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of_o bernard_n basil_n s._n bernard_n in_o psal_n qui_fw-la habitat_fw-la pag._n 283._o basil_n neque_fw-la enim_fw-la quae_fw-la habemus_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la seruare_fw-la aut_fw-la tenere_fw-la possumus_fw-la sine_fw-la eo_fw-la that_o god_n by_o who_o light_n alone_o we_o know_v the_o truth_n by_o his_o strength_n alone_o we_o keep_v it_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o text_n and_o now_o for_o the_o occasion_n and_o here_o i_o can_v be_v long_o neither_o my_o affection_n nor_o you_o will_v admit_v of_o large_a discourse_n only_o a_o word_n of_o you_o and_o a_o word_n to_o you_o of_o you_o so_o regardful_a have_v you_o be_v to_o my_o ministry_n so_o love_v to_o my_o person_n so_o faithful_a in_o your_o maintenance_n so_o cheerful_o encourage_v general_o from_o you_o all_o but_o chief_o from_o the_o chief_a that_o have_v it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v give_v i_o health_n the_o which_o i_o have_v scarce_o enjoy_v one_o whole_a year_n together_o since_o i_o have_v be_v here_o i_o 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god_n or_o christ_n or_o salvation_n 6_o in_o gift_n or_o part_n which_o through_o too_o much_o indulgence_n to_o carnal_a ease_n or_o affectation_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n or_o defect_n of_o fit_a employment_n may_v like_o a_o sharp_a sword_n grow_v rusty_a or_o like_o stand_v water_n in_o a_o pool_n be_v almost_o draw_v dry_a and_o empty_a 7_o but_o which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o worst_a of_o all_o the_o christian_a may_v be_v die_v in_o his_o very_a grace_n as_o the_o health_n of_o man_n may_v admit_v of_o eclipse_n and_o the_o very_a life_n of_o man_n may_v admit_v of_o sowning_n and_o faint_n simile_n so_o the_o very_a grace_n in_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v much_o check_v and_o wound_v and_o impair_v in_o their_o ancient_a degree_n and_o act_n partly_o through_o want_n of_o exercise_n partly_o by_o not_o administer_a succour_n &_o
strength_n unto_o they_o by_o a_o constant_a application_n of_o the_o ordinance_n partly_o by_o harken_v unto_o some_o sinful_a temptation_n so_o that_o now_o repentance_n may_v become_v more_o difficult_a and_o unable_a and_o godly_a sorrow_n can_v scarce_o be_v discern_v for_o that_o extreme_a hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o faith_n can_v scarce_o find_v the_o way_n or_o make_v any_o use_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o gate_n of_o unbelief_n seem_v to_o possess_v the_o soul_n yea_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n may_v now_o not_o so_o restrain_v and_o awe_v and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n may_v not_o so_o prevail_v and_o excite_v as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o former_a time_n object_n but_o you_o will_v demand_v what_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o die_a condition_n sol._n i_o conjecture_v these_o 1_o simile_n some_o deadly_a corruption_n which_o have_v seize_v upon_o their_o spirit_n if_o poison_n get_v into_o the_o body_n it_o work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o weaken_v and_o endanger_v life_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o taste_v of_o poison_n they_o be_v tamper_n with_o unsound_a doctrine_n which_o as_o they_o do_v infect_v the_o judgement_n so_o they_o do_v abate_v their_o spiritual_a principle_n and_o ability_n the_o apostle_n be_v afraid_a that_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o labour_n and_o spend_v himself_o in_o vain_a to_o those_o of_o galatia_n that_o they_o be_v even_o leave_v their_o hold_n in_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o sure_o some_o false_a apostle_n have_v leaven_v they_o with_o error_n about_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n when_o the_o judgement_n be_v corrupt_v with_o any_o error_n than_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o that_o power_n with_o the_o soul_n &_o where_o truth_n lose_v in_o authority_n there_o grace_n will_v loose_v in_o its_o strength_n and_o efficacy_n 2_o some_o deadly_a wound_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o you_o know_v that_o a_o man_n may_v die_v not_o only_o by_o a_o draught_n of_o poison_n but_o simile_n likewise_o by_o the_o cut_n of_o a_o sword_n which_o divide_v the_o part_n and_o let_v we_o out_o the_o blood_n that_o carry_v and_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o man_n there_o be_v thing_n which_o do_v fight_v against_o the_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 11._o 11._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 11._o and_o not_o only_o fight_v against_o it_o but_o wound_v it_o nay_o not_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n only_o but_o likewise_o our_o very_a grace_n sinning_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o troublesome_a wound_n to_o the_o conscience_n but_o likewise_o a_o kill_a and_o die_a wound_n to_o our_o grace_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n extinguish_v or_o abate_v our_o grace_n they_o be_v our_o sinning_n which_o be_v to_o grace_n as_o water_n to_o the_o fire_n but_o now_o even_a the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v many_o time_n harken_v to_o some_o base_a lust_n and_o vile_a commission_n as_o you_o know_v in_o david_n and_o other_o and_o when_o sin_n have_v get_v any_o favour_n in_o the_o judgement_n or_o affection_n it_o be_v like_o a_o disease_n which_o will_v not_o off_o without_o a_o manifest_a breach_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n simile_n sin_n lame_v our_o grace_n 3_o some_o deadly_a neglect_n simile_n if_o the_o soul_n grow_v negligent_a it_o will_v quick_o grow_v die_v as_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o inordinate_a abstinence_n and_o neglect_n of_o food_n bring_v a_o man_n quick_o into_o a_o consumption_n so_o when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n through_o spiritual_a pride_n shall_v grow_v careless_a of_o vital_a assistance_n that_o they_o keep_v not_o so_o close_o to_o the_o word_n of_o life_n nor_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o life_n nor_o to_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o life_n by_o a_o earnest_n and_o constant_a communion_n in_o prayer_n no_o marvel_n if_o they_o grow_v die_v person_n