing_n so_o it_o will_v offer_v a_o holy_a violence_n unto_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o flesh_n silence_v they_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o and_o delight_n in_o holy_a duty_n 4_o the_o unreadiness_n of_o grace_n for_o its_o due_a and_o proper_a excercise_n be_v another_o thing_n which_o defeat_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o holy_a duty_n the_o season_n of_o they_o be_v come_v sense_n of_o duty_n carry_v man_n unto_o a_o attendance_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o but_o when_o they_o shall_v enter_v upon_o they_o those_o grace_n of_o faith_n love_n fear_v and_o delight_n wherein_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v of_o they_o do_v consist_v be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n unready_z for_o a_o due_a exercise_n so_o as_o that_o man_n take_v up_o and_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o mere_a outward_a performance_n of_o they_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n have_v be_v take_v up_o with_o other_o thing_n due_a preparation_n have_v be_v want_v man_n come_v unto_o they_o with_o reak_a thought_n of_o earthly_a occasion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n in_o or_o immediate_o out_o of_o such_o a_o frame_n to_o stir_v up_o grace_n unto_o a_o due_a exercise_n but_o herein_o lie_v the_o very_a life_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o keep_n and_o preserve_v all_o grace_n in_o a_o readiness_n for_o its_o exercise_n as_o our_o occasion_n require_v and_o this_o be_v a_o effectual_a way_n whereby_o this_o grace_n come_v to_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n for_o they_o can_v be_v attain_v they_o can_v be_v preserve_v without_o such_o a_o constancy_n and_o spirituality_n in_o all_o holy_a duty_n as_o we_o shall_v never_o arrive_v at_o unless_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a last_o this_o frame_n of_o mind_n bring_v the_o soul_n unto_o and_o keep_v it_o at_o its_o near_a approach_n unto_o heaven_n and_o blessedness_n wherein_o lie_v the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n according_a unto_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o grace_n in_o we_o such_o be_v those_o of_o our_o approach_n unto_o god_n nearness_n unto_o he_o give_v we_o our_o initial_a conformity_n unto_o he_o by_o the_o renovation_n of_o his_o image_n in_o we_o as_o our_o presence_n with_o he_o will_v give_v we_o perfection_n therein_o for_o when_o we_o see_v he_o we_o shall_v be_v like_a unto_o he_o he_o therefore_o alone_o as_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n by_o our_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o and_o by_o our_o likeness_n of_o he_o will_v they_o thrive_v and_o flourish_v in_o our_o soul_n finis_fw-la
peace_n be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v judge_v but_o a_o weak_a attempt_n as_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n but_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v these_o two_o advantage_n first_o that_o it_o be_v seasonable_a and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v sincere_o intend_v and_o if_o it_o have_v this_o only_a success_n that_o it_o may_v occasion_v other_o who_o have_v more_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n than_o i_o have_v to_o bring_v in_o their_o assistance_n for_o a_o opposition_n unto_o the_o vehement_a and_o importunate_a insinuation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o entertainment_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o professor_n this_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v lost._n but_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n among_o we_o that_o unless_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vigorous_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n with_o other_o mean_v appoint_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n be_v engage_v in_o to_o recall_v professor_n unto_o that_o strict_a mortification_n that_o sincerity_n of_o conversation_n that_o separation_n from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o world_n that_o heavenly_a mindedness_n that_o delight_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v require_v we_o shall_v loose_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o leave_v it_o very_o uncertain_a what_o will_v be_v our_o eternal_a condition_n the_o same_o may_v be_v speak_v concern_v love_n of_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o the_o advantage_n and_o emolument_n which_o man_n trust_v to_o attain_v unto_o themselves_o thereby_o this_o be_v that_o wiâ—h_n render_v man_n earthly_a mind_a and_o most_o remote_a from_o have_v their_o conversation_n above_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o corrupt_a affection_n do_v many_o professor_n of_o religion_n grow_v wither_v useless_a sapless_a give_v no_o evidence_n that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o on_o these_o and_o many_o other_o account_n do_v many_o christian_n evidence_n themselves_o to_o be_v stranger_n from_o spiritual_a mindedness_n from_o a_o life_n of_o meditation_n and_o holy_a contemplation_n on_o thing_n above_o yet_o unless_o we_o be_v find_v in_o these_o thing_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n no_o grace_n will_v thrive_v or_o flourish_n in_o we_o no_o duty_n will_v be_v right_o perform_v by_o we_o no_o condition_n sanctify_a or_o improve_v nor_o be_v we_o prepare_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o make_v meet_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n wherefore_o as_o be_v say_v to_o direct_v and_o provoke_v man_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a remedy_n of_o all_o these_o evil_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o give_v they_o a_o view_n into_o and_o a_o fore_o taste_v of_o eternal_a glory_n especial_o unto_o such_o who_o be_v in_o my_o own_o condition_n namely_o in_o a_o very_a near_o approach_n unto_o a_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n be_v the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n wiâ—h_n be_v recommend_v unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o reader_n rome_n viij_o 6._o but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n chap._n i._n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n explain_v the_o expression_n in_o our_o translation_n sound_v different_o from_o that_o in_o the_o original_a to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v say_v we_o in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o that_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v in_o the_o margin_n we_o read_v the_o mind_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o render_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o translation_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a prudentia_fw-la sapientia_fw-la intelligentia_fw-la mens_fw-la cogitatio_fw-la discretio_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sapit_fw-la the_o wisdom_n the_o understanding_n the_o mind_n the_o thought_n or_o contrivance_n the_o discretion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o which_o the_o spirit_n savour_v be_v use_v to_o express_v it_o all_o our_o english_a translation_n from_o tindal_n the_o first_o of_o they_o have_v constant_o use_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v neither_o do_v i_o know_v any_o word_n whereby_o the_o emphasis_n of_o the_o original_a consider_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n can_v be_v better_o express_v but_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o must_v be_v further_o inquire_v into_o in_o the_o whole_a verse_n there_o be_v two_o entire_a proposition_n contain_v a_o double_a antithesis_fw-la the_o one_o in_o their_o subject_n the_o other_o in_o their_o predicate_v and_o this_o opposition_n be_v the_o high_a and_o great_a that_o be_v beneath_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o eternal_a ruin_n the_o opposite_a subject_n be_v the_o mind_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o be_v carnal_o mind_v and_o spiritual_o mind_v and_o these_o two_o do_v constitute_v two_o state_n of_o mankind_n unto_o the_o one_o of_o which_o every_o individual_a person_n in_o the_o world_n do_v belong_v and_o it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o know_v whetherof_o they_o they_o appertain_v unto_o as_o unto_o the_o quality_n express_v by_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n there_o may_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o in_o the_o same_o person_n at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v so_o in_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v for_o in_o they_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n lust_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a gal._n 5.17_o thus_o different_a contrary_a act_n in_o the_o same_o subject_a constitute_v not_o distinct_a state_n but_o where_o either_o of_o they_o be_v predominant_a or_o have_v a_o prevalent_a rule_n in_o the_o soul_n there_o it_o make_v a_o different_a state_n this_o distinction_n of_o state_n the_o apostle_n express_v v_o 9_o but_o you_o be_v not_o in_o the_o fesh_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n some_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o can_v please_v god_n v_o 8._o they_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n v_o 5._o they_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n v_o 1._o they_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n v_o 13._o this_o be_v one_o state_n other_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n v_o 9_o after_o the_o spirit_n v_o 5._o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n v_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o other_o state_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v carnal_o mind_v the_o other_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o do_v every_o live_a man_n belong_v he_o be_v under_o the_o roll_a conduct_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n though_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n in_o each_o of_o these_o as_o to_o good_a and_o evil._n the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o state_n be_v great_a and_o the_o distance_n in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a because_o a_o eternity_n in_o blessedness_n or_o misery_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o at_o present_a be_v evidence_v by_o the_o different_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o their_o operation_n which_o constitute_v these_o different_a state_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v between_o the_o predicate_v of_o the_o proposition_n for_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v death_n but_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n i._o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n death_n as_o it_o be_v absolute_o penal_a be_v either_o spiritual_a or_o eternal_a the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o be_v formal_o the_o other_o meritorious_o it_o be_v formal_o death_n spiritual_a for_o they_o that_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n eph._n 2.1_o for_o those_o who_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n v_o 3._o be_v penal_o under_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a death_n they_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o the_o uncircumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n col._n 2.13_o and_o it_o be_v death_n eternal_a meritorious_o for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v rom._n 8.13_o as_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n chap._n 6.23_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n denounce_v so_o woeful_a a_o doom_n so_o dreadful_a a_o sentence_n on_o the_o carnal_a mind_n he_o declare_v in_o the_o two_o next_o verse_n for_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o indeed_o can_v be_v so_o than_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o the_o carnal_a mind_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o to_o be_v
nature_n and_o compliant_a with_o its_o inclination_n wherefore_o these_o thought_n give_v the_o best_a measure_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v voluntary_a such_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n be_v apt_a for_o incline_v and_o ordinary_o betake_v itself_o unto_o man_n may_v have_v a_o multitude_n of_o thought_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o life_n which_o yet_o may_v give_v no_o due_a measure_n of_o the_o inward_a frame_n of_o their_o heart_n so_o man_n who_o calling_n and_o work_v it_o be_v to_o study_v the_o scripture_n or_o the_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o and_o to_o preach_v they_o unto_o other_o can_v but_o have_v many_o thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v and_o oftentimes_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v they_o may_v be_v force_v by_o their_o work_n and_o call_v to_o think_v of_o they_o early_o and_o late_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o yet_o their_o mind_n be_v no_o way_n render_v or_o prove_v spiritual_a thereby_o it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o of_o we_o who_o be_v preacher_n will_v diligent_o examine_v ourselves_o herein_o so_o be_v it_o with_o they_o who_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v so_o many_o chapter_n every_o day_n notwithstanding_o the_o diligent_a performance_n of_o their_o task_n they_o may_v be_v most_o remote_a from_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v see_v ezek._n 33.31_o but_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a track_n and_o course_n of_o thought_n that_o man_n ordinary_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o when_o not_o affect_v with_o present_a occasion_n if_o these_o be_v vain_a foolish_a proud_a ambitious_a sensual_a or_o filthy_a such_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o its_o frame_n if_o they_o be_v holy_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a such_o may_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v but_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v it_o be_v the_o great_a character_n and_o description_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o man_n mind_n in_o a_o unregenerate_a condition_n or_o before_o the_o renovation_n of_o their_o nature_n that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6.5_o they_o be_v continual_o coin_v figment_n and_o imagination_n in_o their_o heart_n stamp_v they_o into_o thought_n that_o be_v vain_a foolish_a and_o wicked_a all_o other_o thought_n in_o they_o be_v occasional_a these_o be_v the_o natural_a genuine_a product_n of_o their_o heart_n hence_o the_o clear_a and_o sometime_o first_o discovery_n of_o the_o bottomless_a evil_a treasure_n of_o filth_n folly_n and_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v from_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o evil_a imagination_n which_o be_v there_o coin_a and_o thrust_v forth_o every_o day_n so_o the_o wicked_a be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n isa._n 57.20_o there_o be_v a_o fullness_n of_o evil_n in_o their_o heart_n like_o that_o of_o water_n in_o the_o sea_n this_o fullness_n be_v trouble_v or_o put_v into_o continual_a motion_n by_o their_o lust_n and_o impetuous_a desire_n hence_o the_o mire_n and_o dirt_n of_o evil_a thought_n be_v continual_o cast_v up_o in_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o the_o predominancy_n of_o voluntary_a thought_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o sure_a indication_n of_o the_o inward_a frame_n and_o state_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o unto_o the_o carnal_a mind_n it_o be_v so_o on_o the_o other_o as_o unto_o the_o spiritual_a wherefore_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v to_o have_v the_o course_n and_o stream_n of_o those_o thought_n which_o we_o ordinary_o retreat_v unto_o which_o we_o approve_v of_o as_o suit_v unto_o our_o affection_n to_o be_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n therein_o consist_v the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n but_o because_o all_o man_n unless_o horrible_o profligate_v have_v thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n yet_o we_o know_v that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o thought_n to_o render_v they_o a_o certain_a indication_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v natural_a arise_v from_o ourselves_o and_o not_o from_o outward_a occasion_n the_o psalmist_n mention_n the_o inward_a thought_n of_o man_n psal._n 49.11_o &_o 64.6_o but_o whereas_o all_o thought_n be_v the_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o shall_v seem_v that_o this_o expression_n make_v no_o distinction_n of_o the_o especial_a kind_n of_o thought_n intend_v from_o those_o of_o another_o sort_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o in_o the_o formal_a nature_n of_o they_o but_o in_o the_o cause_n spring_n and_o occasion_n inward_a thought_n be_v such_o as_o arise_v mere_o and_o sole_o from_o man_n inward_a principle_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n that_o be_v not_o suggest_v or_o excite_v by_o any_o outward_a object_n such_o in_o wicked_a man_n be_v those_o act_n of_o their_o lust_n whereby_o they_o entice_v and_o seduce_v themselves_o jam._n 1.14_o their_o lust_n stir_v up_o thought_n lead_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n these_o be_v their_o inward_a thought_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v those_o thought_n which_o be_v the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v the_o first_o natural_a egress_n and_o genuine_a act_n of_o the_o habitual_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n thus_o in_o covetous_a man_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o thought_n whereby_o their_o covetousness_n act_v itself_o first_o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o outward_a object_n and_o opportunity_n so_o it_o be_v with_o achan_n josh._n 7.21_o when_o say_v he_o i_o see_v among_o the_o spoil_n a_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n and_o two_o hundred_o shekel_n of_o silver_n and_o a_o wedge_n of_o gold_n than_o i_o covet_v they_o his_o sight_n of_o they_o with_o a_o opportunity_n of_o possess_v himself_o of_o they_o excite_v covetous_a thought_n and_o desire_n in_o he_o so_o be_v it_o with_o other_o every_o day_n who_o occasion_n call_v they_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o object_n of_o their_o lusts._n and_o some_o by_o such_o object_n may_v be_v surprise_v into_o thought_n that_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o habitual_o incline_v unto_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v know_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o avoid_v they_o but_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o person_n have_v thought_n of_o this_o nature_n arise_v from_o themselves_o only_o their_o own_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n without_o any_o outward_a provocation_n the_o vile_a person_n will_v speak_v villainy_n and_o his_o heart_n will_v work_v iniquity_n isa._n 32.6_o and_o this_o he_o do_v as_o the_o liberal_a devise_v liberal_a thing_n v_o 8._o from_o his_o own_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n he_o be_v contrive_v in_o his_o thought_n how_o to_o act_v according_a to_o they_o so_o the_o unclean_a person_n have_v two_o sort_n of_o thought_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o lusts._n first_o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o external_a object_n of_o it_o hereunto_o stageplay_n revel_v dance_n with_o the_o society_n of_o bold_a person_n person_n of_o corrupt_a communication_n do_v contribute_v their_o wicked_a service_n for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o this_o snare_n job_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n chap._n 31.1_o and_o our_o saviour_n give_v that_o holy_a declaration_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o mat._n 5.28_o but_o he_o have_v a_o habitual_a spring_n of_o these_o thought_n in_o himself_o constant_o incline_v and_o dispose_v he_o thereunto_o hence_o the_o apostle_n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o person_n have_v eye_n full_a of_o a_o adulteress_n that_o can_v cease_v from_o sin_n 2_o ep._n 2.14_o their_o own_o affection_n make_v they_o restless_a in_o their_o thought_n and_o contrivance_n about_o sin_n so_o be_v it_o with_o they_o who_o be_v give_v to_o excess_n in_o wine_n or_o strong_a drink_n they_o have_v please_a thought_n raise_v in_o they_o from_o the_o object_n of_o their_o lust_n represent_v unto_o they_o hence_o solomon_n give_v that_o advice_n against_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o prov._n 23.31_o but_o it_o be_v their_o own_o habitual_a disposition_n which_o carry_v they_o unto_o please_a thought_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n which_o he_o describe_v v_o 34_o 35._o so_o be_v it_o in_o other_o case_n the_o thought_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n be_v man_n inward_a thought_n and_o such_o must_v these_o be_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n whence_o we_o may_v be_v esteem_v spiritual_o mind_v psal._n 45.1_o say_v the_o
