his_o conduct_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n as_o all_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o blessing_n be_v communicate_v to_o we_o through_o christ_n ephes_n 1.3_o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o so_o we_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o sacrifice_n must_v be_v offer_v unto_o god_n the_o same_o way_n that_o be_v we_o must_v ascend_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o same_o medium_fw-la through_o which_o he_o descend_v to_o we_o or_o else_o no_o acceptance_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o how_o shall_v guilty_a rebel_n adventure_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a righteous_a sin_n hate_v god_n but_o by_o he_o who_o have_v make_v atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n take_v â—eed_o therefore_o that_o you_o leave_v not_o he_o out_o remember_v it_o be_v upon_o term_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o of_o that_o covenant_n christ_n â—s_v the_o mediator_n who_o therefore_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o distinguish_v between_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o god_n and_o in_o himself_o â—s_a mediator_n joh._n 14.1_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v he_o to_o stand_v betwixt_o we_o and_o all_o danger_n lest_o the_o consume_a fire_n shall_v break_v forth_o upon_o we_o and_o our_o blood_n be_v mingle_v with_o our_o sacrifice_n hence_o we_o find_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n â—oward_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n join_v together_o as_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v actâ—_n 20.21_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v the_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o sin_n and_o vanity_n to_o god_n as_o our_o end_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o apply_v of_o ourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o way_n to_o â—hat_n end_n that_o be_v we_o must_v return_v unto_o god_n as_o our_o god_n by_o alively_a faith_n in_o his_o son_n as_o our_o prince_n and_o saviour_n without_o who_o neither_o pardon_n nor_o peace_n can_v be_v expect_v not_o as_o if_o the_o father_n be_v of_o himself_o averse_a to_o mercy_n or_o compassion_n but_o only_o prevail_v upon_o and_o as_o it_o be_v over-persuade_v thereto_o by_o the_o death-merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n have_v a_o care_n of_o such_o blasphemous_a conceit_n as_o these_o than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o still_o remember_v it_o be_v not_o become_v the_o majesty_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n to_o receive_v such_o as_o we_o be_v into_o favour_n immediate_o but_o through_o a_o mediator_n who_o of_o his_o own_o free_a love_n 〈◊〉_d have_v provide_v for_o we_o john_n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o loâ—â—â—_n the_o world_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o verse_n 18._o all_o thing_n be_v of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d who_o have_v reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n it_o be_v a_o greâ—â—_n duty_n indeed_o to_o admire_v the_o love_n of_o the_o son_n but_o oâ—â—â—_n not_o forget_v to_o admire_v also_o the_o father_n love_n iii_o and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o apply_v and_o communicate_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o own_o eye_n and_o acknowledge_v hâ—â—_n according_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n as_o jesus_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d the_o way_n to_o the_o father_n so_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v the_o wanness_n of_o the_o son_n his_o agent_n upon_o earth_n his_o advocaâ—â—_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o plead_v his_o cause_n and_o to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v by_o tertulaâ—â—_n christi_fw-la agens_fw-la &_o vicarius_fw-la and_o by_o a_o learned_a man_n 〈◊〉_d our_o own_o the_o supreme_a minister_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n therefore_o though_o all_o the_o person_n or_o subsistence_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n do_v concur_v to_o the_o production_n 〈◊〉_d the_o new_a creature_n yet_o this_o great_a work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v by_o a_o certain_a peculiar_a eminency_n of_o attribution_n ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v call_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o thess_n 2.13_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v enlighten_v and_o draw_v or_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o father_n by_o he_o therefore_o in_o all_o our_o motion_n and_o tendency_n god_n ward_n we_o mâ—â—â—_n look_v unto_o this_o spirit_n for_o help_v and_o act_n faith_n upon_o he_o for_o the_o assistance_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o wâ—â—_n attempt_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v baffle_v in_o our_o endeavour_n and_o make_v nothing_o of_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o cry_v hard_o after_o the_o spirit_n and_o careful_o to_o observe_v all_o his_o access_n to_o we_o and_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o grace_n upon_o we_o and_o always_o to_o strike_v in_o with_o his_o motion_n to_o do_v most_o when_o he_o help_v most_o and_o thus_o our_o work_n will_v be_v like_a to_o succeed_v and_o prosper_v in_o our_o