it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o plant_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o live_v or_o die_v 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be_v please_v favourable_o to_o call_v infirmity_n or_o any_o other_o sin_n if_o they_o be_v not_o quick_o expel_v and_o reform_v they_o may_v bring_v we_o near_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n one_o sin_n may_v bring_v on_o another_o or_o the_o same_o sin_n may_v steal_v unto_o a_o strange_a degree_n of_o strength_n so_o that_o a_o person_n unaware_o be_v languish_v extreme_o and_o whence_o come_v this_o not_o only_o from_o a_o inconsiderate_a admission_n of_o sin_n but_o also_o from_o a_o untimely_a correction_n of_o sin_n the_o soul_n shall_v present_o have_v physick_v itself_o with_o first_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o evil_a in_o the_o beginning_n second_o speedy_a humiliation_n before_o the_o lord_n three_o fervent_a supplication_n for_o mercy_n and_o more_o strength_n fourthly_a resolute_a reformation_n and_o abandon_v of_o it_o but_o the_o neglect_n of_o these_o have_v bring_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o spiritual_a languor_n and_o perhaps_o into_o a_o deep_a consumption_n of_o grace_n 5_o defect_n of_o frequent_a examination_n though_o at_o our_o original_n and_o first_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o sinful_a condition_n we_o be_v very_o tender_a and_o circumspect_a and_o ever_o and_o anon_o fear_v and_o overlook_v our_o spiritual_a condition_n whereby_o we_o find_v singular_a addition_n to_o our_o grace_n yet_o after_o a_o while_n after_o christian_n have_v get_v over_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o first_o birth_n and_o have_v procure_v more_o peace_n and_o comfort_n as_o if_o a_o gracious_a soul_n will_v thrive_v of_o itself_o they_o be_v general_o apt_a to_o keep_v on_o the_o course_n of_o obedience_n but_o think_v it_o superfluous_a at_o least_o not_o so_o necessary_a often_o to_o search_v and_o view_v and_o fannow_v themselves_o and_o what_o now_o befall_v they_o sure_o two_o great_a evil_n viz._n that_o the_o estate_n and_o operation_n and_o act_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o strict_o eye_v second_o that_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o grace_n be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v and_o guard_v against_o special_a motion_n and_o temptation_n whereupon_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o poor_a soul_n be_v reduce_v to_o great_a strait_n and_o leanness_n the_o man_n can_v pray_v as_o heretofore_o nor_o find_v that_o love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n as_o heretofore_o nor_o have_v that_o delight_n in_o the_o ordinance_n nor_o do_v that_o good_a in_o society_n nor_o receive_v that_o profit_n nor_o feel_v that_o mournfulnesse_n of_o spirit_n as_o heretofore_o why_o he_o do_v let_v and_o suffer_v his_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o run_v on_o at_o hazard_n and_o the_o less_o search_v of_o heart_n the_o less_o strength_n of_o grace_n always_o 6_o defect_n of_o solemn_a humiliation_n in_o extraordinary_a fast_n and_o prayer_n those_o mean_n which_o beget_v our_o grace_n be_v likewise_o ordain_v to_o preserve_v they_o and_o as_o the_o use_n of_o singular_a mean_n confer_v more_o power_n and_o life_n to_o our_o grace_n so_o a_o cessation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o prove_v a_o exceed_a decay_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v as_o if_o you_o shall_v take_v away_o the_o pillar_n from_o the_o house_n or_o the_o rain_n from_o the_o earth_n now_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o extraordinary_a time_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n they_o have_v be_v blessed_v with_o power_n from_o heaven_n to_o make_v the_o strong_a temptation_n and_o corruption_n to_o fly_v no_o sin_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o they_o have_v be_v blessed_v with_o a_o answer_n of_o singular_a enlargement_n &_o addition_n to_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n oh_o how_o cheerful_o how_o tenderful_o how_o much_o more_o full_o and_o fruitful_o be_v thy_o soul_n enable_v after_o those_o duty_n right_o perform_v but_o christian_n grow_v very_a stranger_n to_o these_o solemn_a duty_n either_o total_o omit_v of_o they_o
every_o sin_n therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o sin_v especial_o of_o those_o against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n these_o be_v peccata_fw-la vulnerantia_fw-la &_o divastantia_fw-la wound_v and_o waste_v sin_n the_o tender_a heart_n and_o the_o upright_a these_o be_v the_o live_n and_o the_o lively_a heart_n 7_o i_o may_v add_v that_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o a_o live_a christ_n and_o to_o live_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n but_o these_o allege_a rule_n shall_v suffice_v for_o this_o time_n object_n but_o suppose_v we_o be_v in_o a_o die_a condition_n what_o mean_v now_o sol._n 1_o find_v out_o the_o special_a disease_n or_o cause_n of_o thy_o decay_n in_o what_o grace_n most_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n and_o way_n and_o act_n 2_o be_v low_o humble_v that_o thou_o have_v so_o humble_v and_o abase_v thy_o glory_n thou_o shall_v grieve_v exceed_o that_o by_o thy_o great_a decay_n god_n have_v be_v so_o much_o dishonour_v his_o spirit_n grieve_v religion_n shame_v conscience_n wound_v and_o grace_v impair_v 3_o then_o use_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v here_o in_o the_o text_n strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v whence_o we_o come_v to_o the_o next_o proposition_n viz._n doct._n that_o spiritual_n if_o languish_v and_o die_v be_v to_o be_v strengthen_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o assertion_n premise_v with_o i_o a_o few_o particular_n 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o implantation_n perfect_a strengthen_v of_o holy_a principle_n the_o implantation_n of_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o their_o free_a and_o effectual_a communication_n unto_o a_o person_n from_o god_n holy_a spirit_n his_o hand_n alone_o set_v all_o these_o heavenly_a plant_n and_o from_o his_o sole_a goodness_n and_o power_n be_v all_o those_o star_n those_o shine_a and_o beautiful_a star_n create_v in_o our_o soul_n perfect_v of_o holy_a