psalmist_n my_o heart_n be_v endite_v a_o good_a matter_n i_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v make_v touch_v the_o king_n he_o be_v meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n on_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o person_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n hence_o his_o heart_n bubble_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a a_o good_a matter_n it_o be_v a_o allusion_n take_v from_o a_o quick_a spring_n of_o live_a water_n from_o its_o own_o life_n and_o fullness_n it_o bubble_n up_o the_o water_n that_o run_v and_o flow_v from_o it_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o thought_n in_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v there_o be_v a_o live_a fullness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n that_o spring_v up_o into_o holy_a thought_n about_o they_o from_o hence_o do_v our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o great_a description_n of_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n joh._n 4.12_o the_o spirit_n with_o his_o grace_n reside_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n nor_o be_v it_o such_o a_o well_o as_o content_v with_o its_o own_o fullness_n do_v not_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o instrument_n or_o pain_n in_o draw_v send_v out_o its_o refresh_a water_n as_o it_o be_v with_o most_o well_n though_o of_o live_a water_n for_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o answer_n and_o opposition_n unto_o that_o objection_n of_o the_o woman_n upon_o this_o mention_n of_o give_v live_a water_n v_o 10._o sir_n say_v she_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o draw_v and_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a whence_o will_v thou_o have_v this_o water_n v._n 11._o true_o say_v he_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o well_o and_o water_n dead_a earthly_a thing_n they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n unless_o we_o have_v instrument_n line_n and_o bucket_n to_o draw_v withal_o but_o the_o live_a water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o water_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o pit_n or_o cistern_n without_o we_o whence_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v but_o it_o be_v within_o we_o and_o that_o not_o dead_a and_o useless_a but_o continual_o spring_v up_o unto_o the_o use_n and_o refreshment_n of_o they_o that_o have_v it_o for_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n of_o the_o new_a nature_n the_o spirit_n and_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v it_o do_v of_o itself_o and_o from_o itself_o without_o any_o external_a influence_n on_o it_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o whole_a soul_n unto_o spiritual_a act_n that_o tend_v unto_o eternal_a life_n such_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v they_o arise_v from_o the_o inward_a principle_n inclination_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o bubling_n of_o this_o well_o of_o live_a water_n they_o be_v the_o minding_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o our_o saviour_n describe_v they_o matth._n 12.35_o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n first_o the_o man_n be_v good_a as_o he_o say_v before_o make_v the_o tree_n good_a or_o the_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a v_o 33._o he_o be_v make_v so_o by_o grace_n in_o the_o change_n and_o renovation_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v every_o way_n evil_a this_o good_a man_n have_v a_o treasure_n in_o his_o heart_n so_o all_o man_n have_v as_o the_o next_o word_n be_v the_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o man_n in_o this_o world_n every_o man_n have_v a_o treasure_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v a_o prevail_a inexhaustible_a principle_n of_o all_o his_o act_n and_o operation_n but_o in_o some_o this_o treasure_n be_v good_a in_o other_o it_o be_v evil._n that_o be_v the_o prevail_a principle_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o its_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n be_v in_o some_o good_a and_o gracious_a in_o other_o it_o be_v evil_a out_o of_o this_o good_a treasure_n a_o good_a man_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n the_o first_o open_v of_o it_o the_o first_o bring_v of_o it_o forth_o be_v by_o these_o thought_n the_o thought_n that_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o it_o if_o the_o thought_n that_o natural_o arise_v and_o spring_v up_o in_o we_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a foolish_a sensual_a earthly_a selfish_a such_o be_v the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o such_o be_v we_o but_o where_o the_o thought_n that_o thus_o natural_o proceed_v from_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v spiritual_a and_o holy_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v where_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o our_o thought_n they_o give_v no_o such_o evidence_n as_o that_o inquire_v after_o man_n may_v have_v thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o and_o that_o frequent_o which_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o this_o principle_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o two_o other_o cause_n 1._o inward_a force_n 2._o outward_a occasion_n 1._o inward_a force_n as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v this_o be_v by_o conviction_n conviction_n put_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o impression_n that_o cause_v it_o to_o act_v contrary_a unto_o its_o own_o habitual_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o water_n to_o descend_v but_o apply_v a_o instrument_n unto_o it_o that_o shall_v make_v a_o compression_n of_o it_o and_o force_v it_o unto_o a_o vent_n it_o will_v fly_v upward_o vehement_o as_o if_o that_o be_v its_o natural_a motion_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o force_n of_o the_o impression_n cease_v it_o return_v immediate_o unto_o its_o own_o proper_a tendency_n descend_v towards_o its_o centre_n so_o be_v it_o with_o man_n thought_n ofttimes_o they_o be_v earthly_a their_o natural_a course_n and_o motion_n be_v downward_o unto_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o but_o when_o any_o efficacious_a conviction_n press_v on_o the_o mind_n it_o force_v the_o egress_n of_o its_o thought_n upward_o towards_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o will_v think_v much_o and_o frequent_o of_o they_o as_o if_o that_o be_v their_o proper_a motion_n and_o course_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o conviction_n decay_v or_o wear_v off_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v no_o more_o sensible_a of_o its_o force_n and_o impression_n the_o thought_n of_o it_o return_v again_o unto_o their_o old_a course_n and_o track_n as_o the_o water_n tend_v downward_o this_o state_n and_o frame_n be_v graphical_o describe_v psal._n 78.35_o 36_o 37._o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o they_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n nevertheless_o they_o do_v but_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o they_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n man_n in_o trouble_n danger_n sickness_n fear_n of_o death_n or_o under_o effectual_a conviction_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n will_v endeavour_v to_o think_v and_o meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n yea_o they_o will_v be_v great_o trouble_v that_o they_o can_v think_v of_o they_o more_o than_o they_o do_v and_o esteem_v it_o their_o folly_n that_o they_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o as_o freedom_n and_o deliverance_n do_v approach_n so_o these_o thought_n decay_v and_o disappear_v the_o mind_n will_v not_o be_v compel_v to_o give_v place_n unto_o they_o any_o more_o the_o prophet_n give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o jer._n 13.23_o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v unto_o evil_n they_o have_v have_v another_o haunt_n be_v teach_v another_o course_n the_o habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n lie_v another_o way_n and_o they_o will_v no_o long_o tend_v towards_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o a_o impression_n be_v on_o they_o from_o their_o conviction_n and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o very_a mean_a attainment_n of_o a_o low_a and_o weak_a degree_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o heart_n or_o in_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v when_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v rise_v or_o fall_v according_a unto_o renew_a occasional_a conviction_n if_o when_o we_o be_v under_o rebuke_n from_o god_n in_o our_o person_n or_o relation_n
in_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o the_o like_a and_o withal_o have_v some_o renew_a conviction_n of_o sin_n in_o commission_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n and_o thereon_o do_v endeavour_n to_o be_v more_o spiritual_o mind_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n on_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o we_o fail_v in_o and_o these_o thought_n decay_n as_o our_o conviction_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o do_v wear_v off_o or_o be_v remove_v we_o have_v attain_v a_o very_a low_a degree_n in_o this_o grace_n if_o we_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o at_o all_o water_n that_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o a_o live_a spring_n run_v equal_o and_o constant_o unless_o it_o be_v obstruct_v or_o divert_v by_o some_o violent_a opposition_n but_o that_o which_o be_v from_o thunder-shower_n run_v furious_o for_o a_o season_n but_o be_v quick_o dry_v up_o so_o be_v those_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o prevalent_a internal_a principle_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v even_o and_o constant_a unless_o a_o interruption_n be_v put_v upon_o they_o for_o a_o season_n by_o temptation_n but_o those_o which_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o thunder_n of_o conviction_n however_o their_o stream_n may_v be_v fill_v for_o a_o season_n they_o quick_o dry_v up_o and_o utter_o decay_v 2._o such_o thought_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o spiritual_o mind_v from_o outward_a mean_n and_o occasion_n such_o i_o intend_v as_o be_v indeed_o useful_a yea_o appoint_v of_o god_n for_o this_o end_n among_o other_o that_o they_o may_v ingenerate_v and_o stir_v up_o holy_a thought_n and_o affection_n in_o we_o but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o their_o use_n and_o operation_n in_o some_o they_o excite_v the_o inward_a principle_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o act_v in_o holy_a thought_n according_a unto_o its_o own_o sanctify_a disposition_n and_o prevalent_a affection_n this_o be_v their_o proper_a end_n and_o use._n in_o other_o they_o occasional_o suggest_v such_o thought_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o spring_v only_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n propose_v unto_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o end_n also_o they_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n howbeit_o such_o thought_n do_v not_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v where_o you_o till_o and_o manure_v your_o land_n if_o it_o bring_v forth_o plentiful_a crop_n of_o corn_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o soil_v it_o self_n be_v good_a and_o fertile_a the_o dress_n of_o it_o only_o give_v occasion_n and_o advantage_n to_o put_v forth_o its_o own_o fruitbearing_a virtue_n but_o if_o in_o the_o till_v of_o land_n you_o lay_v much_o dung_n upon_o it_o and_o it_o bring_v forth_o here_o and_o there_o a_o handful_n where_o the_o dung_n lie_v you_o will_v say_v the_o soil_n be_v barren_a it_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o of_o itself_o these_o mean_n that_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o be_v as_o the_o till_v of_o a_o fruitful_a soil_n which_o help_v it_o in_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n by_o exciting_a its_o own_o virtue_n and_o power_n they_o stir_v up_o holy_a affection_n unto_o holy_a thought_n and_o desire_n but_o in_o other_o who_o heart_n be_v barren_a they_o only_o serve_v as_o it_o be_v some_o of_o they_o here_o and_o there_o to_o stir_v up_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n or_o spirit_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n it_o shall_v be_v handle_v distinct_o by_o itself_o chap._n iii_o outward_a mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o thought_n of_o such_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o do_v not_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n exercise_n of_o gift_n prayer_n how_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o prayer_n be_v true_o spiritual_a thought_n prove_v we_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v 1._o such_o a_o mean_n be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o it_o be_v observe_v concern_v many_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o hear_v it_o willing_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o upon_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o and_o we_o see_v the_o same_o thing_n exemplify_v in_o multitude_n every_o day_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v without_o many_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o person_n about_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o thought_n and_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v produce_v more_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o hypocrite_n concern_v who_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v and_o be_v never_o spiritual_o mind_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o miscarriage_n be_v give_v we_o by_o our_o saviour_n math._n 13.20_o 21._o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n the_o same_o be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n the_o good_a thought_n they_o have_v proceed_v not_o from_o any_o principle_n in_o themselves_o neither_o their_o affection_n nor_o their_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v any_o internal_a root_n whereon_o they_o shall_v grow_v so_o be_v it_o with_o many_o who_o live_v under_o the_o present_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n continual_o suggest_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o do_v abide_v with_o they_o more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o be_v affect_v for_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o who_o be_v either_o despiser_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v or_o way-side_n hearer_n who_o understand_v nothing_o of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o immediate_o lose_v all_o sense_n of_o it_o all_o thought_n about_o it_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o they_o who_o attend_v with_o some_o diligence_n and_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o some_o joy_n these_o insensible_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v without_o some_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n howbeit_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v as_o be_v say_v but_o like_v unto_o water_n that_o run_v after_o a_o shower_n of_o rain_n they_o pour_v out_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o proceed_v from_o some_o strong_a live_a spring_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o when_o once_o the_o water_n of_o the_o shower_n be_v spend_v their_o channel_n be_v dry_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o stone_n and_o dirt_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n fall_v on_o such_o person_n as_o shower_n of_o rain_n it_o give_v a_o course_n sometime_o great_a sometime_o less_o unto_o their_o thought_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o they_o have_v not_o a_o well_o of_o water_n in_o they_o spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n wherefore_o after_o a_o while_n their_o mind_n be_v dry_v up_o from_o such_o thought_n nothing_o remain_v in_o they_o but_o earth_n and_o that_o perhaps_o foul_a and_o dirty_a it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o most_o holy_a and_o spiritual_o mind_v may_v have_v nay_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n excite_v multiply_a and_o confirm_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o its_o dispensation_n one_o principal_a use_n of_o it_o in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o it_o have_v this_o effect_n two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o its_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n be_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v the_o more_o this_o be_v do_v the_o more_o shall_v we_o thrive_v in_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v 2._o as_o it_o administer_v occasion_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n for_o propose_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n love_n fear_v trust_v reverence_n unto_o the_o soul_n it_o draw_v forth_o all_o those_o grace_n into_o exercise_n wherefore_o although_o the_o vigorous_a act_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n be_v occasional_a from_o the_o word_n be_v more_o under_o and_o after_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o than_o at_o other_o time_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o the_o ordinance_n by_o god_n own_o appointment_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o evidence_n that_o those_o with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v yet_o where_o man_n have_v no_o other_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n such_o thought_n do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v their_o endeavour_n in_o they_o be_v like_o those_o of_o man_n in_o a_o dream_n under_o some_o oppression_n of_o their_o spirit_n their_o imagination_n fix_v on_o something_o or_o other_o that_o be_v
duty_n itself_o when_o we_o find_v the_o daily_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o a_o holy_a humble_a watchful_a frame_n innumerable_a be_v the_o advantage_n benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v common_o speak_v unto_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o consolation_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o they_o where_o there_o be_v continuance_n in_o prayer_n there_o will_v be_v spiritual_a growth_n in_o some_o proportion_n for_o man_n to_o be_v earnest_a in_o prayer_n and_o thriftless_a in_o grace_n be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o prevalent_a corruption_n and_o want_v of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a in_o prayer_n itself_o if_o a_o man_n eat_v his_o daily_a food_n let_v he_o eat_v never_o so_o much_o or_o so_o often_o if_o he_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o it_o his_o body_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o prevalent_a distemper_n and_o so_o be_v his_o spiritual_a constitution_n who_o thrive_v not_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o food_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n but_o that_o which_o i_o fix_v upon_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o present_a enquiry_n be_v the_o frame_n that_o it_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o it_o will_v keep_v it_o humble_a and_o upon_o a_o diligent_a watch_n as_o unto_o its_o disposition_n and_o act_n he_o who_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v will_v endeavour_v to_o live_v as_o he_o pray_v this_o none_o can_v do_v who_o do_v not_o with_o diligence_n keep_v his_o heart_n unto_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v pray_v about_o to_o pray_v earnest_o and_o live_v careless_o be_v to_o proclaim_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v in_o his_o prayer_n hereby_o than_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o those_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o our_o mind_n be_v exercise_v withal_o in_o our_o supplication_n if_o they_o be_v influence_v unto_o a_o constant_a daily_a watch_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o frame_n of_o spirit_n those_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o they_o be_v from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o be_v general_o a_o unsuitableness_n in_o our_o mind_n unto_o what_o we_o seem_v to_o contend_v for_o in_o our_o prayer_n the_o gift_n may_v be_v in_o exercise_n but_o the_o grace_n be_v want_v if_o a_o man_n be_v every_o day_n on_o the_o exchange_n and_o there_o talk_v diligent_o and_o earnest_o about_o merchandise_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o trade_n but_o when_o he_o come_v home_n think_v no_o more_o of_o they_o because_o indeed_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v no_o interest_n in_o they_o he_o may_v be_v a_o very_a poor_a man_n notwithstanding_o his_o pretence_n and_o he_o may_v be_v spiritual_o very_o poor_a who_o be_v on_o occasion_n fervent_a in_o prayer_n if_o when_o he_o retire_v unto_o himself_o he_o be_v not_o careful_a and_o diligent_a about_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 4._o when_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o due_a preparation_n of_o heart_n unto_o the_o duty_n do_v excite_v and_o animate_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o the_o gift_n make_v impression_n on_o the_o affection_n then_o be_v we_o spiritual_o mind_a therein_o gift_n be_v servant_n not_o ruler_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o grace_n not_o to_o lead_v it_o but_o to_o follow_v it_o and_o to_o be_v ready_a with_o their_o assistance_n on_o its_o exercise_n for_o the_o most_o part_n where_o they_o lead_v all_o they_o be_v all_o alone_a this_o be_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o these_o thing_n grace_n habitual_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o heart_n unto_o this_o duty_n providence_n and_o rule_n give_v the_o occasion_n for_o its_o excercise_n sense_n of_o duty_n call_v for_o preparation_n grace_n come_v into_o actual_a exercise_n gift_n come_v in_o with_o their_o assistance_n if_o they_o lead_v all_o all_o be_v out_o of_o order_n it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o sometime_o a_o person_n indispose_v and_o lifeless_a engage_v into_o prayer_n in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n upon_o conviction_n of_o duty_n may_v in_o and_o by_o the_o gift_n have_v his_o affection_n excite_v and_o grace_n engage_v unto_o its_o proper_a work_n it_o may_v be_v so_o i_o say_v but_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o trust_v unto_o this_o order_n and_o method_n for_o where_o it_o be_v so_o there_o may_v be_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o all_o their_o fervour_n and_o commotion_n of_o affection_n but_o when_o the_o genuine_a act_n of_o faith_n love_n holy_a reverence_n and_o gracious_a desire_n do_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n unto_o its_o exercise_n call_v in_o its_o assistance_n unto_o the_o expression_n of_o themselves_o then_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o their_o proper_a order_n 5._o it_o be_v so_o when_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v equal_o regard_v and_o attend_v unto_o with_o prayer_n itself_o he_o all_o who_o religion_n lie_v in_o prayer_n and_o hearing_n have_v none_o at_o all_o god_n have_v a_o equal_a respect_n unto_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o so_o must_v we_o have_v also_o so_o be_v it_o express_v as_o unto_o the_o instance_n of_o alm_n act_v 10.31_o and_o james_n place_v all_o religion_n herein_o because_o there_o be_v none_o without_o it_o jam._n 1.27_o i_o shall_v not_o value_v his_o prayer_n at_o all_o be_v he_o never_o so_o earnest_a and_o frequent_a in_o they_o who_o give_v not_o alm_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o this_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v require_v of_o we_o who_o be_v minister_n that_o we_o be_v not_o like_o a_o hand_n set_v up_o in_o cross_a way_n direct_v other_o which_o way_n to_o go_v but_o stay_v behind_o itself_o this_o digression_n about_o the_o rise_n and_o spring_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n in_o prayer_n i_o judge_v not_o unnecessary_a in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o jealous_a lest_o gift_n impose_v themselves_o in_o the_o room_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v careful_a that_o they_o be_v employ_v only_o unto_o their_o proper_a end_n which_o be_v to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n and_o not_o otherwise_o 3._o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o they_o do_v not_o spring_v from_o a_o live_a principle_n within_o and_o so_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o this_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o other_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v speak_v one_o to_o another_o of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o his_o glory_n be_v concern_v mal._n 3.16_o to_o declare_v the_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o delight_n of_o his_o saint_n psal._n 145._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o his_o greatness_n be_v unsearchable_a one_o generation_n shall_v praise_v thy_o work_n to_o another_o and_o shall_v declare_v thy_o mighty_a work_n i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o thy_o majesty_n and_o of_o thy_o wondrous_a work_n and_o man_n shall_v speak_v of_o the_o might_n of_o thy_o terrible_a act_n and_o i_o will_v declare_v thy_o greatness_n they_o shall_v abundant_o utter_v the_o memory_n of_o thy_o great_a goodness_n and_o shall_v sing_v of_o thy_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n and_o according_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o be_v speak_v or_o make_v mention_n of_o thing_n divine_a spiritual_a and_o holy_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o they_o all_o the_o flagitious_a sin_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o be_v not_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v grow_v unusual_a yea_o a_o shame_n or_o scorn_v for_o man_n to_o speak_v together_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o when_o religion_n be_v in_o its_o primitive_a power_n and_o glory_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o with_o they_o who_o real_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n some_o i_o say_v there_o be_v who_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o spiritual_a communication_n those_o with_o who_o they_o do_v converse_v if_o they_o be_v not_o profligate_v if_o they_o have_v any_o spiritual_a light_n can_v but_o so_o far_o comply_v with_o what_o they_o say_v as_o to_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n speak_v which_o be_v spiritual_a oft_o time_n the_o track_n and_o course_n of_o man_n thought_n lie_v so_o out_o of_o the_o way_n be_v so_o contrary_a unto_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o they_o give_v they_o no_o entertainment_n you_o do_v but_o cross_v their_o way_n with_o such_o discourse_n whereon_o they_o stand_v still_o a_o little_a and_o
absolute_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a and_o superstition_n suggest_v other_o object_n for_o they_o which_o they_o ready_o embrace_v but_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a attempt_n the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v continual_o minting_n and_o coin_v new_a thought_n and_o imagination_n the_o cogitative_a faculty_n be_v always_o at_o work_n as_o the_o stream_n of_o a_o mighty_a river_n run_v into_o the_o ocean_n so_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o through_o self_n they_o run_v into_o hell_n it_o be_v a_o fond_a thing_n to_o set_v a_o dam_n before_o such_o a_o river_n to_o curb_v its_o stream_n for_o a_o little_a space_n there_o may_v be_v a_o stop_v make_v but_o it_o will_v quick_o break_v down_o all_o obstacle_n or_o overflow_v all_o its_o bound_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o divert_v its_o course_n but_o only_o by_o provide_v other_o channel_n for_o its_o water_n and_o turn_v they_o thereinto_o the_o mighty_a stream_n of_o the_o evil_a thought_n of_o man_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o bound_n or_o dam_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o they_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o relief_n from_o they_o the_o one_o respect_v their_o moral_a evil_n the_o other_o their_o natural_a abundance_n the_o first_o by_o throw_v salt_n into_o the_o spring_n as_o elisha_n cure_v the_o water_n of_o jericho_n that_o be_v to_o get_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n season_v with_o grace_n for_o the_o tree_n must_v be_v make_v good_a before_o the_o fruit_n will_v be_v so_o the_o other_o be_v to_o turn_v their_o stream_n into_o new_a channel_n put_v new_a aim_n and_o end_v upon_o they_o fix_v they_o on_o new_a object_n so_o shall_v we_o abound_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n for_o abound_v in_o thought_n we_o shall_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n ephes._n 5._o 18_o 19_o and_o be_v not_o drink_v with_o wine_n wherein_o be_v excess_n but_o he_o fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o yourselves_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n when_o man_n be_v drink_v with_o wine_n unto_o a_o excess_n they_o make_v it_o quick_o evident_a what_o vain_a foolish_a ridiculous_a imagination_n it_o fill_v their_o mind_n withal_o in_o opposition_n hereunto_o the_o apostle_n advise_v believer_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n to_o labour_v for_o such_o a_o participation_n of_o he_o as_o may_v fill_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n as_o other_o fill_v themselves_o with_o wine_n to_o what_o end_n unto_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o desire_v such_o a_o participation_n of_o he_o to_o be_v so_o fill_v with_o he_o it_o be_v unto_o this_o end_n namely_o that_o he_o by_o his_o grace_n may_v fill_v they_o with_o holy_a spiritual_a thought_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a man_n drink_v unto_o a_o excess_n as_o fill_v with_o those_o that_o be_v foolish_a vain_a and_o wicked_a so_o the_o word_n of_o ver_fw-la 19_o do_v declare_v for_o he_o advise_v we_o to_o express_v our_o abound_a thought_n in_o such_o duty_n as_o will_v give_v a_o especial_a vent_n unto_o they_o wherefore_o when_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v we_o shall_v abound_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n or_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o we_o have_v such_o thought_n will_v not_o sufficient_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v so_o unless_o we_o abound_v in_o they_o and_o this_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o principal_a enquiry_n on_o this_o head_n namely_o what_o measure_n we_o ought_v to_o assign_v hereof_o how_o we_o may_v know_v when_o we_o abound_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v i_o answer_v in_o general_a among_o other_o scripture_n read_v over_o psal._n 119._o with_o understanding_n consider_v therein_o what_o david_n express_v of_o himself_o as_o unto_o his_o constant_a delight_n in_o and_o continual_a thought_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n at_o that_o season_n try_v yourselves_o by_o that_o pattern_n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o can_v true_o speak_v the_o same_o word_n with_o he_o at_o least_o if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o zeal_n yet_o with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n you_o will_v say_v that_o be_v david_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v equal_a with_o he_o but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v we_o must_v be_v like_o he_o if_o ever_o we_o intend_v to_o come_v to_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v it_o will_v ruin_v our_o soul_n if_o when_o we_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n express_v their_o experience_n in_o faith_n love_n delight_n in_o god_n and_o constant_a meditation_n on_o he_o we_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o we_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v all_o thing_n concern_v they_o be_v write_v for_o admonition_n 1_o cor._n 10.11_o and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o delight_n in_o god_n as_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spiritual_a mindedness_n in_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n we_o can_v have_v no_o evidence_n that_o we_o please_v god_n as_o they_o do_v or_o shall_v go_v to_o that_o place_n whither_o they_o be_v go_v profession_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n pass_v with_o many_o at_o a_o very_a low_a and_o easy_a rate_n their_o thought_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a and_o earthly_a their_o communication_n unsavoury_a and_o sometime_o corrupt_a their_o life_n at_o best_a uneven_a and_o uncertain_a as_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n yet_o all_o be_v well_o all_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a who_o obtain_v this_o testimany_n that_o they_o please_v god_n do_v not_o so_o walk_v before_o he_o they_o meditate_a continual_o in_o the_o law_n think_v of_o god_n in_o the_o night_n season_n speak_v of_o his_o way_n his_o work_n his_o praise_n their_o whole_a delight_n be_v in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o follow_v hard_o after_o he_o it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o david_n in_o particular_a that_o i_o have_v propose_v and_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o grace_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o who_o be_v feeble_a shall_v be_v as_o david_n zech._n 12.8_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o in_o his_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v we_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a judge_n of_o ourselves_o therein_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o few_o rule_n unto_o this_o direction_n by_o example_n 1._o consider_v what_o proportion_n your_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n bear_v with_o those_o about_o other_o thing_n our_o principal_a interest_n and_o concern_v as_o we_o profess_v lie_v in_o thing_n spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o eternal_a be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o foolish_a thing_n to_o suppose_v that_o our_o thought_n about_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o hold_v some_o proportion_n with_o those_o about_o other_o thing_n nay_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o exceed_v they_o no_o man_n be_v so_o vain_a in_o earthly_a thing_n as_o to_o pretend_v that_o his_o principal_a concern_n lie_v in_o that_o whereof_o he_o think_v very_o seldom_o in_o comparison_n of_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o man_n in_o reference_n unto_o their_o family_n their_o trade_n their_o occasion_n of_o life_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n not_o only_o consecrate_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n but_o evident_a also_o in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o and_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n do_v act_n themselves_o by_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o mind_n wherefore_o if_o our_o principal_a treasure_n be_v as_o we_o profess_v in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o woe_n unto_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o on_o they_o will_v our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o our_o desire_n and_o thought_n be_v principal_o fix_v that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a examine_v ourselves_o by_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v consider_v of_o what_o sort_n man_n other_a thought_n be_v and_o as_o unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o there_o be_v such_o as_o be_v exercise_v about_o their_o calling_n and_o lawful_a occasion_n these_o be_v numberless_a and_o endless_a especial_o among_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o rise_v early_o and_o go_v to_o bed_v late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n or_o be_v particular_o industrious_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o