principle_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o successive_a addition_n unto_o grace_n receive_v a_o rise_n or_o sprout_v of_o those_o plant_n a_o go_v on_o from_o a_o weak_a to_o a_o strong_a degree_n the_o strengthen_n of_o they_o differ_v from_o both_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creation_n of_o holy_a principle_n but_o a_o restauration_n of_o they_o and_o so_o it_o differ_v from_o grace_n implant_v and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o grace_v receive_v yet_o this_o addition_n be_v not_o to_o grace_v as_o mere_o weak_a but_o proper_o to_o grace_v as_o weaken_v and_o so_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o perfect_a of_o holy_a principle_n 2_o the_o strengthen_n of_o decay_a principle_n or_o habit_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o proportionable_a reparation_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o former_a liberty_n and_o ability_n and_o efficacy_n it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a sustain_n of_o they_o in_o genere_fw-la gratiarum_fw-la or_o in_o esse_fw-la vitali_fw-la that_o they_o shall_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v simile_n as_o when_o a_o house_n be_v only_o so_o keep_v that_o it_o fall_v not_o to_o the_o ground_n this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o sustain_v for_o grace_n may_v be_v strengthen_v as_o radical_a habit_n when_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v pine_v in_o their_o vigour_n and_o remit_v in_o their_o measure_n and_o gradual_n but_o strengthen_v of_o grace_n import_v addition_n as_o well_o as_o sustentation_n simile_n like_a recovery_n which_o be_v health_n in_o some_o measure_n come_v and_o rise_v again_o nor_o be_v all_o regain_n sufficient_a unless_o it_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o decay_v &_o sink_v when_o the_o decay_a christian_n recover_v again_o unto_o that_o ancient_a pitch_n of_o heavenly_a power_n and_o inclination_n and_o unto_o his_o old_a liberty_n of_o holy_a act_n whether_o inward_a in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n or_o outward_a in_o his_o open_a and_o visible_a duty_n now_o have_v he_o right_o strengthen_v himself_o it_o be_v true_a that_o before_o he_o full_o recover_v that_o equal_a pitch_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o strengthen_v his_o grace_n by_o way_n of_o disposition_n but_o punctual_o by_o way_n of_o habit_n the_o strengthen_n imply_v a_o new_a equality_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o latitude_n of_o his_o former_a condition_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a strengthen_n of_o decay_a principle_n strength_n a_o threefold_a strength_n of_o holiness_n 1_o one_o be_v by_o way_n of_o authority_n and_o plain_a causality_n this_o strengthen_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o as_o he_o only_o be_v life_n to_o a_o dead_a man_n so_o he_o only_o be_v medicine_n to_o a_o sick_a soul_n his_o blood_n be_v the_o only_a comfort_a medicine_n to_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_o strengthen_v medicine_n to_o a_o decay_a christian_a it_o be_v he_o who_o must_v set_v we_o upon_o our_o leg_n again_o and_o who_o must_v make_v our_o wither_a branch_n to_o flourish_v again_o now_o christ_n jesus_n do_v way_n christ_n strengthen_v three_o way_n strengthen_v the_o languish_a christian_n as_o i_o suppose_v three_o way_n 1_o excitando_fw-la by_o awaken_n he_o out_o of_o his_o drowsy_a and_o deadly_a sleep_n like_o those_o to_o jonah_n what_o mean_v thou_o o_o sleeper_n arise_v so_o do_v jesus_n christ_n awaken_v the_o decay_a christian_a partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la sonantem_fw-la by_o the_o powerful_a knock_v be_v of_o the_o word_n which_o will_v not_o let_v he_o rest_v thus_o but_o charge_v on_o he_o all_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o withdrawment_n of_o his_o love_n if_o he_o will_v continue_v thus_o partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la tonantem_fw-la by_o some_o singular_a affliction_n and_o near_a correction_n scourge_v of_o he_o in_o some_o singular_a outward_a mercy_n that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o spiritual_a loss_n in_o temporary_a one_o partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la pulsantem_fw-la by_o his_o own_o spirit_n clear_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o understanding_n to_o open_v and_o reflect_v and_o consider_v on_o the_o decay_a condition_n as_o also_o by_o exciting_a the_o conscience_n bitter_o to_o accuse_v and_o judge_v he_o for_o this_o reciduation_n and_o withering_n with_o much_o torment_n fear_v and_o shame_n 2_o adjuvando_fw-la by_o confer_v 698._o alvarez_n de_fw-fr aux_fw-fr gr._n disp_n 88_o p._n 698._o on_o he_o actual_a and_o efficacious_a strength_n specialem_fw-la concursumro_fw-la burr_n actuale_fw-la whereby_o his_o will_n resolve_v to_o forsake_v those_o course_n of_o death_n and_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o into_o the_o path_n of_o light_n and_o be_v also_o enable_v by_o that_o help_a grace_n both_o to_o bewail_v its_o former_a decay_n and_o also_o earnest_o and_o constant_o to_o supplicate_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o pardon_n and_o for_o strength_n to_o recover_v 3_o renovando_fw-la by_o a_o daily_o infuse_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n such_o new_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o holiness_n until_o the_o decay_a christian_n recover_v his_o former_a ability_n and_o vigour_n shake_v off_o his_o corruption_n and_o attain_v unto_o that_o strength_n of_o holy_a understanding_n faith_n will_n love_n desire_v fear_v care_n obedience_n as_o heretofore_o 2_o another_o be_v by_o way_n of_o ministry_n and_o office_n this_o concern_v the_o pastor_n of_o flock_n who_o shall_v consider_v the_o estate_n of_o their_o sheep_n and_o if_o they_o find_v any_o to_o wander_v to_o reduce_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o any_o to_o be_v weak_a to_o bear_v they_o up_o in_o their_o arm_n with_o comfort_n if_o any_o to_o be_v pine_v and_o decay_v to_o stir_v they_o up_o by_o holy_a reproof_n and_o pious_a counsel_n and_o direction_n for_o all_o the_o way_n of_o a_o speedy_a and_o safe_a recovery_n and_o many_o interpreter_n think_v this_o the_o principal_a strengthen_n mean_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n 3_o a_o three_o by_o way_n