way_n these_o thought_n man_n approve_v themselves_o in_o and_o judge_v they_o their_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o measure_n but_o no_o heart_n can_v conceive_v the_o multitude_n of_o these_o thought_n which_o partly_o in_o contrivance_n partly_o in_o converse_n be_v engage_v and_o spend_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o man_n be_v immerse_v in_o they_o the_o more_o do_v themselves_o and_o other_o esteem_v they_o diligent_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v neither_o necessity_n nor_o occasion_n to_o be_v engage_v much_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o any_o especial_a call_v who_o yet_o by_o their_o word_n and_o action_n declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v confine_v almost_o in_o their_o thought_n unto_o themselves_o their_o relation_n their_o child_n and_o their self_o concern_v which_o tho_o most_o of_o they_o be_v very_o impertinent_a yet_o they_o justify_v themselves_o in_o they_o all_o sort_n may_v do_v well_o to_o examine_v what_o proportion_n their_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v bear_v unto_o those_o of_o other_o thing_n i_o fear_v with_o most_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v very_o small_a with_o many_o next_o to_o none_o at_o all_o what_o evidence_n then_o can_v they_o have_v that_o they_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v that_o their_o principal_a interest_n lie_v in_o thing_n above_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v ask_v whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v think_v as_o much_o and_o as_o often_o about_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a as_o they_o do_v about_o the_o lawful_a affair_n of_o their_o calling_n i_o say_v more_o and_o more_o often_o if_o we_o be_v what_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v general_o it_o be_v the_o best_a sort_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o man_n who_o be_v busy_v in_o their_o calling_n some_o of_o one_o sort_n some_o of_o another_o but_o even_o among_o the_o best_a of_o these_o many_o will_v continual_o spend_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o spirit_n about_o their_o affair_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o so_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n with_o some_o thought_n sometime_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n occasional_o administer_v do_v suppose_v they_o acquit_v themselves_o very_o well_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v that_o his_o great_a design_n be_v to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o a_o voyage_n unto_o a_o far_a country_n where_o be_v his_o patrimony_n and_o his_o inheritance_n but_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o contrivance_n be_v about_o some_o few_o trifle_n which_o if_o indeed_o he_o intend_v his_o voyage_n he_o must_v leave_v behind_o he_o and_o of_o his_o main_a design_n he_o scarce_o think_v at_o all_o we_o all_o profess_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v for_o heaven_n immortality_n and_o glory_n but_o be_v it_o any_o evidence_n we_o real_o design_v it_o if_o all_o our_o thought_n be_v consume_v about_o the_o trifle_n of_o this_o world_n which_o we_o must_v leave_v behind_o we_o and_o have_v only_o occasional_a thought_n of_o thing_n above_o i_o shall_v elsewhere_o show_v if_o god_n will_v how_o man_n may_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o their_o earthly_a affair_n if_o some_o relief_n may_v not_o be_v thence_o obtain_v i_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o say_v or_o answer_v for_o they_o who_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v not_o hold_v proportion_n with_o yea_o exceed_v they_o which_o they_o lie_v out_o about_o their_o calling_n this_o whole_a rule_n be_v ground_v on_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 6.31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o take_v no_o thought_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v or_o what_o shall_v we_o drink_v or_o wherewith_o we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v but_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o take_v therefore_o no_o thought_n for_o to_o morrow_n when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v when_o we_o have_v make_v the_o best_a of_o they_o we_o be_v able_a all_o earthly_a thing_n as_o unto_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o what_o we_o eat_v what_o we_o drink_v and_o wherewith_o we_o be_v clothe_v about_o these_o thing_n our_o saviour_n forbid_v we_o to_o take_v any_o thought_n not_o absolute_o but_o with_o a_o double_a limitation_n as_o first_o that_o we_o take_v no_o such_o thought_n about_o they_o as_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o disquietment_n of_o mind_n through_o a_o distrust_n of_o the_o fatherly_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o context_n second_o no_o thought_n that_o for_o constancy_n and_o engagement_n of_o spirit_n shall_v be_v like_a unto_o those_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n let_v that_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a thing_n in_o your_o thought_n and_o conscience_n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o at_o least_o they_o must_v hold_v a_o exceed_a proportion_n with_o they_o let_v a_o man_n industrious_o engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o call_v try_v himself_o by_o this_o rule_n every_o evening_n let_v he_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v his_o thought_n about_o his_o earthly_a occasion_n and_o what_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o thereon_o ask_v of_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no._n be_v not_o deceive_v as_o a_o man_n think_v so_o be_v he_o and_o if_o we_o account_v it_o a_o strange_a thing_n that_o our_o thought_n shall_v be_v more_o exercise_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o our_o calling_n we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n we_o can_v find_v that_o we_o have_v either_o life_n or_o peace_n moreover_o it_o be_v know_v how_o often_o when_o we_o be_v engage_v in_o spiritual_a duty_n other_o thought_n will_v interpose_v and_o impose_v themselves_o on_o our_o mind_n those_o which_o be_v about_o man_n secular_a concernment_n will_v do_v so_o the_o world_n will_v frequent_o make_v a_o inroad_n on_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n to_o disturb_v the_o passenger_n and_o wayfaring_a man_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o complain_v of_o by_o such_o as_o be_v awake_a unto_o their_o duty_n and_o sensible_a of_o their_o weakness_n call_v to_o mind_n therefore_o how_o often_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n spiritual_a thought_n do_v interpose_v and_o as_o it_o be_v impose_v themselves_o on_o your_o mind_n while_o you_o be_v engage_v in_o your_o earthly_a affair_n sometime_o no_o doubt_n but_o with_o all_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n it_o be_v so_o or_o ever_o i_o be_v aware_a say_v the_o spouse_n my_o soul_n make_v i_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o amminadab_n cant._n 6.12_o grace_n in_o she_o own_o soul_n surprise_v she_o into_o a_o ready_a willing_a frame_n unto_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n when_o she_o be_v intent_n on_o other_o occasion_n but_o if_o these_o thought_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n so_o arise_v in_o we_o bear_v no_o proportion_n with_o the_o other_o sort_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n what_o frame_n and_o principle_n be_v predominant_a in_o we_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v vain_a useless_a and_o altogether_o unprofitable_a these_o ordinary_o through_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v look_v on_o as_o not_o sinful_a because_o as_o it_o be_v suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o and_o therefore_o man_n rather_o shake_v they_o off_o for_o their_o folly_n than_o their_o gild_n but_o they_o arise_v from_o a_o corrupt_a fountain_n and_o woeful_o pollute_v both_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n wherever_o there_o be_v vain_a thought_n there_o be_v sin_n jerem._n 4.14_o such_o be_v those_o numberless_a imagination_n whereby_o man_n fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v not_o to_o enjoy_v what_o they_o enjoy_v not_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o and_o other_o at_o their_o pleasure_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v liable_a unto_o such_o a_o pernicious_a folly_n which_o some_o of_o tenacious_a fancy_n have_v turn_v into_o madness_n we_o be_v behold_v alone_o to_o our_o curse_a apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o the_o vanity_n that_o possess_v our_o mind_n thereon_o hence_o the_o prince_n of_o tyrus_n think_v he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n ezek._n 28.2_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o other_o and_o in_o those_o in_o who_o such_o imagination_n be_v keep_v unto_o some_o better_a order_n and_o bound_n yet_o be_v trace_v unto_o their_o original_a they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o spring_v some_o of_o they_o immediate_o from_o pride_n some_o from_o sensual_a lust_n some_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n all_o from_o self_n and_o the_o
day_n of_o our_o trial_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n wherein_o we_o may_v evidence_n ourselves_o unto_o ourselves_o to_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n or_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a on_o it_o because_o it_o contain_v the_o first_o sensible_a egress_n of_o the_o spring_n of_o live_a water_n in_o we_o the_o first_o act_v of_o spiritual_a life_n unto_o our_o own_o experience_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o affection_n of_o who_o frame_n and_o state_n these_o thought_n be_v the_o only_a genuine_a exposition_n but_o whereas_o there_o be_v or_o may_v be_v some_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o deficiency_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o part_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v which_o we_o have_v pass_v through_o and_o may_v fall_v under_o discouragement_n thereon_o we_o must_v follow_v he_o as_o we_o be_v able_a who_o will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n by_o offer_v something_o unto_o the_o relief_n of_o they_o that_o be_v sincere_a under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n chap._n x._o sundry_a thing_n tender_v unto_o such_o as_o complain_v that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o abide_v in_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a or_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o their_o relief_n instruction_n and_o direction_n rule_n concern_v state_v spiritual_a meditation_n some_o will_v say_v yea_o many_o on_o all_o occasion_n do_v say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o their_o duty_n towards_o god_n wherein_o they_o be_v more_o at_o a_o loss_n than_o they_o be_v in_o this_o one_o of_o fix_v or_o exercise_v their_o thought_n or_o meditation_n on_o thing_n heavenly_a or_o spiritual_a they_o acknowledge_v knowledge_n it_o a_o duty_n they_o see_v a_o excellency_n in_o it_o with_o inexpressible_a usefulness_n but_o although_o they_o often_o try_v and_o attempt_v it_o they_o can_v attain_v unto_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o make_v they_o ashamed_a both_o of_o it_o and_o themselves_o their_o mind_n they_o find_v be_v unsteady_a apt_a to_o rove_v and_o wander_v or_o give_v entertainment_n unto_o other_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o abide_v on_o the_o object_n which_o they_o design_v their_o meditation_n towards_o their_o ability_n be_v small_a their_o invention_n barren_a their_o memory_n frail_a and_o their_o judgement_n to_o dispose_v of_o thing_n into_o right_a order_n weak_a and_o unable_a they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v on_o for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o when_o they_o fix_v on_o any_o thing_n they_o be_v immediate_o at_o loss_n as_o unto_o any_o progress_n and_o so_o give_v over_o hence_o other_o thought_n or_o thought_n of_o other_o thing_n take_v advantage_n to_o impose_v themselves_o on_o they_o and_o what_o begin_v in_o spiritual_a meditation_n end_v in_o carnal_a vanity_n on_o these_o consideration_n ofttimes_o they_o be_v discourage_v to_o enter_v on_o the_o duty_n ofttimes_o give_v it_o over_o so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v begin_v and_o be_v glad_a if_o they_o come_v off_o without_o be_v loser_n by_o their_o endeavour_n which_o often_o befall_v they_o with_o respect_n unto_o other_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o they_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v real_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n unto_o who_o their_o want_n and_o defect_n be_v a_o burden_n who_o mourn_v under_o it_o and_o desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o or_o refresh_v in_o their_o conflict_n with_o it_o i_o shall_v offer_v the_o thing_n that_o ensue_v 1._o that_o sense_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o this_o consideration_n due_o attend_v unto_o will_v give_v we_o ought_v great_o to_o humble_a and_o abase_v our_o soul_n whence_o be_v it_o thus_o with_o we_o that_o we_o can_v abide_v in_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v no_o great_a concernment_n in_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v thing_n worthless_a and_o unprofitable_a so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o purpose_n to_o spend_v our_o thought_n about_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o alone_o be_v worthy_a useful_a and_o desirable_a all_o other_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o they_o be_v but_o loss_n and_o dung_n or_o it_o be_v because_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o original_o suit_v unto_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o this_o also_o be_v otherwise_o they_o be_v all_o give_v unto_o we_o all_o create_v of_o god_n for_o this_o end_n all_o fit_v with_o inclination_n and_o power_n to_o abide_v with_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n without_o aversation_n or_o weariness_n nothing_o be_v so_o natural_a easy_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o they_o as_o steadiness_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n the_o cause_n therefore_o of_o all_o this_o evil_a lie_n at_o our_o own_o door_n all_o this_o therefore_o and_o all_o other_o evil_n come_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o all_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o vanity_n bring_v it_o under_o this_o head_n lo_o this_o only_o have_v i_o find_v that_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o but_o they_o have_v seek_v out_o many_o invention_n eccles._n 7.29_o for_o hereby_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v create_v in_o a_o state_n of_o bless_a adherence_n unto_o god_n where_o whole_o turn_v off_o from_o he_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o fill_v with_o enmity_n against_o he_o in_o this_o state_n that_o vanity_n which_o be_v prevalent_a in_o they_o be_v both_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o punishment_n their_o sin_n in_o a_o perpetual_a inclination_n unto_o thing_n vain_a foolish_a sensual_a and_o wicked_a so_o the_o apostle_n describe_v it_o at_o large_a ephes._n 4.17_o 18_o 19_o tit._n 3.3_o and_o their_o punishment_n in_o that_o be_v turn_v off_o from_o the_o chief_a good_a wherein_o alone_a rest_n be_v to_o be_v find_v they_o be_v fill_v with_o darkness_n confusion_n and_o disquietment_n be_v like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n by_o grace_v our_o mind_n be_v renew_v that_o be_v change_v and_o deliver_v from_o this_o frame_n but_o they_o be_v so_o partial_o only_a the_o principle_n of_o vanity_n be_v no_o long_o predominant_a in_o we_o to_o alienate_v we_o from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n or_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o enmity_n against_o he_o those_o who_o be_v so_o renew_v do_v not_o walk_v in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o other_o do_v ephes._n 4.17_o they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o in_o all_o their_o way_n and_o occasion_n with_o a_o stream_n of_o vain_a thought_n in_o their_o mind_n but_o the_o remainder_n of_o it_o be_v effectual_o operative_a in_o we_o in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n towards_o god_n affect_v they_o with_o uncertainty_n and_o instability_n as_o he_o who_o have_v receive_v a_o great_a wound_n in_o any_o principal_a part_n of_o his_o body_n though_o it_o may_v be_v so_o cure_v as_o that_o death_n shall_v not_o immediate_o ensue_v thereon_o yet_o it_o may_v make_v he_o go_v weak_a and_o lame_a all_o his_o day_n and_o hinder_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o life_n the_o vanity_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v so_o cure_v as_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o spiritual_a death_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o wound_n such_o a_o weakness_n do_v remain_v as_o both_o weaken_v and_o hinder_v we_o in_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o spiritual_a life_n hence_o those_o who_o have_v make_v any_o progress_n in_o grace_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o vanity_n as_o the_o great_a burden_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o do_v groan_n after_o such_o a_o complete_a renovation_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v perfect_o free_v from_o it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o principal_o regard_v in_o that_o complain_v desire_n rom._n 7.24_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n yea_o they_o groan_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o every_o day_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n such_o a_o trouble_n unto_o they_o observe_v how_o it_o defeat_v they_o in_o their_o design_n to_o contemplate_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n how_o it_o frustrate_v their_o best_a resolution_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o spiritual_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n how_o they_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o it_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o thing_n which_o either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequence_n they_o most_o abhor_v nothing_o be_v they_o so_o afraid_a of_o nothing_o be_v so_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a unto_o they_o nothing_o do_v they_o more_o groan_n for_o deliverance_n from_o when_o there_o be_v war_n
in_o any_o place_n it_o behove_v they_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n and_o regard_n unto_o all_o their_o enemy_n and_o their_o attempt_n against_o they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v vigilant_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o oppositition_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v without_o that_o visible_o contend_v with_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n neglect_v such_o as_o traitorous_o act_v within_o among_o themselves_o betray_v their_o counsel_n and_o weaken_v their_o strength_n they_o will_v be_v undoubted_o ruin_v wise_a man_n do_v first_o take_v care_n of_o what_o be_v within_o as_o know_v if_o they_o be_v there_o betray_v all_o they_o do_v against_o their_o open_a enemy_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n in_o the_o warfare_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v we_o have_v enemy_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o open_o and_o visible_o in_o various_a temptation_n fight_v against_o our_o soul_n these_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o watch_v against_o to_o conflict_n with_o and_o to_o seek_v a_o conquest_n over_o but_o it_o be_v this_o internal_a vanity_n of_o mind_n that_o endeavour_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o betray_v we_o to_o weaken_v we_o in_o all_o our_o grace_n or_o to_o hinder_v their_o due_a operation_n and_o to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n unto_o our_o curse_a enemy_n if_o our_o principal_a endeavour_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v suppress_v and_o destroy_v this_o traitor_n we_o shall_v not_o succeed_v in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o disabilty_a of_o mind_n as_o unto_o steadiness_n in_o holy_a thought_n and_o meditation_n whereof_o you_o do_v complain_v when_o you_o be_v affect_v therewith_o turn_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o from_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v labour_v to_o be_v humble_v great_o and_o to_o walk_v humble_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o vanity_n of_o mind_n so_o some_o wholesome_a fruit_n may_v be_v take_v from_o this_o bitter_a root_n and_o meat_n may_v come_v out_o of_o this_o eater_n if_o when_o you_o can_v abide_v in_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o your_o relation_n unto_o he_o you_o reflect_v on_o this_o cause_n of_o it_o to_o your_o further_a humiliation_n and_o self-abasement_n your_o good_a design_n and_o purpose_n be_v not_o lose_v let_v such_o a_o one_o say_v i_o begin_v to_o think_v of_o god_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n of_o my_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o where_o now_o in_o a_o few_o minute_n do_v i_o find_v myself_o i_o be_o get_v into_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n into_o thing_n useless_a and_o earthly_a or_o be_o at_o such_o a_o loss_n as_o that_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o proceed_v in_o the_o work_n wherein_o i_o be_v engage_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o what_o a_o curse_a enemy_n have_v i_o within_o i_o i_o be_o ashamed_a of_o myself_o weary_a of_o myself_o loathe_v myself_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n such_o thought_n may_v be_v as_o useful_a unto_o he_o as_o those_o which_o he_o first_o design_v true_a it_o be_v we_o can_v never_o be_v free_v absolute_o from_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o vanity_n and_o instability_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n vnchangeable_n cleave_v unto_o god_n always_o in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n but_o yet_o great_a degree_n may_v be_v attain_v in_o the_o conquest_n and_o expulsion_n of_o it_o such_o as_o i_o fear_v few_o have_v experience_n of_o yet_o ought_v all_o to_o the_o labour_n after_o if_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o labour_v diligent_o to_o abide_v and_o abound_v in_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o in_o love_n to_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o if_o we_o watch_v against_o the_o entertainment_n and_o approbation_n of_o such_o thought_n and_o thing_n in_o our_o mind_n as_o whereby_o this_o vain_a frame_n be_v please_v and_o confirm_v there_o be_v though_o