of_o personal_a duty_n and_o so_o the_o decay_a christian_a strengthener_n himself_o when_o be_v awaken_v and_o excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o apply_v himself_o unto_o and_o continue_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o holy_a and_o raise_v mean_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a or_o both_o until_o god_n again_o strengthen_v what_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o he_o this_o strengthen_v be_v partly_o privative_a in_o the_o expulsion_n of_o those_o disease_n and_o occasion_n which_o have_v impair_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n positive_a in_o a_o continual_a succour_v of_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n till_o it_o recover_v to_o its_o ancient_a degree_n and_o station_n quest_n but_o why_o must_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v thus_o strengthen_v reason_n hereof_o be_v many_o sol._n 1_o spiritual_a decay_n be_v exceed_v loss_n therefore_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o strengthen_v they_o be_v a_o loss_n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o excellency_n holiness_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o
god_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v holiness_n which_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o man_n more_o than_o reason_n make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o beast_n if_o with_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n thou_o shall_v lose_v thy_o sheep_n or_o with_o she_o in_o the_o gospel_n thou_o shall_v lose_v thy_o groat_n thou_o will_v seek_v to_o recover_v they_o how_o much_o more_o when_o thy_o crown_n be_v lose_v etc._n etc._n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o safety_n grace_n be_v not_o only_a ornamenta_fw-la beautiful_a garment_n but_o munimenta_fw-la powerful_a weapon_n thou_o lose_v thy_o weapon_n in_o the_o very_a field_n before_o thy_o enemy_n if_o thou_o lose_v thy_o spiritual_n and_o make_v thyself_o naked_a so_o that_o any_o temptation_n may_v insult_v over_o thou_o and_o wound_v thou_o simile_n at_o least_o thou_o can_v not_o so_o well_o wield_v and_o use_v thy_o weapon_n a_o break_a arm_n what_o can_v it_o do_v especial_o with_o a_o dull_a weapon_n against_o strong_a and_o skilful_a adversary_n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o serenity_n the_o weaken_a grace_n and_o the_o wound_a conscience_n still_o go_v together_o or_o if_o not_o than_o it_o be_v the_o die_a grace_n and_o the_o dead_a conscience_n which_o be_v far_o worse_a than_o the_o other_o in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o felicity_n ah_o unhappy_a christian_a who_o when_o thy_o bow_n abode_n in_o strength_n can_v see_v a_o love_a god_n enjoy_v a_o gracious_a father_n can_v speak_v to_o he_o much_o and_o hear_v from_o he_o much_o but_o now_o have_v change_v thy_o confidence_n into_o fear_n thy_o sun_n into_o darkness_n thy_o communion_n into_o strangeness_n thy_o glory_n into_o shame_n 2_o who_o know_v what_o the_o end_n will_v be_v if_o thou_o strengthen_v not_o thy_o decay_a grace_n the_o lord_n know_v how_o far_o thou_o may_v fall_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o think_v of_o rise_v thou_o see_v how_o poor_a a_o crop_n of_o duty_n come_v from_o thy_o decay_a grace_n thou_o feel_v thy_o affection_n almost_o go_v thou_o apprehend_v not_o only_o a_o weakness_n but_o a_o weariness_n in_o holy_a service_n thou_o find_v thy_o appetite_n go_v from_o the_o word_n thou_o know_v thy_o neglect_n of_o many_o a_o sacrament_n thou_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v a_o vanity_n to_o arise_v in_o thy_o mind_n in_o stead_n of_o heavenly_a purity_n and_o a_o more_o delightful_a consociation_n with_o vain_a and_o idle_a person_n then_o with_o solid_a and_o fruitful_a christian_n yea_o and_o since_o thy_o grace_n have_v be_v weaken_v easy_a temptation_n have_v be_v very_o likely_a if_o not_o altogether_o effectual_a to_o ensnare_v thou_o to_o great_a transgression_n from_o many_o omission_n thou_o be_v now_o ready_a for_o great_a commission_n simile_n so_o that_o like_o a_o stone_n run_v down_o a_o hill_n or_o a_o man_n carry_v further_o and_o further_o into_o the_o sea_n thou_o do_v endanger_v what_o in_o thou_o lie_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o salvation_n of_o thyself_o and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o set_v be_v not_o his_o frown_n rise_v and_o here_o will_v be_v work_n now_o make_v for_o that_o miserable_a soul_n of_o thou_o which_o have_v so_o far_o go_v from_o home_n and_o be_v depart_v from_o thy_o father_n house_n 3_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v our_o grace_n in_o repair_n and_o more_o than_o so_o orgo_v we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o decay_a estate_n but_o to_o recover_v etc._n etc._n simile_n as_o the_o tenant_n who_o take_v a_o house_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o repair_n that_o it_o may_v be_v habitable_a against_o wind_n and_o weather_n so_o must_v we_o keep_v up_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o and_o not_o let_v they_o sink_v at_o all_o nay_o more_o than_o so_o we_o be_v bind_v against_o not_o only_a decay_n but_o against_o mere_a stand_n we_o must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n we_o must_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o must_v grow_v in_o the_o love_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n we_o must_v abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n we_o must_v use_v and_o increase_v our_o talent_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o answer_n of_o proof_n to_o retain_v our_o naked_a talon_n and_o say_v master_n there_o be_v thy_o own_o the_o first_o use_n of_o this_o point_n shall_v be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o use_v use_v practice_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o will_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o we_o need_v strengthen_v i_o may_v speak_v my_o conscience_n with_o grief_n that_o general_o we_o be_v a_o decay_a people_n in_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o flame_n of_o holy_a affection_n yea_o our_o own_o conscience_n secret_o testify_v against_o we_o this_o day_n that_o so_o it_o be_v yea_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o fire_n of_o his_o wrath_n which_o begin_v to_o burn_v and_o fly_v