not_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n yet_o a_o bless_a degree_n of_o heavenly_a mindedness_n to_o be_v attain_v and_o therein_o the_o near_a approach_n unto_o glory_n that_o in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o if_o a_o man_n can_v attain_v a_o athletic_a constitution_n of_o health_n or_o a_o strength_n like_o that_o of_o samson_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v wise_a he_o will_v not_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v make_v he_o to_o be_v useful_a in_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o life_n and_o although_o we_o can_v attain_v perfection_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o yet_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v continual_o press_v after_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v wise_a will_v be_v endeavour_v such_o a_o cure_n of_o this_o spiritual_a distemper_n as_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discharge_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n but_o if_o man_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n feed_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n if_o they_o permit_v they_o to_o rove_v continual_o after_o thing_n foolish_a sensual_a and_o earthly_a if_o they_o wilful_o supply_v they_o with_o object_n unto_o that_o end_n and_o labour_v not_o by_o all_o mean_n for_o the_o mortification_n of_o this_o evil_a frame_n in_o vain_a shall_v they_o desire_v or_o expect_v to_o bring_v they_o at_o any_o time_n on_o any_o occasion_n to_o be_v steady_a in_o the_o thought_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o any_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v it_o be_v with_o many_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mind_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n make_v the_o tree_n good_a and_o then_o the_o fruit_n will_v be_v good_a and_o not_o before_o when_o the_o power_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n have_v make_v the_o mind_n habitual_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thought_n of_o such_o thing_n will_v be_v natural_a unto_o it_o and_o accompany_v with_o delight_n but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o until_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n have_v sanctify_v we_o in_o our_o whole_a spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o be_v always_o sensible_a of_o your_o own_o insufficincy_n to_o raise_v in_o your_o mind_n or_o to_o manage_v spiritual_a thought_n or_o thought_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a in_o a_o due_a manner_n but_o in_o this_o case_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o suppose_v that_o as_o they_o may_v so_o they_o can_v think_v of_o what_o they_o please_v thought_n be_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o be_v they_o of_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v they_o need_v no_o assistance_n for_o they_o they_o can_v think_v as_o they_o ought_v they_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o nothing_o will_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n until_o they_o be_v burden_v with_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o contrary_a as_o unto_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o the_o advice_n give_v be_v express_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 3.5_o not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n he_o speak_v principal_o of_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o of_o such_o as_o be_v most_o eminent_o furnish_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n as_o he_o declare_v v_o 6._o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o with_o other_o who_o have_v not_o their_o grace_n nor_o their_o office_n wherefore_o if_o man_n without_o regard_n unto_o the_o present_a actual_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n do_v suppose_v that_o they_o can_v of_o themselves_o exercise_v their_o mind_n in_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o so_o only_o fret_v at_o themselves_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o disappointment_n not_o know_v what_o be_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o they_o will_v live_v in_o a_o lifeless_a barren_a frame_n all_o their_o day_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o natural_a ability_n man_n may_v frame_v thought_n of_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o their_o mind_n according_a unto_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o they_o they_o may_v methodize_v they_o by_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o express_v they_o elegant_o unto_o other_o but_o even_o while_o they_o do_v so_o they_o may_v be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v for_o there_o may_v be_v in_o their_o thought_n no_o act_n of_o faith_n love_n or_o holy_a delight_n in_o god_n or_o any_o grace_n at_o all_o but_o such_o alone_o be_v thing_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o they_o be_v such_o only_a as_o wherein_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n
be_v in_o their_o proper_a exercise_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o we_o have_v no_o sufficiency_n in_o ourselves_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n must_v be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o person_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n more_o general_o grant_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o than_o this_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o none_o more_o neglect_v in_o daily_a practice_n man_n profess_v they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o and_o yet_o go_v about_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 3._o remember_v that_o i_o have_v not_o at_o present_a treat_v of_o solemn_a state_v meditation_n concern_v which_o other_o rule_n and_o instruction_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v by_o solemn_a or_o state_v meditation_n i_o intend_v the_o thought_n of_o some_o subject_a spiritual_a and_o divine_a with_o the_o fix_v force_v and_o order_v our_o thought_n about_o it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o affect_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o by_o this_o design_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o our_o principal_a aim_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o declare_v it_o unto_o other_o and_o so_o also_o from_o prayer_n whereof_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a object_n but_o in_o meditation_n it_o be_v the_o affect_v of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o mind_n with_o love_n delight_n and_o humiliation_n at_o present_a i_o have_v only_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o that_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o our_o thought_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o habitual_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n or_o of_o what_o sort_n the_o constant_a course_n of_o our_o thought_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n this_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n for_o who_o be_v yet_o unskilful_a in_o and_o unable_a for_o state_v meditation_n for_o there_o be_v require_v thereunto_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o ability_n as_o some_o through_o their_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v incapable_a of_o but_o as_o unto_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o insist_v on_o it_o be_v not_o unattainable_a by_o any_o in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o it_o be_v but_o the_o frequent_a act_n of_o they_o that_o i_o intend_v wherefore_o do_v your_o heart_n and_o affection_n lead_v you_o unto_o many_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v they_o spring_v up_o in_o you_o as_o water_n in_o a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n be_v you_o ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o entertain_v such_o thought_n and_o to_o be_v conversant_a with_o they_o as_o opportunity_n do_v offer_v itself_o do_v you_o labour_v to_o have_v in_o a_o readiness_n what_o be_v useful_a for_o you_o with_o respect_n unto_o temptation_n and_o duty_n be_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o ordinary_a retreat_n of_o your_o soul_n though_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o orderly_o state_v meditation_n in_o your_o mind_n yet_o you_o may_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v a_o capacity_n and_o ability_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o great_a trade_n of_o merchandise_n in_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o commodity_n and_o season_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nation_n of_o it_o with_o those_o contrivance_n and_o account_n which_o belong_v unto_o such_o trade_n may_v be_v above_o his_o comprehension_n and_o he_o may_v quick_o ruin_v himself_o in_o undertake_v such_o a_o employment_n yet_o may_v the_o ability_n of_o this_o man_n serve_v he_o well_o enough_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o retail_n trade_n in_o a_o private_a shop_n wherein_o perhaps_o he_o may_v thrive_v as_o well_o and_o get_v as_o good_a a_o estate_n as_o any_o of_o those_o who_o great_a capacity_n lead_v they_o forth_o unto_o more_o large_a and_o hazardous_a employment_n so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o in_o this_o case_n the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o enable_v they_o unto_o state_v meditation_n they_o can_v cast_v thing_n into_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o nor_o frame_v the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n into_o word_n significant_a and_o expressive_a yet_o as_o unto_o frequency_n of_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n thereunto_o they_o may_v thrive_v and_o be_v skilful_a beyond_o most_o other_o of_o great_a natural_a ability_n howbeit_o because_o even_o state_v meditation_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n yea_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n do_v profitable_o act_v themselves_o i_o shall_v have_v regard_n thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a direction_n wherefore_o 4._o whatever_o principle_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o a_o ready_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n or_o otherwise_o without_o great_a diligence_n nor_o without_o great_a difficulty_n it_o be_v show_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o this_o grace_n between_o the_o essence_n substance_n or_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o we_o will_v not_o exclude_v man_n from_o under_o many_o fail_n or_o infirmity_n and_o the_o useful_a degree_n of_o it_o wherein_o it_o have_v its_o principal_a exercise_n as_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o life_n natural_a and_o its_o act_n in_o a_o weak_a disease_v sickly_a body_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o good_a constitution_n and_o in_o a_o vigorous_a health_n suppose_v the_o first_o the_o reality_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o or_o implant_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o new_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n yet_o unto_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o as_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n our_o own_o diligent_a care_n watchfulness_n and_o spiritual_a strive_v in_o all_o holy_a duty_n be_v require_v unless_o the_o most_o fruitful_a ground_n be_v manure_v it_o will_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o useful_a crop_n let_v not_o any_o think_v that_o this_o frame_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n unto_o and_o a_o readiness_n for_o all_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n will_v befall_v he_o and_o continue_v with_o he_o he_o know_v not_o how_o as_o good_a it_o be_v for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n without_o industry_n or_o a_o weak_a man_n to_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a without_o food_n and_o exercise_n as_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v without_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n after_o it_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o be_v requisite_a thereunto_o and_o we_o may_v name_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n without_o which_o such_o a_o holy_a frame_n will_v not_o be_v attain_v as_o 1._o a_o continual_a watch_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o and_o on_o the_o soul_n against_o the_o incursion_n of_o vain_a thought_n and_o imagination_n especial_o in_o such_o season_n wherein_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o obtain_v advantage_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o make_v a_o inroad_n into_o the_o mind_n if_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n if_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o lodge_v within_o in_o vain_a shall_v we_o hope_v or_o desire_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v herein_o consist_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o frequent_o so_o emphatical_o charge_v on_o we_o all_o namely_o to_o watch_n mark_v 3.37_o unless_o we_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n herein_o we_o shall_v be_v betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o all_o such_o thought_n be_v but_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v its_o desire_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o however_o they_o may_v be_v disappoint_v as_o unto_o actual_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v we_o in_o charge_n prov._n 4.23_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n 2._o careful_a avoidance_n of_o all_o society_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v apt_a under_o various_a pretence_n to_o draw_v and_o seduce_v the_o mind_n unto_o a_o earthly_a or_o sensual_a frame_n if_o man_n will_v venture_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n or_o may_v find_v by_o observation_n that_o they_o seduce_v and_o draw_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o and_o will_v not_o watch_v unto_o
the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n or_o deprave_a affection_n v_o 22._o these_o therefore_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o incline_v bend_v and_o lead_v it_o to_o act_v suitable_o unto_o its_o inclination_n which_o be_v to_o be_v renew_v and_o when_o our_o affection_n be_v incline_v by_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n then_o be_v they_o renew_v and_o not_o else_o no_o other_o change_n will_v give_v they_o a_o spiritual_a renovation_n hereby_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o natural_a affection_n in_o themselves_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v become_v fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n etc._n etc._n they_o continue_v the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o essence_n substance_n and_o natural_a power_n but_o be_v change_v in_o their_o property_n quality_n inclination_n when_o ever_o a_o new_a nature_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o so_o the_o water_n at_o marah_n be_v the_o same_o water_n still_o before_z and_o after_o their_o cure_n but_o of_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v bitter_a so_o as_o that_o the_o people_n can_v not_o drink_v they_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o a_o tree_n into_o they_o they_o be_v make_v sweet_a and_o useful_a exod._n 15.25_o 26._o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o water_n of_o jericho_n which_o be_v cure_v by_o cast_v salt_n into_o they_o 2_o king_n 19_o 20_o 21._o our_o affection_n continue_v the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v on_o their_o nature_n and_o essence_n but_o they_o be_v so_o cure_v by_o grace_n as_o that_o their_o property_n quality_n and_o inclination_n be_v all_o cleanse_v or_o renew_v the_o tree_n or_o salt_n that_o be_v cast_v into_o these_o water_n whereby_o the_o cure_n be_v wrought_v be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o proceed_v from_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o christ_n jesus_n chap._n xiii_o the_o work_n of_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o affection_n how_o difference_v from_o any_o other_o impression_n on_o or_o change_v wrought_v in_o they_o and_o how_o it_o be_v evidence_v so_o to_o be_v the_o first_o instance_n in_o the_o universality_n accompany_v of_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v the_o order_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o affection_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o object_n that_o which_o be_v our_o concernment_n herein_o be_v to_o inquire_v of_o what_o nature_n that_o work_n be_v which_o have_v be_v on_o our_o own_o affection_n or_o in_o they_o and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o those_o which_o whatever_n they_o do_v or_o effect_v yet_o will_v not_o render_v we_o nor_o themselves_o spiritual_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v the_o best_a of_o our_o diligence_n herein_o because_o the_o great_a mean_n whereby_o multitude_n delude_v and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o they_o be_v the_o change_n that_o they_o find_v in_o their_o affection_n which_o may_v be_v on_o many_o occasion_n without_o any_o spiritual_a renovation_n first_o as_o unto_o the_o temporary_a and_o occasional_a impression_n in_o the_o affection_n before_o mention_v whether_o from_o the_o word_n or_o any_o other_o divine_a warning_n by_o affliction_n or_o mercy_n they_o be_v common_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n some_o there_o be_v who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n 1_o tim._n 4.2_o who_o thereon_o be_v past_o feel_n senseless_a of_o all_o call_v warning_n and_o rebuke_n do_v give_v themselves_o over_o unto_o lasciviousness_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n eph._n 4.19_o such_o person_n have_v harden_v themselves_o in_o a_o long_a course_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v give_v up_o unto_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n or_o vile_a affection_n in_o a_o way_n of_o judgement_n have_v it_o may_v be_v no_o such_o impression_n on_o their_o affection_n on_o any_o occasion_n as_o to_o move_v they_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a they_o may_v be_v terrify_v with_o danger_n sudden_a judgement_n and_o other_o revelation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n against_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n but_o they_o be_v not_o draw_v to_o take_v shelter_n in_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n nothing_o but_o hell_n will_v awaken_v they_o unto_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o themselves_o and_o thing_n eternal_a it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o profligate_v and_o impudent_a in_o sin_v for_o although_o they_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a condition_n and_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o know_a duty_n yet_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o most_o frequent_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n their_o affection_n be_v stir_v towards_o heavenly_a thing_n sometime_o they_o be_v afraid_a sometime_o they_o have_v hope_n and_o desire_n about_o they_o these_o put_v they_o on_o resolution_n and_o some_o temporary_a endeavour_n to_o change_v their_o life_n to_o abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o perform_v holy_a duty_n but_o as_o the_o prophet_n complain_v their_o goodness_n be_v as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n so_o pass_v it_o away_o yet_o by_o mean_n hereof_o do_v many_o poor_a ignorant_a soul_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o cry_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n and_o they_o will_v sometime_o so_o express_v how_o they_o be_v affect_v with_o complaint_n of_o themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o long_a neglect_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o other_o may_v entertain_v good_a hope_n concern_v they_o but_o all_o come_v to_o nothing_o in_o the_o