abroad_o in_o this_o city_n yet_o again_o testify_v as_o much_o and_o therefore_o my_o exhortation_n to_o we_o all_o be_v that_o we_o wise_o consider_v of_o our_o die_n and_o decay_n ah_o if_o the_o plague_n shall_v break_v into_o our_o dwelling_n and_o take_v we_o away_o in_o our_o decay_a estate_n a_o torment_a sore_n and_o a_o torment_a conscience_n a_o die_a spirit_n and_o a_o die_a body_n both_o at_o once_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o woefulness_n of_o such_o a_o condition_n there_o be_v only_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v commend_v unto_o you_o for_o the_o application_n of_o this_o viz._n 1_o the_o motive_n to_o excite_v we_o 2_o the_o mean_n to_o perform_v it_o thing_n three_o thing_n 3_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o 1_o the_o motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o strengthen_v our_o spiritual_a condition_n shall_v disadvantage_n seven_o disadvantage_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o disadvantage_n in_o a_o weaken_a &_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o strengthen_v condition_n 1_o in_o respect_n of_o duty_n the_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v god_n workman_n he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o impose_v on_o he_o not_o a_o few_o but_o many_o work_n not_o easy_a but_o many_o time_n difficult_a worker_n not_o for_o a_o while_n but_o constant_a work_n such_o duty_n that_o a_o little_a knowledge_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n nor_o a_o little_a wisdom_n nor_o a_o little_a faith_n nor_o a_o little_a patience_n etc._n etc._n some_o of_o these_o duty_n be_v active_a some_o passive_a some_o respect_v his_o general_n some_o his_o particular_a call_n some_o of_o relation_n to_o god_n some_o to_o man_n some_o to_o himself_o now_o the_o weaken_a christian_a he_o be_v no_o body_n to_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a for_o duty_n for_o every_o man_n be_v as_o his_o strength_n be_v and_o our_o action_n for_o the_o course_n of_o they_o be_v as_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v from_o whence_o they_o come_v the_o weaken_a christian_n come_v very_o short_a of_o the_o other_o both_o for_o his_o adaptation_n of_o spirit_n unto_o duty_n there_o be_v not_o that_o connaturalnesse_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o his_o spirit_n to_o spiritual_a office_n duty_n come_v hardly_o from_o he_o simile_n like_o a_o rusty_a key_n to_o open_v a_o door_n he_o do_v his_o work_n with_o a_o more_o indispose_a spirit_n not_o free_o but_o like_o a_o sickeman_n he_o go_v very_o little_a and_o be_v quick_o weary_a and_o poor_o not_o full_o whereas_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n duty_n flow_v from_o he_o as_o from_o a_o easy_a principle_n and_o lively_a and_o quick_a cause_n his_o adequation_n of_o duty_n to_o the_o rule_n he_o do_v not_o mind_n the_o rule_n of_o holy_a action_n so_o much_o nor_o do_v he_o proportion_v his_o work_n to_o the_o command_n god_n may_v command_v much_o more_o than_o he_o do_v for_o ordinary_o the_o decay_a christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o omission_n he_o fail_v wonderful_o ofttimes_o in_o pass_v over_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o read_v or_o hear_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a he_o be_v for_o all_o duty_n difficult_a as_o well_o as_o easy_a private_a as_o well_o as_o public_a though_o he_o can_v intensive_o answer_v the_o rule_n for_o duty_n yet_o extensive_o he_o do_v know_o and_o willing_o he_o omit_v no_o duty_n his_o affective_a cooperation_n with_o duty_n he_o do_v duty_n but_o without_o such_o coworking_a affection_n more_o formal_o he_o do_v pray_v and_o hear_v perhaps_o but_o it_o be_v cold_o and_o sleepy_o it_o be_v not_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o indifferent_a work_n he_o act_v with_o a_o careless_a and_o indifferent_a spirit_n his_o eye_n be_v not_o so_o full_a on_o god_n glory_n nor_o be_v his_o heart_n so_o warm_a in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n his_o coal_n of_o fire_n burn_v in_o a_o cold_a hearth_n he_o be_v not_o
lively_a in_o live_a work_n but_o perform_v spiritual_a work_n without_o much_o spiritualnesse_n but_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n have_v working_n in_o his_o work_n or_o as_o in_o ezekiel_n there_o be_v a_o wheel_n within_o a_o wheel_n he_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o a_o fervent_a spirit_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v exceed_o glad_a to_o obey_v and_o be_v much_o grieve_v that_o he_o can_v obey_v the_o lord_n no_o better_o acceptation_n of_o duty_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o look_v so_o upon_o his_o offering_n as_o on_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o strengthen_v christian_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n even_o weak_a service_n be_v gracious_o respect_v by_o he_o but_o when_o christian_n weaken_v their_o own_o operation_n they_o do_v weaken_v also_o god_n acceptation_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v different_o to_o answer_v his_o servant_n according_a to_o their_o different_a disposition_n and_o temper_n faint_a seeker_n have_v but_o faint_a answer_n and_o resolute_a petitioner_n get_v plentiful_a answer_n from_o he_o of_o good_a 2_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o ordinance_n here_o also_o the_o weaken_a christian_n be_v very_o short_a of_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a both_o for_o preparation_n unto_o they_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o put_v in_o such_o a_o frame_n to_o come_v and_o converse_v with_o god_n he_o will_v not_o take_v that_o pain_n before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o word_n he_o do_v not_o by_o precedent_a meditation_n and_o prayer_n bring_v such_o a_o receptivity_n and_o and_o teachablenesse_n of_o heart_n to_o the_o word_n nor_o for_o the_o sacrament_n perhaps_o he_o come_v and_o thrust_v on_o the_o work_n but_o retire_v not_o himself_o examine_v not_o himself_o humble_v not_o himself_o hunger_n not_o thirst_v not_o nor_o consider_v his_o particular_a necessity_n so_o right_o to_o dispose_v his_o soul_n for_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n but_o be_v more_o full_a of_o carnal_a indulgence_n to_o himself_o and_o study_v rather_o for_o apology_n to_o excuse_v