trial_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n unto_o spiritual_a light_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o occasional_a impression_n on_o the_o affection_n and_o that_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o they_o which_o we_o inquire_v after_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o do_v it_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o temporary_a and_o evanid_a they_o abide_v for_o a_o while_n only_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o every_o occasion_n defeat_v all_o their_o efficacy_n they_o may_v be_v frequent_o renew_v but_o they_o never_o abide_v some_o of_o they_o immediate_o pass_v away_o and_o be_v utter_o lose_v between_o the_o place_n where_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o their_o own_o habitation_n and_o in_o vain_a shall_v they_o inquire_v after_o they_o again_o they_o be_v go_v for_o ever_o some_o have_v a_o large_a continuance_n endure_v long_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o produce_v some_o outward_a effect_n none_o of_o they_o will_v hold_v any_o trial_n or_o shock_n of_o temptation_n yet_o i_o have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v unto_o those_o who_o have_v such_o impression_n on_o their_o affection_n and_o warning_n by_o they_o 1_o despise_v they_o not_o for_o god_n be_v in_o they_o although_o he_o may_v not_o be_v in_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o save_v grace_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o they_o in_o that_o which_o may_v be_v preparatory_a thereto_o they_o be_v not_o common_a humane_a accident_n but_o especial_a divine_a warning_n 2_o labour_v to_o retain_v they_o or_o a_o sense_n of_o they_o upon_o your_o heart_n and_o conscience_n you_o have_v get_v nothing_o by_o lose_v so_o many_o of_o they_o already_o and_o if_o you_o proceed_v in_o their_o neglect_n after_o a_o while_o you_o will_v hear_v of_o they_o no_o more_o 3_o put_v no_o more_o in_o they_o than_o belong_v unto_o they_o do_v not_o present_o conclude_v that_o your_o state_n be_v good_a because_o you_o have_v be_v affect_v at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n or_o under_o a_o sickness_n or_o in_o a_o danger_n hereon_o many_o think_v that_o now_o all_o be_v well_o with_o they_o wherewith_o they_o please_v themselves_o until_o they_o be_v whole_o immerse_v in_o their_o former_a security_n second_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o habitual_a change_n of_o the_o affection_n before_o describe_v &_o that_o renovation_n by_o grace_n which_o render_v they_o spiritual_a and_o this_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n unto_o we_o all_o to_o inquire_v into_o it_o with_o diligence_n multitude_n be_v herein_o deceive_v and_o that_o unto_o their_o ruin_n for_o they_o resolve_v their_o present_a peace_n into_o and_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n on_o such_o a_o change_n in_o themselves_o as_o will_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n this_o difference_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o scripture_n light_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o double_a universality_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o our_o affection_n 1_o that_o which_o be_v subjective_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o affection_n themselves_o and_o 2_o that_o which_o be_v objective_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n first_o sanctification_n extend_v itself_o unto_o the_o whole_a spirit_n
obstruction_n unto_o fruitfulness_n thrnkfulness_n and_o consolation_n when_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o our_o meditation_n about_o the_o benefit_n that_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v thereby_o for_o while_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o we_o can_v neither_o value_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o grant_v we_o this_o inestimable_a privilege_n nor_o perform_v any_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o it_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n this_o render_v it_o a_o especial_a object_n of_o our_o affection_n as_o spiritual_o renew_v that_o secret_a love_n unto_o and_o heavenly_a delight_n in_o the_o statute_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n which_o david_n express_v psal_n 119._o arise_v from_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o they_o as_o he_o constant_o declare_v and_o the_o sole_a reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n why_o man_n grow_v so_o careless_a negligent_a and_o cold_a in_o their_o attendance_n unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o any_o spiritual_a benefit_n or_o advantage_n by_o it_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v unto_o it_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o another_o most_o by_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o mind_n have_v be_v various_o affect_v with_o it_o unto_o a_o joy_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o and_o readiness_n unto_o sundry_a duty_n of_o obedience_n but_o after_o a_o while_n when_o a_o sense_n of_o those_o temporary_a impression_n be_v wear_v off_o find_v no_o real_a spiritual_a benefit_n by_o it_o they_o lose_v all_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o become_v very_o indifferent_a as_o unto_o its_o enjoyment_n the_o frame_n which_o such_o person_n at_o length_n arrive_v unto_o be_v describe_v mal._n 1.13_o and_o 3.14_o and_o none_o can_v give_v any_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o or_o of_o their_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o saving-grace_n than_o when_o they_o apostatise_v from_o some_o degree_n of_o zeal_n for_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o such_o a_o curse_a indifferency_n as_o many_o be_v overtake_v withal_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o for_o see_v this_o be_v a_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n it_o will_v not_o be_v neglect_v but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o decay_n of_o all_o grace_n however_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o other_o pretence_n and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o ensnare_v every_o foolish_a prejudice_n every_o provocation_n every_o wanton_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n will_v confirm_v they_o in_o and_o increase_v their_o gradual_a backslide_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o believer_n as_o unto_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_n so_o it_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o degree_n of_o advantage_n which_o they_o find_v by_o it_o when_o man_n have_v enjoy_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n spiritual_a and_o effectual_a if_o they_o can_v be_v content_a to_o forego_v it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v more_o cold_a and_o lifeless_a provide_v it_o possess_v the_o same_o time_n and_o outward_a form_n with_o the_o other_o it_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o their_o soul_n do_v prosper_v it_o be_v therefore_o those_o alone_a who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n on_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o all_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o it_o who_o cleave_v unto_o it_o with_o spiritual_a love_n and_o delight_n they_o continual_o remember_v what_o holy_a impression_n it_o have_v make_v on_o they_o what_o engagement_n it_o have_v bring_v their_o soul_n into_o what_o encouragement_n unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o have_v furnish_v they_o withal_o and_o long_o after_o renew_v sense_n of_o its_o enjoyment_n when_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o ourselves_o this_o foundation_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v renew_v so_o also_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o communion_n which_o it_o have_v have_v with_o god_n in_o they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o of_o the_o spiritual_a refreshment_n which_o it_o have_v have_v from_o they_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o in_o recovery_n from_o temptation_n snare_n despondency_n in_o victory_n over_o sin_n and_o satan_n in_o spiritual_a impression_n work_v it_o unto_o a_o holy_a watchful_a frame_n which_o have_v abode_n with_o it_o in_o other_o way_n and_o occasion_n with_o the_o like_a advantage_n wherewith_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n and_o sincere_a heavenly_a meditation_n be_v accompany_v it_o can_v but_o have_v love_n unto_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o but_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o find_v not_o these_o advantage_n in_o and_o by_o these_o duty_n they_o can_v but_o be_v a_o burden_n unto_o we_o nor_o do_v serve_v unto_o any_o other_o end_v but_o to_o satisfy_v conviction_n he_o who_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o serene_a and_o wholesome_a air_n in_o a_o recovery_n from_o many_o disease_n and_o distemper_n with_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o health_n so_o obtain_v will_v love_v it_o and_o prize_v it_o and_o so_o will_v he_o these_o duty_n who_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o any_o of_o these_o save_v mercy_n and_o privilege_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v some_o have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o worst_a of_o temptation_n and_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o their_o prevalency_n as_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o by_o a_o sudden_a remembrance_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o intimation_n of_o god_n love_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o prayer_n at_o such_o a_o time_n some_o have_v have_v the_o same_o deliverance_n from_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n when_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v away_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o all_o circumstance_n have_v concur_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o a_o sudden_a thought_n of_o such_o a_o prayer_n or_o meditation_n with_o the_o engagement_n they_o make_v of_o themselves_o therein_o unto_o god_n have_v cause_v all_o the_o weapon_n of_o sin_n to_o fall_v out_o of_o its_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o its_o allurement_n to_o disappear_v when_o other_o have_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o dispondency_n and_o disconsolation_n as_o that_o no_o present_a tender_n of_o relief_n can_v approach_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v be_v sudden_o raise_v and_o refresh_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o intimate_a love_n and_o kindness_n between_o christ_n and_o their_o soul_n that_o have_v evidence_v itself_o in_o former_a duty_n multitude_n in_o fear_n distress_n and_o temptation_n have_v find_v relief_n unto_o their_o spirit_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o return_v they_o have_v have_v unto_o former_a supplication_n in_o the_o like_a distress_n these_o be_v ground_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n in_o these_o duty_n heartless_n lifeless_a wordy_a prayer_n the_o fruit_n of_o conviction_n and_o gift_n or_o of_o custom_n and_o outward_a occasion_n however_o multiply_v and_o whatever_o devotion_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v accompany_v withal_o will_v never_o engage_v spiritual_a affection_n unto_o they_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v absent_a when_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o experience_n of_o they_o prayer_n be_v but_o a_o lifeless_a form_n a_o dead_a carcase_n which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o torment_n unto_o a_o soul_n spiritual_o alive_a to_o be_v tie_v unto_o there_o may_v be_v a_o season_n indeed_o when_o god_n will_v seem_v to_o hide_v himself_o from_o believer_n in_o their_o prayer_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v neither_o find_v that_o life_n in_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v do_v former_o nor_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o gracious_a communication_n from_o he_o but_o this_o be_v do_v only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o principal_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o unto_o that_o fervency_n and_o preseverance_n in_o prayer_n as_o may_v recover_v they_o into_o their_o former_a or_o a_o better_a estate_n than_o yet_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n four_o believer_n who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n great_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v the_o great_a institute_v way_n whereby_o they_o may_v give_v glory_n unto_o god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o respect_v divine_a appointment_n namely_o to_o ascribe_v and_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n that_o be_v his_o due_n for_o in_o they_o all_o acknowledgement_n be_v make_v of_o all_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n
mind_n be_v accompany_v for_o first_o it_o be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v most_o displease_v with_o in_o church_n or_o professor_n he_o pity_v they_o in_o their_o temptation_n he_o suffer_v with_o they_o in_o their_o persecution_n he_o intercee_v for_o they_o on_o their_o surprisal_n but_o threaten_v they_o under_o their_o spiritual_a decay_n rev._n 2.4_o 5._o chap._n 3.2_o this_o he_o can_v bear_v with_o as_o that_o which_o both_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o himself_o and_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v ruinous_a unto_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v he_o will_v long_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o be_v utter_o dead_a than_o with_o those_o who_o abide_v under_o these_o decay_n rev._n 3.15_o 16._o this_o be_v the_o only_a case_n wherein_o he_o threaten_v to_o reject_v and_o cast_v off_o a_o profess_v church_n to_o take_v away_o his_o candlestick_n from_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o of_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n he_o that_o speak_v thus_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o old_a speak_v now_o the_o same_o unto_o we_o for_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o his_o word_n be_v live_v and_o unchangeable_a there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v under_o this_o frame_n but_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n testify_v his_o displeasure_n against_o we_o and_o if_o he_o be_v against_o we_o who_o shall_v plead_v for_o we_o consider_v what_o he_o say_v in_o this_o case_n revel_v 2.5_o chapter_n 3.3_o o_o who_o can_v stand_v before_o these_o dreadful_a intimation_n of_o his_o displeasure_n the_o lord_n help_v we_o to_o mind_v it_o lest_o he_o in_o who_o we_o profess_v to_o place_v our_o only_a trust_n be_v in_o our_o trial_n find_v our_o great_a enemy_n take_v heed_n of_o such_o sin_n as_o christ_n himself_o our_o only_a advocate_n have_v put_v a_o mark_n upon_o as_o those_o which_o he_o will_v not_o save_v we_o in_o second_o it_o be_v that_o wherewith_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v grieve_v his_o work_n it_o be_v to_o give_v grace_n a_o increase_n and_o progress_n in_o our_o soul_n he_o begin_v it_o and_o he_o carry_v it_o on_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a grief_n unto_o a_o wise_a and_o gracious_a worker_n than_o to_o have_v his_o work_n decay_n and_o go_v backward_o under_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o complaint_n of_o god_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o unprofitableness_n and_o backslide_n of_o man_n after_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o remedy_n for_o their_o fruitfulness_n and_o cure_n what_o say_v he_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o for_o my_o vineyard_n than_o i_o have_v do_v why_o then_o when_o i_o look_v for_o grape_n do_v it_o bring_v forth_o wild_a grape_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v such_o a_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n and_o complaint_n unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o see_v and_o find_v those_o who_o he_o have_v once_o raise_v up_o unto_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a affection_n so_o as_o that_o their_o delight_n be_v in_o and_o their_o thought_n much_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o to_o become_v earthly_a or_o sensual_a to_o have_v no_o sensible_a act_n of_o any_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a decay_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n wherein_o god_n speak_v unto_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o complaint_n and_o expostulation_n and_o use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n herein_o when_o a_o wise_a tender_a and_o careful_a parent_n have_v be_v diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o the_o education_n of_o his_o child_n and_o he_o for_o some_o time_n have_v give_v good_a hope_n of_o himself_o find_v he_o to_o slacken_v in_o his_o diligence_n to_o be_v careless_a in_o his_o call_n to_o delight_v in_o evil_a company_n how_o solicitous_a be_v his_o heart_n about_o he_o how_o much_o be_v he_o grieve_v and_o affect_v with_o his_o miscarriage_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o tender_a towards_o we_o than_o that_o of_o the_o most_o affectionate_a parent_n can_v be_v towards_o a_o only_a child_n and_o when_o he_o with_o cost_n and_o care_n have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v we_o up_o unto_o some_o growth_n and_o progress_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n wherein_o all_o his_o concern_v in_o we_o do_v lie_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v cold_a dull_a earthly-minded_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o pleasure_n or_o lust_n of_o this_o world_n how_o be_v he_o grieve_v how_o be_v he_o provoke_v it_o may_v be_v this_o consideration_n of_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n with_o some_o they_o shall_v have_v little_a concernment_n herein_o if_o they_o can_v well_o free_v themselves_o in_o other_o respect_n but_o let_v such_o person_n know_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o profligate_n hardness_n in_o sin_n three_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n provoke_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o any_o church_n as_o be_v intimate_v before_o when_o in_o the_o order_n of_o profession_n and_o worship_n any_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n act_v in_o the_o affection_n be_v dead_a when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o cold_a as_o to_o forsake_v the_o external_a institution_n of_o worship_n nor_o so_o hot_a as_o to_o enliven_v their_o duty_n with_o spiritual_a affection_n the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o long_o bear_v with_o they_o yea_o judgement_n will_v sudden_o break_v out_o towards_o such_o a_o house_n of_o god_n four_o it_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n whatever_o person_n under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o frame_n pretend_v unto_o of_o that_o kind_n it_o be_v sinful_a security_n not_o gracious_a assurance_n or_o peace_n and_o constant_o as_o professor_n grow_v cold_a and_o decay_n in_o their_o spiritual_a affection_n stupidity_n of_o conscience_n and_o security_n of_o mind_n do_v grow_v also_o uâ—on_v they_o it_o be_v so_o i_o say_v unless_o they_o be_v sometime_o surprise_v or_o overtake_v with_o some_o great_a sin_n which_o reflect_v severe_o on_o their_o conscience_n and_o cast_v they_o for_o a_o time_n under_o trouble_n and_o distress_n but_o that_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o a_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n shall_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o habitual_a decay_n in_o grace_n especial_o in_o those_o grace_n which_o shall_v act_v themselves_o in_o our_o affection_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o bane_n and_o poison_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o our_o assurance_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n do_v arise_v whole_o from_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o there_o be_v other_o cause_n of_o they_o whereinto_o they_o be_v principal_o resolve_v but_o this_o i_o say_v under_o a_o habitual_a declension_n or_o decay_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o our_o affection_n no_o man_n can_v keep_v or_o maintain_v a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o of_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n more_o severe_o to_o be_v press_v on_o all_o at_o this_o day_n than_o a_o diligent_a examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o peace_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o any_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o luodicen_n who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o her_o good_a state_n and_o condition_n when_o it_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o almost_o desperate_a yea_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o many_o professor_n who_o we_o see_v and_o converse_v withal_o shall_v have_v any_o solid_a peace_n with_o god_n do_v man_n gather_v fig_n from_o thorn_n or_o grape_n from_o thistle_n it_o be_v a_o fruit_n that_o will_v not_o grow_v on_o a_o vain_a earthly_a selfish_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v be_v either_o asleep_a in_o a_o sinful_a security_n or_o live_v on_o most_o uncertain_a hope_n which_o probable_o may_v deceive_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o ruinous_a unto_o our_o profession_n as_o once_o to_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n a_o thing_n of_o course_n to_o maintain_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v but_o that_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o continue_a endeavour_n to_o thrive_v in_o every_o grace_n shall_v be_v require_v thereunto_o the_o whole_a beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v hereon_o to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n 5._o such_o a_o decay_n as_o that_o describe_v