his_o neglect_n then_o by_o preparative_n duty_n to_o fit_v himself_o for_o application_n of_o they_o he_o stand_v under_o the_o ordinance_n with_o more_o distraction_n with_o less_o attention_n with_o a_o unclose_v spirit_n the_o word_n work_v not_o so_o on_o his_o heart_n nor_o his_o heart_n on_o the_o word_n he_o stand_v under_o the_o ordinance_n with_o a_o more_o distract_n spirit_n or_o else_o with_o a_o more_o fear_v spirit_n lest_o the_o lord_n will_v find_v he_o out_o for_o his_o revolting_n and_o either_o he_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o if_o he_o do_v he_o be_v not_o able_a for_o his_o life_n almost_o to_o be_v confident_a and_o persuade_v of_o god_n love_n towards_o he_o in_o christ_n for_o fructification_n he_o buy_v not_o at_o the_o market_n suck_v not_o and_o thrive_v not_o by_o the_o breast_n nor_o make_v that_o use_n of_o they_o as_o the_o other_o do_v nor_o do_v he_o improve_v they_o so_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o spiritual_a condition_n as_o the_o other_o do_v the_o counsel_n command_n exhortation_n reproof_n promise_n they_o be_v general_o to_o he_o in_o his_o weaken_a estate_n as_o water_n on_o the_o rock_n or_o as_o the_o wave_n to_o jonah_n sleep_v in_o the_o ship_n they_o have_v not_o that_o virtutem_fw-la moventem_fw-la that_o authority_n over_o his_o drowsy_a spirit_n but_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n have_v far_o more_o easy_a passage_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n have_v their_o sweet_a and_o facile_a impression_n on_o his_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n by_o discovery_n of_o sin_n and_o threaten_n he_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o hate_v sin_n more_o by_o discovery_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o christ_n his_o faith_n get_v more_o and_o his_o love_n rise_v more_o by_o discovery_n of_o duty_n and_o command_n his_o care_n and_o desire_n abound_v more_o in_o he_o they_o be_v still_o humble_v or_o still_o purge_v still_o raise_v or_o still_o uphold_v of_o he_o he_o be_v more_o and_o more_o build_v up_o and_o edify_v in_o his_o holy_a faith_n his_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v more_o cordial_a and_o more_o beneficial_a there_o be_v still_o a_o full_a and_o sweet_a conjunction_n betwixt_o his_o soul_n and_o christ_n 3_o in_o respect_n of_o corruption_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bane_n and_o poison_n and_o shame_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o sore_a wound_n and_o impairing_n the_o weaken_a christian_n be_v find_v much_o underfoot_o and_o be_v more_o in_o bondage_n and_o less_o sensible_a of_o it_o gray_a hair_n appear_v more_o on_o he_o unruly_a lust_n get_v more_o head_n again_o and_o he_o either_o hardly_o feel_v they_o or_o faint_o resist_v they_o he_o be_v now_o become_v as_o a_o wound_a man_n over_o who_o every_o coward_n can_v insult_v the_o strength_n of_o tender_a perception_n of_o sin_n fail_v and_o the_o strength_n of_o resolute_a opposition_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o frequent_a conquest_n so_o that_o his_o soul_n be_v much_o embase_v by_o lust_n his_o resistance_n be_v either_o 1_o none_o 2_o or_o faint_a 3_o or_o fruitless_a but_o he_o be_v overbear_v by_o the_o tide_n more_o easy_o like_o a_o unskilful_a rower_n or_o a_o sick_a man_n by_o a_o thrust_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a who_o now_o can_v lead_v captivity_n captive_a he_o be_v mighty_a in_o prayer_n and_o resolute_a in_o defiance_n and_o general_o happy_a either_o in_o make_v sinful_a motion_n to_o fly_v or_o in_o preserve_v his_o soul_n from_o yield_v unto_o they_o either_o he_o be_v more_o quiet_a or_o less_o guilty_a he_o be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o sin_n a_o sure_a conqueror_n and_o still_o a_o lesser_a servant_n 4_o in_o respect_n of_o conversation_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o christian_n must_v be_v gold_n without_o and_z gold_z within_z he_o must_v be_v like_o the_o heaven_n excellent_a in_o substance_n and_o beautiful_a in_o appearance_n a_o good_a heart_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o also_o a_o good_a life_n and_o walk_v like_o a_o spring_n which_o be_v for_o common_a good_a and_o not_o for_o private_a but_o the_o weaken_a christian_n in_o his_o conversation_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o other_o who_o be_v strengthen_v in_o many_o respect_n v._o g._n 1_o for_o strictness_n though_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o garment_n yet_o it_o hang_v more_o loose_o and_o like_o one_o of_o the_o planet_n simile_n though_o a_o star_n in_o heaven_n yet_o sometime_o near_o sometime_o more_o distant_a from_o the_o equinoctial_a there_o be_v not_o that_o exact_a conscionablenesse_n in_o holy_a walking_n but_o a_o sordid_a comply_v many_o time_n with_o the_o act_n and_o way_n of_o unworthy_a society_n or_o at_o least_o his_o grace_n be_v outdare_a and_o overawe_v so_o that_o when_o he_o shall_v express_v they_o for_o god_n glory_n he_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v or_o work_v 2_o for_o profitablenesse_n every_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v like_o a_o tree_n on_o which_o one_o may_v gather_v fruit_n he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a gift_n not_o enclose_v but_o employ_v of_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o his_o box_n of_o ointment_n shall_v be_v open_v if_o thou_o be_v good_a thou_o be_v bind_v also_o to_o do_v good_a for_o grace_n be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o make_v we_o good_a but_o also_o to_o make_v we_o to_o do_v good_a but_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o with_o the_o decay_a christian_n he_o be_v now_o fall_v into_o a_o penurious_a stock_n of_o grace_n have_v almost_o lose_v the_o art_n and_o skill_n of_o profitablenesse_n his_o act_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v those_o of_o civility_n than_o piety_n he_o may_v be_v as_o facetious_a but_o be_v not_o so_o religious_a in_o conversing_n his_o discourse_n be_v more_o censorious_a and_o insolent_a then_o substantial_a and_o edify_a i_o confess_v that_o some_o christian_n can_v so_o draw_v out_o their_o treasure_n through_o a_o bashfulness_n of_o spirit_n but_o 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of_o good_a so_o but_o withal_o ever_o and_o anon_o he_o be_v do_v of_o some_o evil_n his_o weaken_a grace_n can_v bear_v he_o up_o against_o strong_a occasion_n and_o temptation_n his_o gold_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ash_n simile_n and_o like_o a_o lame_a man_n he_o be_v not_o only_o halt_v in_o his_o best_a motion_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o quite_o down_o the_o snuff_n get_v above_o his_o candle_n 4_o for_o delightfulness_n he_o be_v almost_o a_o stranger_n to_o exact_v christian_n and_o do_v not_o honour_v they_o so_o much_o as_o former_o but_o secret_o fear_v their_o company_n and_o judgement_n he_o be_v perhaps_o more_o ashamed_a or_o else_o more_o afraid_a of_o they_o his_o conscience_n be_v yet_o so_o apprehensive_a that_o he_o interpret_v every_o glance_n as_o a_o secret_a check_n of_o his_o decay_n thus_o be_v it_o not_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a who_o grace_n be_v high_a carefulness_n great_a usefulness_n large_a godliness_n even_o and*_n great_a delight_n take_v 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decay_n what_o fear_n of_o approach_v before_o the_o lord_n what_o smart_a sentence_n on_o himself_o what_o sudden_a and_o vehement_a exclamation_n oh_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o will_v not_o yet_o die_v i_o be_o fall_v much_o from_o my_o god_n lord_n spare_v i_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v my_o strength_n my_o decay_a strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o see_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a but_o as_o in_o active_a duty_n he_o be_v more_o forward_o so_o in_o passive_a duty_n he_o be_v more_o sufficient_a in_o loss_n in_o cross_n yea_o in_o death_n itself_o he_o be_v more_o submissive_a and_o confident_a he_o can_v with_o job_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o receive_v evil_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o good_a and_o do_v not_o only_o rejoice_v in_o his_o favour_n but_o in_o his_o stroke_n and_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o go_v to_o his_o father_n as_o to_o serve_v god_n his_o good_a master_n 7_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n manifestation_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v diverse_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n sometime_o in_o admirable_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o his_o spirit_n sometime_o in_o more_o quick_a excitation_n of_o their_o spirit_n sometime_o in_o singular_a confirmation_n of_o they_o with_o assistance_n for_o extraordinary_a work_n sometime_o by_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o love_n upon_o their_o conscience_n which_o do_v revive_v their_o heart_n as_o wine_n and_o satisfy_v their_o soul_n as_o with_o marrow_n so_o david_n speak_v psal_n 63._o but_o now_o the_o weaken_a christian_a he_o darken_v this_o heaven_n over_o his_o head_n he_o have_v not_o that_o comfortable_a sight_n of_o god_n that_o assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n that_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n david_n lose_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o gladness_n the_o arm_n of_o god_n be_v 51._o psal_n 51._o not_o so_o reveal_v in_o he_o for_o do_v of_o good_a nor_o the_o face_n of_o god_n so_o open_a unto_o he_o at_o all_o whereas_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n find_v it_o otherwise_o he_o have_v a_o better_a heart_n and_o a_o fair_a day_n his_o communion_n be_v sweet_a with_o the_o lord_n he_o still_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o often_o find_v he_o enjoy_v he_o in_o his_o power_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o his_o graciousness_n the_o lord_n meet_v he_o that_o work_v righteousness_n and_o remember_v he_o who_o remember_v the_o lord_n in_o their_o way_n now_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n o_o thou_o fall_v and_o decay_a christian_n and_o rest_v not_o in_o thy_o weakness_n but_o recover_v and_o strengthen_v thy_o spiritual_n again_o three_o thing_n i_o will_v let_v fall_n thing_n three_o thing_n which_o perhaps_o may_v fetch_v and_o quicken_v thou_o again_o 1_o though_o thou_o be_v far_o sink_v yet_o thou_o may_v be_v raise_v again_o 2_o if_o thou_o do_v rise_v again_o the_o lord_n will_v gracious_o pardon_v thy_o decay_n 3_o if_o thou_o will_v set_v upon_o 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less_o sometime_o with_o more_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n sometime_o with_o less_o sometime_o with_o more_o comfort_n sometime_o with_o less_o sol._n yet_o let_v nothing_o discourage_v thou_o or_o take_v off_o thy_o spirit_n from_o the_o work_n but_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o strength_n against_o all_o temptation_n against_o all_o suggestion_n against_o all_o discouragement_n against_o all_o thy_o own_o fear_n and_o feeling_n and_o inequality_n of_o operation_n yet_o give_v not_o over_o but_o keep_v up_o thy_o service_n still_o retain_v frequent_a communion_n with_o god_n still_o be_v beg_v still_o for_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o raise_v thou_o hear_v still_o use_v the_o prescription_n till_o health_n come_v thou_o be_v in_o the_o way_n and_o must_v not_o rest_v till_o thou_o have_v obtain_v if_o thou_o break_v off_o before_o thou_o have_v regain_v thy_o strength_n thou_o will_v fall_v back_o again_o and_o also_o lose_v all_o thy_o new_a endeavour_n for_o thy_o recovery_n in_o grace_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o of_o which_o i_o can_v but_o give_v a_o touch_n lest_o i_o be_v hinder_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a etc._n etc._n that_o the_o estate_n though_o visible_o three_o three_o fair_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v real_o imperfect_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n among_o the_o church_n sardis_n have_v a_o name_n that_o it_o live_v but_o with_o god_n it_o have_v not_o that_o name_n and_o estimation_n we_o christian_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o god_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o infallibility_n we_o look_v only_o on_o the_o skin_n and_o surface_n of_o action_n but_o god_n look_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o person_n we_o judge_v of_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o action_n but_o god_n judge_v of_o our_o estate_n by_o the_o 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soul_n