be_v a_o dangerous_a symtom_n of_o a_o evil_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o that_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v will_v at_o last_o be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n i_o know_v such_o person_n will_v or_o may_v have_v pretend_v evidence_n unto_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o be_v well_o enough_o satisfy_v of_o and_o with_o their_o own_o sincerity_n in_o many_o thing_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fix_v upon_o the_o the_o sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n but_o this_o apprehension_n arise_v from_o a_o false_a notion_n of_o hypocrisy_n no_o man_n they_o suppose_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n but_o he_o that_o general_o or_o universal_o pretend_v himself_o in_o religion_n to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v not_o and_o what_o he_o know_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v or_o at_o least_o may_v easy_o do_v so_o and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v the_o broad_a notion_n of_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n but_o take_v a_o hypoerite_n for_o he_o who_o under_o light_n profession_n gift_n duty_n do_v habitual_o and_o willing_o fail_v in_o any_o point_n of_o sincerity_n he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o perish_a hypocrite_n than_o the_o former_a and_o it_o may_v alter_v the_o case_n with_o they_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o one_o in_o who_o there_o be_v this_o prevalent_a decay_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n god_n forbid_v i_o only_o say_v that_o where_o it_o continue_v without_o remedy_n it_o be_v such_o a_o symtome_n of_o hypocrisy_n as_o that_o he_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o rest_v until_o he_o have_v search_v it_o unto_o the_o bottom_n for_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o such_o person_n they_o have_v have_v a_o false_a or_o imperfect_a work_n in_o that_o conversion_n unto_o god_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v conviction_n of_o sin_n communication_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o gift_n alteration_n upon_o the_o affection_n change_v of_o socicty_n and_o conversation_n have_v make_v it_o up_o now_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o work_n great_o to_o flourish_v for_o a_o season_n in_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o profession_n but_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n also_o gradual_o to_o decay_v until_o it_o be_v quite_o wither_v away_o in_o some_o it_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o power_n of_o some_o vigorous_a temptation_n and_o particular_a lust_n indulge_v unto_o end_v in_o worldliness_n and_o sensuality_n but_o in_o the_o most_o it_o decay_v gradual_o until_o it_o have_v lose_v all_o its_o savour_n and_o sap_n see_v joh._n 15.3_o wherefore_o while_o man_n find_v this_o decay_n in_o themselves_o unless_o they_o be_v fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o destructive_a security_n unless_o they_o be_v harden_v through_o be_v deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n they_o can_v but_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o examine_v how_o thing_n stand_v with_o they_o whether_o they_o ever_o effectual_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n which_o work_v by_o love_n see_v it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o though_o they_o have_v only_o a_o work_n of_o another_o nature_n for_o a_o save_v work_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n thrive_v and_o grow_v as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n testify_v but_o it_o be_v this_o false_a and_o imperfect_a work_n that_o have_v no_o root_n and_o be_v thus_o subject_a to_o wither_v six_o person_n in_o such_o a_o estate_n be_v apt_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o false_a hope_n and_o notion_n whereby_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n do_v put_v forth_o its_o power_n to_o harden_v they_o unto_o their_o ruin_n two_o way_n there_o be_v whereby_o this_o pernicious_a effect_n be_v produce_v the_o one_o by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o a_o particular_a lust_n or_o sin_n the_o other_o by_o a_o neglect_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o a_o vain_a conversation_n in_o the_o world_n under_o which_o the_o soul_n pine_v away_o and_o consume_v as_o unto_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v three_o false_a notion_n whereby_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n delude_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o be_v that_o one_o sin_n alone_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v indulge_v let_v they_o be_v spare_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n and_o in_o all_o other_o they_o will_v be_v exact_a enough_o this_o be_v the_o composition_n that_o naaman_n will_v have_v make_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n 2_o king_n 5.18_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o many_o trust_n unto_o hence_o it_o have_v by_o the_o event_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o some_o person_n have_v live_v long_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o gross_a sin_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o while_n use_v a_o semblance_n of_o great_a diligence_n in_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n whereby_o poor_a sinner_n delude_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o suppose_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v himself_o up_o unto_o any_o lust_n or_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v observant_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n yet_o this_o will_v give_v he_o no_o relief_n as_o unto_o the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o rule_n be_v peremptory_a unto_o this_o purpose_n jam._n 2.10_o 11._o one_o sin_n willing_o live_v in_o be_v as_o able_a to_o destroy_v a_o man_n soul_n as_o a_o thousand_o beside_o it_o be_v practical_o false_a there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o one_o know_a sin_n but_o he_o real_o live_v in_o more_o though_o that_o only_o bear_v the_o chief_a sway._n with_o some_o such_o person_n these_o sin_n appear_v unto_o other_o who_o observe_v their_o frame_n and_o spirit_n though_o they_o appear_v not_o to_o themselves_o in_o some_o they_o be_v manifest_a in_o themselves_o although_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5.24_o but_o let_v no_o man_n relieve_v himself_o with_o thought_n that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o sin_n while_o that_o one_o sin_n keep_v he_o in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o god_n hence_o second_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o hereby_o for_o they_o judge_v that_o although_o they_o can_v as_o yet_o shake_v off_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o will_v continue_v still_o to_o love_n god_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o will_v not_o become_v hater_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o persecutor_n for_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o hope_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o one_o zoar_n this_o lesser_a sin_n which_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o circumstance_n engage_v they_o in_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o they_o at_o the_o last_o this_o also_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n a_o mere_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o sin_n to_o act_v its_o deceit_n by_o for_o no_o man_n that_o willing_o live_v in_o any_o sin_n can_v love_v god_n at_o all_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o rule_n 1_o joh._n 2.15_o it_o be_v but_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o love_n to_o god_n that_o any_o man_n have_v who_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n where_o god_n be_v not_o love_v above_o all_o he_o be_v not_o love_v at_o all_o and_o he_o be_v not_o so_o where_o man_n will_v not_o part_v with_o one_o curse_a lust_n for_o his_o sake_n let_v not_o your_o light_n deceive_v you_o nor_o your_o gift_n nor_o your_o duty_n nor_o your_o profession_n if_o you_o live_v in_o sin_n you_o love_v not_o god_n three_o they_o determine_v that_o at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o season_n on_o time_n after_o such_o satisfaction_n give_v unto_o their_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n they_o will_v utter_o give_v over_o so_o as_o that_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v their_o ruin_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n also_o a_o effectual_a instrument_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n he_o that_o will_v not_o now_o give_v over_o who_o will_v not_o immediate_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o any_o sin_n and_o warning_n about_o it_o endeavour_v sincere_o and_o constant_o its_o relinquishment_n say_v what_o he_o will_v and_o pretend_v what_o he_o will_v he_o never_o intend_v to_o give_v over_o nor_o be_v it_o probable_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n that_o ever_o he_o will_v do_v so_o when_o man_n decay_n be_v from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o particular_a sin_n by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a false_a notion_n do_v they_o harden_v themselves_o unto_o ruin_n for_o those_o who_o be_v pine_v away_o under_o hectical_a consumption_n a_o general_a decay_n of_o the_o vital_a spirit_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v also_o false_a notion_n whereby_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o first_o that_o although_o they_o have_v some_o cause_n to_o mistrust_v themselves_o yet_o indeed_o their_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o some_o may_v apprehend_v it_o or_o as_o they_o be_v
that_o our_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v and_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o progress_n in_o a_o assimulation_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n namely_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v delight_v in_o make_v christ_n their_o pattern_n in_o all_o thing_n second_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o their_o utmost_a spiritual_a improvement_n be_v the_o scripture_n and_o two_o thing_n be_v respect_v in_o they_o 1_o their_o internal_a act_n 2_o their_o exercise_n in_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v express_v of_o they_o both_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o entire_a rule_n and_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o former_a it_o give_v we_o one_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n that_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o other_o namely_o that_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n soul_n mind_n and_o strength_n the_o act_n of_o all_o our_o affection_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v require_v of_o we_o that_o in_o all_o instance_n we_o prefer_v and_o value_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o inseparable_o cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o do_v nothing_o whatever_o at_o any_o time_n that_o be_v not_o influence_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n this_o perfection_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o be_v not_o attainable_a absolute_o in_o this_o life_n but_o it_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o that_o which_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nature_n require_v and_o which_o the_o faculty_n &_o power_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v crear_v for_o and_o which_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o design_n and_o aim_v at_o but_o the_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n continual_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o prefer_v he_o above_o all_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o as_o our_o chief_a good_n when_o this_o frame_n and_o disposition_n be_v habitual_o fix_v in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v declare_v and_o act_v itself_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o duty_n on_o all_o occasion_n of_o trial_n when_o other_o thing_n put_v in_o for_o a_o predominant_a interest_n in_o our_o affection_n as_o they_o do_v every_o day_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o continual_a loss_n in_o all_o our_o way_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v we_o lifeless_a and_o heartless_a in_o duty_n careless_a in_o temptation_n or_o occasion_n of_o they_o forgetful_a of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o sin_n without_o a_o due_a remembrance_n of_o his_o holiness_n in_o brief_a the_o want_n of_o a_o predominant_a love_n unto_o god_n keep_v in_o continual_a exercise_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o that_o unprofitable_a profession_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o second_o there_o be_v outward_a way_n and_o duty_n whereby_o our_o spiritual_a affection_n be_v express_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o also_o be_v the_o scripture_n the_o way_n mark_v out_o therein_o be_v the_o only_a channel_n wherein_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o spiritual_a affection_n do_v take_v its_o course_n unto_o god_n the_o grace_n require_v therein_o be_v to_o act_v themselves_o by_o the_o duty_n it_o prescribe_v arâ—_n those_o which_o they_o stir_v up_o and_o enliven_v the_o religious_a worship_n it_o appoint_v be_v that_o wherein_o they_o have_v their_o exercise_n where_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v neglect_v man_n religious_a affection_n have_v grow_v irregular_a yea_o wild_a and_o ungovernable_a all_o the_o superstition_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o owe_v their_o original_n principal_o unto_o man_n affection_n set_v at_o loose_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o fond_a absurd_a and_o foolish_a but_o they_o have_v imbondaged_a the_o â—ouls_n of_o man_n unto_o nothing_o so_o horrid_a and_o difficult_a but_o they_o have_v engage_v they_o in_o and_o have_v once_o take_v unto_o themselves_o this_o liberty_n the_o corrupt_a mind_n of_o man_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o satisfy_v than_o in_o the_o regular_a exercise_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hence_o they_o will_v rejoice_v in_o such_o penance_n as_o be_v not_o without_o their_o austeritys_n in_o such_o outward_a duty_n of_o devotion_n as_o be_v troublesome_a and_o chargeable_a in_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o body_n hence_o will_v all_o their_o affection_n be_v more_o sensible_o move_v by_o image_n and_o picture_n and_o a_o melt_a devotion_n be_v stir_v up_o in_o they_o than_o by_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o incentives_n which_o god_n propose_v unto_o they_o to_o draw_v their_o affection_n unto_o himself_o nothing_o be_v more_o extravagant_a than_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n tincture_v with_o some_o devotion_n if_o they_o forsake_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n three_o there_o be_v considerable_a concern_v they_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o attainment_n or_o what_o through_o due_a exercise_n and_o holy_a diligence_n they_o may_v be_v raise_v unto_o now_o this_o be_v not_o absolute_a perfection_n not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a but_o i_o follow_v after_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 3.12_o but_o there_o be_v that_o attainable_a which_o those_o who_o pretend_v high_o unto_o perfection_n seem_v to_o be_v stranger_n unto_o and_o the_o state_n of_o our_o affection_n under_o a_o due_a exercise_n on_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o in_o their_o assimulation_n unto_o they_o may_v be_v fix_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1_o a_o habitual_a suitableness_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o they_o the_o way_n whereby_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o our_o mind_n be_v various_a they_o be_v so_o direct_o in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n they_o be_v so_o indirect_o and_o in_o just_a consequence_n by_o all_o the_o especial_a providence_n wherein_o we_o be_v concern_v by_o our_o own_o thought_n and_o state_v meditation_n they_o be_v so_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o cause_v we_o to_o hear_v a_o â—ord_n behind_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o by_o holy_a converse_n with_o other_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o occurrence_n and_o as_o the_o way_n of_o their_o proposal_n be_v various_a so_o the_o time_n and_o season_n wherein_o a_o representation_n of_o they_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o at_o least_o be_v not_o exclusive_a of_o any_o time_n and_o season_n of_o our_o life_n be_v the_o way_n of_o their_o proposal_n what_o it_o will_v and_o when_o ever_o be_v the_o season_n of_o it_o if_o our_o affection_n be_v due_o improve_v by_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o be_v suit_v unto_o they_o and_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n hence_o or_o for_o want_v hereof_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v â—ergiversations_n and_o shift_n in_o duty_n proneness_n to_o comply_v with_o diversion_n all_o to_o keep_v off_o the_o mind_n from_o close_v with_o and_o receive_v of_o those_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o wherefore_o as_o unto_o the_o solemn_a way_n of_o propose_v spiritual_a thing_n unto_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n when_o man_n have_v a_o prevalent_a loathness_n to_o engage_v in_o they_o or_o when_o they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o outward_a attendance_n on_o they_o but_o not_o enable_v unto_o a_o vigorous_a stir_v up_o of_o the_o inward_a man_n unto_o a_o holy_a affectionate_a converse_n with_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v carnal_a when_o man_n can_v receive_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n in_o his_o temptation_n into_o their_o bosom_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o abide_v there_o yea_o foster_n and_o cherish_v they_o in_o thought_n of_o the_o lust_n that_o they_o kindle_v but_o quick_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n stir_v they_o up_o unto_o the_o embrace_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n they_o be_v carnal_a and_o carnally-minded_n when_o providence_n of_o concernment_n in_o affliction_n trial_n deliverance_n do_v not_o engage_v the_o mind_n into_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o excite_v the_o affection_n unto_o the_o entertainment_n of_o they_o man_n be_v carnal_a and_o earthly_a when_o every_o lust_n corruption_n or_o passion_n as_o anger_n envy_n displeasure_n at_o this_o or_o that_o person_n or_o thing_n can_v divert_v the_o mind_n from_o compliance_n with_o the_o proposal_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o we_o be_v carnal_a it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o our_o affection_n be_v conform_v unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a upon_o every_o proposal_n of_o this_o the_o mind_n find_v a_o suitableness_n unto_o itself_o like_o that_o