upon_o which_o principal_o the_o lord_n look_v he_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_n and_o approve_v the_o act_n of_o the_o heart_n more_o than_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v that_o he_o have_v first_o respect_n unto_o abel_n and_o then_o unto_o his_o offering_n 2_o to_o study_n god_n approbation_n more_o than_o man_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o safe_a that_o either_o we_o alone_o judge_v our_o estate_n to_o be_v good_a or_o that_o man_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v so_o unless_o the_o lord_n find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o every_o christian_a be_v that_o as_o god_n judge_v he_o to_o be_v and_o he_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o this_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a and_o alknowing_a god_n and_o so_o i_o take_v leave_n of_o that_o verse_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o remember_v therefore_o how_o thou_o 3_o revel_v 3._o 3_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v in_o these_o word_n you_o have_v the_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o spirit_n special_a direction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n which_o be_v three_o viz._n 1_o remembrance_n remember_v branch_n three_o branch_n therefore_o how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v 2_o persistence_n and_o hold_v fast_o 3_o renew_a repentance_n and_o repent_v brief_o to_o open_v the_o word_n remember_v sometime_o the_o word_n be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o a_o particular_a faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o philosopher_n reminiscentia_fw-la and_o then_o it_o be_v the_o call_n back_o of_o a_o thing_n or_o object_n former_o know_v and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o memory_n sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o serious_a consideration_n appertain_v to_o the_o judicious_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o apprehend_v truth_n be_v well_o weigh_v thorough_o think_v on_o or_o consider_v of_o in_o both_o respect_v i_o conjecture_v it_o may_v be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n how_o some_o read_v that_o word_n rather_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o remember_v i._o call_v to_o mind_n and_o consider_v what_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o word_n declare_v the_o matter_n but_o rather_o in_o this_o place_n it_o import_v the_o manner_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o note_v the_o manner_n how_o christ_n teach_v and_o prescribe_v they_o at_o the_o first_o and_o also_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o embrace_v those_o holy_a rule_n of_o his_o for_o doctrine_n &_o conversation_n thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v that_o be_v assent_v unto_o and_o embrace_v those_o truth_n and_o direction_n of_o christ_n where_o be_v express_v first_o their_o ancient_a subjection_n or_o embrace_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n receive_v and_o second_o the_o mean_n or_o way_n thereof_o viz._n by_o hear_v and_o hear_v i_o can_v possible_o with_o any_o profit_n insist_v on_o all_o the_o observables_n out_o of_o these_o and_o the_o other_o word_n consider_v that_o little_a part_n of_o time_n which_o remain_v for_o i_o to_o work_v among_o you_o only_o i_o will_v point_v at_o three_o singular_a proposition_n viz._n 1_o that_o holy_a truth_n once_o receive_v proposition_n three_o proposition_n be_v often_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o think_v on_o remember_v etc._n etc._n 2_o that_o acceptance_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o enough_o but_o christian_n must_v add_v thereto_o a_o persistence_n in_o truth_n hold_v fast_o 3_o that_o renew_v repentance_n be_v require_v of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o initial_a and_o repent_v you_o see_v that_o all_o these_o proposition_n natural_o flow_v from_o the_o text_n and_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o we_o and_o for_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v handle_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o they_o viz._n doct._n that_o holy_a truth_n once_o receive_v be_v often_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o think_v on_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o frequent_a consideration_n 1_o our_o former_a sin_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v we_o humble_a 2_o god_n former_a mercy_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o thankful_a 3_o receive_a truth_n and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o dutiful_a and_o fruitful_a the_o jew_n be_v to_o bind_v they_o as_o frontlet_n between_o their_o eye_n deut._n 6._o 8._o to_o which_o solomon_n allude_v in_o pro._n 6._o 21._o bind_v 21._o deut._n 6._o 8._o pro._n 6._o 21._o they_o continual_o upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o tie_v they_o about_o thy_o neck_n and_o eccles_n 12._o 11._o they_o be_v to_o be_v as_o nail_n 11._o eccl._n 12._o 11._o fasten_v look_v on_o david_n and_o this_o be_v his_o practice_n psal_n 119._o 15._o psal_n 119_o 15._o i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n there_o once_o then_o read_v verse_n 23._o thy_o servant_n do_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n there_o be_v the_o second_o time_n but_o then_o read_v verse_n 48._o i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n there_o be_v the_o three_o time_n what_o speak_v i_o of_o once_o or_o twice_o or_o thrice_o see_v he_o in_o verse_n 97._o oh_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n the_o apostle_n be_v frequent_a in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o remember_v to_o lay_v up_o to_o keep_v in_o mind_n not_o to_o forget_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n deliver_v by_o they_o nay_o and_o christ_n press_v the_o same_o also_o upon_o themselves_o upon_o many_o occasion_n but_o for_o the_o clear_a open_n of_o this_o proposition_n premise_v with_o i_o these_o particular_n 1_o the_o frequent_a remember_v of_o former_a truth_n must_v be_v a_o remembrance_n by_o way_n of_o subjection_n and_o not_o by_o way_n of_o contradiction_n we_o must_v not_o remember_v they_o and_o question_v they_o much_o less_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v they_o lest_o of_o all_o oppose_v