excellency_n in_o itself_o second_o a_o suitableness_n therein_o unto_o our_o condition_n state_n and_o desire_v after_o rest_n and_o blessedness_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v in_o god_n from_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o the_o latter_a be_v from_o what_o he_o be_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n from_o both_o he_o be_v the_o only_a suitable_a object_n unto_o our_o affection_n under_o this_o apprehension_n do_v we_o love_v god_n for_o himself_o or_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n not_o exclusive_o unto_o our_o advantage_n therein_o for_o a_o desire_n of_o union_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v our_o only_a advantage_n be_v inseparable_a from_o this_o love_n it_o may_v be_v some_o can_v say_v that_o a_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o first_o foundation_n and_o cause_n of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n yet_o be_v they_o satisfy_v that_o they_o do_v love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v so_o god_n sometime_o call_v the_o skirt_n of_o his_o own_o love_n over_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n and_o efficacious_o draw_v it_o unto_o himself_o without_o a_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o a_o mere_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n it_o have_v receive_v so_o elijah_n pass_v by_o elisha_n and_o cast_v his_o mantle_n upon_o he_o as_o a_o transient_a act._n but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o communication_n of_o virtue_n thereby_o that_o he_o run_v after_o he_o and_o will_v not_o be_v defer_v though_o elijah_n say_v go_v back_o again_o for_o what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o 1_o king_n 19.19_o 20._o when_o god_n have_v so_o cast_v his_o love_n on_o any_o soul_n it_o follow_v after_o he_o with_o all_o its_o affection_n and_o whereas_o god_n may_v seem_v at_o some_o time_n to_o say_v go_v back_o again_o for_o what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o its_o answer_n be_v lord_n whether_o shall_v i_o go_v i_o can_v leave_v thou_o my_o heart_n be_v give_v up_o unto_o thou_o and_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o thou_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o such_o and_o to_o all_o other_o that_o if_o we_o will_v have_v refresh_v evidence_n of_o our_o love_n unto_o god_n that_o it_o be_v sincere_a if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o thrive_v and_o flourish_v befervent_a and_o constant_a we_o be_v to_o exercise_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o unto_o our_o soul_n in_o and_o by_o jesus_n christ._n nor_o can_v we_o cleave_v unto_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n whatever_o with_o sincere_a affection_n but_o under_o these_o notion_n of_o it_o first_o that_o it_o have_v a_o real_a worth_n or_o excellency_n in_o itself_o second_o that_o it_o be_v suitable_a and_o desirable_a unto_o we_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v to_o see_v how_o many_o walk_n at_o random_n in_o profession_n that_o know_v neither_o what_o they_o do_v nor_o where_o they_o go_v second_o as_o we_o must_v see_v a_o goodness_n and_o probableness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n absolute_o so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v fix_v our_o affection_n on_o they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n so_o we_o must_v see_v it_o comparative_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o give_v they_o a_o preference_n in_o our_o affection_n before_o and_o above_o they_o all_o the_o trial_n of_o love_n lie_v in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n on_o more_o or_o less_o if_o we_o love_v other_o thing_n father_n mother_n house_n land_n possession_n more_o than_o christ_n we_o do_v not_o love_v he_o at_o all_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o equality_n allow_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o we_o may_v equal_o love_v temporal_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o we_o love_v not_o christ_n more_o than_o all_o those_o thing_n we_o love_v he_o not_o at_o all_o wherefore_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v cleave_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n we_o must_v see_v a_o excellency_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a render_v they_o more_o desirable_a than_o all_o other_o thing_n whatever_o with_o what_o love_a countenance_n do_v man_n look_v upon_o their_o temporal_a enjoyment_n with_o what_o tenacious_a embrace_n do_v they_o cleave_v unto_o they_o they_o see_v that_o in_o they_o which_o be_v amiable_a which_o be_v desirable_a and_o suitable_a unto_o their_o affection_n let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o please_v if_o they_o see_v not_o a_o great_a goodness_n that_o which_o be_v more_o amiable_a more_o desirable_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o love_v they_o not_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n it_o be_v temporal_a thing_n that_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o affection_n our_o psalmist_n prefer_v jerusalem_n before_o his_o chief_a joy_n psal._n 137.6_o another_o affirm_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n mouth_n be_v better_a to_o he_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n psal._n 119.72_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n or_o the_o honeycomb_n psal._n 19.1_o for_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o it_o prov._n 8.11_o this_o be_v the_o only_a stable_n foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a affection_n a_o spiritual_a view_n and_o judgement_n of_o a_o goodness_n a_o excellency_n in_o they_o incomparable_o above_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v require_v thereunto_o and_o if_o the_o affection_n of_o many_o pretend_v high_o to_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v weigh_v in_o this_o balance_n i_o fear_v they_o will_v be_v find_v light_n and_o want_v however_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a importance_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v that_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o they_o desire_v in_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o do_v sincere_o value_v and_o esteem_v they_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n whatever_o and_o let_v not_o any_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o vain_a word_n and_o pretence_n while_o their_o esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n do_v evident_o engage_v all_o their_o affection_n their_o care_n their_o diligence_n their_o industry_n so_o as_o that_o a_o man_n of_o a_o discern_a spirit_n may_v even_o feel_v they_o turn_v into_o self_n while_o they_o be_v cold_a formal_a negligent_a about_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o must_v say_v how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o they_o much_o more_o when_o we_o see_v man_n not_o only_o give_v up_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o time_n and_o strength_n with_o the_o vigour_n of_o their_o spirit_n but_o sacrifice_v their_o conscience_n also_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o dignity_n honour_n preferment_n wealth_n and_o ease_n in_o the_o world_n who_o know_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o they_o perform_v religious_a duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o temporal_a advantage_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v discern_v and_o approve_v of_o a_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n above_o all_o other_o a_o due_a consideration_n be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v proceed_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o a_o infinite_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n so_o as_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v absolute_o come_v unto_o rest_n and_o complacency_n and_o find_v full_a assure_a satisfaction_n in_o they_o it_o be_v otherwise_o as_o unto_o all_o temporal_a thing_n man_n will_v very_o fain_o have_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v absolute_a rest_n and_o satisfaction_n unto_o all_o their_o affection_n but_o they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o all_o of_o they_o together_o can_v compose_v their_o mind_n in_o rest_n and_o peace_n for_o one_o hour_n they_o gain_v sometime_o a_o transport_v of_o affection_n and_o seem_v for_o a_o season_n to_o have_v fill_v the_o whole_a soul_n so_o as_o it_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o consider_v their_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n but_o a_o little_a composure_n of_o man_n thought_n show_v that_o they_o be_v but_o a_o diversion_n in_o a_o journey_n or_o labour_n they_o be_v no_o rest._n hence_o be_v they_o call_v break_v cistern_n that_o will_v hold_v no_o water_n let_v a_o man_n prize_v they_o at_o the_o high_a rate_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o the_o thought_n of_o whereof_o there_o have_v be_v prodigious_a instance_n let_v he_o possess_v they_o in_o abundance_n beyond_o whatever_o any_o man_n enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n or_o his_o own_o imagination_n can_v before_o hand_n reach_v unto_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o utmost_a peaceable_a continuance_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o â—hat_n his_o and_o their_o nature_n be_v
be_v please_v to_o grant_v we_o through_o jesus_n christ._n and_o 2_o it_o will_v fix_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n upon_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n communicate_v such_o a_o inestimable_a mercy_n unto_o we_o as_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o relish_n of_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n he_o who_o be_v in_o this_o frame_n of_o mind_n will_v remember_v call_v over_o and_o ruminate_v upon_o all_o such_o gracious_a pledge_n of_o divine_a favour_n as_o david_n be_v often_o remember_v and_o call_v over_o what_o he_o receive_v in_o such_o place_n as_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o hermonite_n and_o at_o the_o hill_n missar_n psal._n 42._o this_o be_v the_o great_a way_n whereby_o this_o treasure_n may_v be_v preserve_v 3_o a_o person_n so_o mind_v and_o he_o alone_o will_v have_v a_o due_a valuation_n of_o such_o intimation_n and_o pledge_n of_o divine_a love_n those_o who_o be_v full_a of_o other_o thing_n who_o affection_n cleave_v unto_o they_o do_v never_o esteem_v heavenly_a mercy_n and_o privilege_n as_o they_o ought_v the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o honeycomb_n and_o god_n be_v well_o please_v when_o a_o high_a valuation_n be_v put_v upon_o his_o kindness_n as_o he_o be_v great_o provoke_v by_o the_o contrary_a frame_n which_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o infinite_a patience_n can_v bear_v withal_o it_o be_v a_o high_a provocation_n of_o god_n when_o man_n be_v regardless_o of_o and_o unthankful_a for_o outward_a temporal_a mercy_n when_o they_o receive_v they_o and_o use_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v their_o own_o that_o they_o be_v lord_n of_o they_o at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o much_o more_o be_v he_o provoke_v with_o our_o regardlesness_n of_o the_o least_o of_o those_o mercy_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a purchase_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o eternal_a love_n and_o grace_n he_o alone_z who_o be_v spiritually-minded_n value_v prize_v and_o lay_v up_o these_o ininestimable_a jewel_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n 4_o such_o person_n only_o know_v how_o to_o use_v and_o improve_v all_o communication_n of_o a_o sense_n of_o divine_a love_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o grant_v unto_o we_o to_o lie_v by_o we_o without_o any_o use_n of_o they_o they_o be_v gracious_a provision_n wherewith_o we_o be_v furnish_v to_o enable_v we_o unto_o all_o other_o duty_n conflict_n and_o trial_n on_o all_o occasion_n be_v they_o to_o be_v call_v over_o for_o our_o spiritual_a relief_n and_o encouragement_n hereby_o be_v they_o safe_o retain_v for_o in_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o they_o they_o grow_v more_o bright_a in_o our_o mind_n every_o day_n and_o be_v ready_a for_o use_v in_o which_o posture_n they_o be_v safe_o preserve_v but_o these_o thing_n will_v yet_o be_v far_o manifest_v in_o the_o instance_n that_o ensue_v 2_o this_o frame_n of_o mind_n cast_v out_o all_o principle_n and_o cause_n of_o trouble_n and_o disquietment_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o life_n and_o peace_n there_o be_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n principle_n of_o contrariety_n and_o opposition_n unto_o spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n with_o sundry_a thing_n who_o abide_v and_o prevalency_n in_o we_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o i_o shall_v give_v only_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n hereof_o 1_o it_o will_v cast_v out_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n from_o our_o mind_n without_o this_o we_o can_v receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n nor_o perform_v any_o duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n jam._n 1.27_o this_o be_v that_o which_o stand_v in_o direct_a immediate_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n unto_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o consistency_n in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o they_o expel_v on_o another_o like_a heat_n and_o cold._n and_o where_o there_o be_v this_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n there_o be_v neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n unclean_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n work_v tumultuate_a act_v themselves_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v either_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n to_o flourish_v in_o they_o or_o any_o solid_a peace_n to_o abide_v with_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v weaken_v by_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o spiritual_a act_n and_o make_v like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n where_o they_o be_v absolute_o predominant_a there_o be_v a_o hell_n within_o of_o darkness_n confusion_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n prepare_v man_n for_o a_o hell_n of_o punishment_n without_o unto_o eternity_n and_o according_a as_o they_o remain_v or_o have_v any_o prevalency_n in_o we_o so_o be_v spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n impair_v and_o obstruct_v by_o they_o now_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o its_o universal_a exercise_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o the_o relic_n of_o this_o filthiness_n and_o supersfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n it_o bring_v in_o a_o principle_n into_o the_o mind_n direct_o contrary_a unto_o that_o from_o whence_o they_o do_v proceed_v all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v describe_v lie_v in_o direct_a tendency_n unto_o the_o extirpation_n of_o these_o cause_n of_o filthiness_n which_o ruin_n life_n and_o peace_n nor_o will_v they_o by_o any_o other_o way_n be_v cast_v out_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o spiritual_a it_o will_v be_v carnal_a if_o it_o mind_v not_o thing_n above_o it_o will_v not_o fix_v itself_o inordinate_o on_o thing_n below_o 2_o that_o disorder_n which_o be_v by_o nature_n in_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a unto_o spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n be_v cast_v out_o or_o cure_v hereby_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a promise_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n that_o through_o the_o efficacy_n of_o gospel_n grace_n the_o lion_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o kid_n isaiah_n 11.6_o person_n of_o the_o most_o intemperate_a and_o outrageous_a passion_n shall_v be_v make_v meek_a and_o lovely_a where_o this_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n effect_v according_a unto_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o such_o passion_n in_o we_o we_o have_v not_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o evangelical_n grace_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a task_n to_o demonstrate_v how_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n be_v destructive_a of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n the_o contrariety_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o contradiction_n unto_o one_o another_o their_o violence_n impetuousness_n and_o restlessness_n their_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o take_v in_o provocation_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o frequent_o on_o none_o at_o all_o but_o what_o imagination_n present_v unto_o they_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n hereof_o can_v we_o think_v that_o life_n and_o peace_n do_v inhabit_v that_o soul_n wherein_o anger_n wrath_n envy_n excess_n in_o love_n unto_o earthly_a thing_n no_o dwell_v and_o on_o all_o occasion_n exert_v themselves_o there_o where_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a tumult_n fight_v and_o rebellion_n as_o there_o be_v where_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n nor_o of_o grace_n the_o nature_n and_o principal_a effect_n of_o this_o spiritual_a mindedness_n be_v to_o bring_v all_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o mind_n into_o that_o holy_a order_n wherein_o they_o be_v create_v this_o be_v that_o uprightness_n wherein_o god_n make_v we_o namely_o the_o whole_a bless_a order_n of_o all_o the_o power_n faculty_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o all_o their_o operation_n in_o order_n unto_o our_o live_n unto_o god_n and_o this_o be_v restore_v unto_o we_o by_o this_o grace_n this_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a and_o wherein_o it_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o perfection_n which_o we_o have_v original_o for_o the_o remainder_n of_o that_o disorder_n which_o befall_v we_o by_o sin_n will_v still_o in_o part_n continue_v it_o be_v recompense_v by_o the_o act_n of_o that_o new_a principle_n of_o gospel_n grace_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o for_o every_o act_n of_o of_o our_o affection_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n exceed_v and_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n above_o that_o we_o can_v do_v or_o attain_v unto_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n uncorrupted_a hereby_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n bring_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o preserve_v in_o they_o 3_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o all_o inordinate_a love_n thereunto_o where_o this_o be_v in_o prevalent_a degree_n there_o be_v neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n and_o every_o