hand_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v how_o we_o carry_v it_o towards_o he_o that_o we_o may_v not_o quench_v resist_v grieve_v or_o vex_v the_o spirit_n either_o by_o stifle_a conviction_n or_o run_v count_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n or_o by_o foolish_a delay_n â—nd_v slothfulness_n the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o a_o diligent_a humble_a conscientious_a attendance_n â—pon_n he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n viz._n the_o use_n of_o his_o appointed_a mean_n o_o remember_v that_o your_o duty_n graâ—s_n and_o comfort_n will_v all_o be_v dead_a thing_n or_o nothing_o 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o they_o all_o his_o â—race_n must_v be_v thankful_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o the_o wrength_n we_o get_v in_o all_o the_o progress_n we_o make_v and_o we_o â—ust_z still_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o more_o yea_o we_o ought_v 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o distinct_a and_o explicit_a in_o the_o working_n of_o â—aith_n towards_o he_o than_o common_o we_o be_v we_o be_v â—ptized_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o well_o as_o of_o â—e_a father_n and_o the_o son_n the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o â—od_n equal_a in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o this_o trinity_n none_o be_v â—â—ore_o or_o after_o other_o none_o be_v great_a or_o less_o than_o another_o whence_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d defective_a in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n which_o â—â—specteth_v the_o three_o person_n this_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n 〈◊〉_d he_o and_o a_o injury_n to_o ourselves_o but_o i_o must_v not_o â—â—y_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o here_o i_o only_o add_v it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n rom._n 8.26_o through_o he_o we_o must_v mortify_v the_o â—â—eds_n of_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v live_v ver._n 13._o by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n 〈◊〉_d 5.5_o he_o seal_v they_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n but_o 〈◊〉_d any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o 〈◊〉_d his_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o great_a work_n 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v the_o turn_n of_o a_o person_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n â—â—en_o to_o know_v love_n and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o â—â—ace_n and_o help_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thus_o i_o say_v we_o must_v be_v qualify_v and_o prepare_v for_o â—â—e_z heavenly_a glory_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o several_a step_n whereby_o this_o blesseâ—_n work_n be_v begin_v carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v in_o the_o soul_n have_v thus_o far_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o grâ—â—â—_n work_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v prepare_v for_o hâ—ven_n if_o ever_o we_o come_v thither_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consâ—â—â—_n more_o distinct_o the_o order_n wherein_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o 〈◊〉_d how_o it_o be_v begin_v advance_v and_o perfect_v and_o here_o i_o design_v not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o over_o â—â—â—rious_a inquiry_n about_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o 〈◊〉_d spirit_n be_v work_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o how_o the_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n be_v reconcilable_a with_o the_o natural_a liâ—â—ty_n of_o the_o rational_a creature_n but_o shall_v content_v myâ—â—â—_n to_o wave_v controversy_n and_o insist_v upon_o some_o few_o plâ—â—â—_n necessary_a acknowledge_v truth_n as_o be_v most_o sâ—â—â—_n to_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o follow_v first_o there_o be_v certain_a previous_a working_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d common_a
because_o they_o sure_a not_o with_o your_o own_o carnal_a temper_n or_o will_v you_o try_v to_o put_v asunder_o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o or_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v without_o be_v first_o sanctify_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v prov._n 19.21_o if_o ever_o you_o come_v to_o to_o heaven_n you_o must_v first_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o holy_a image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o sanctify_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v not_o eternal_a life_n the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o have_v he_o not_o tell_v we_o the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o give_v it_o and_o be_v it_o not_o downright_a madness_n to_o expect_v it_o out_o of_o god_n way_n if_o therefore_o you_o be_v solicitous_a concern_v your_o everlasting_a welfare_n do_v not_o take_v the_o preposterous_a course_n of_o those_o person_n who_o beginning_n at_o the_o wrong_a end_n first_o amuse_v themselves_o about_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n remember_v secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o he_o reveal_v to_o you_o therefore_o turn_v your_o thought_n inward_a examine_v whether_o you_o have_v be_v effectual_o call_v so_o as_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o holy_a covenant_n and_o if_o so_o you_o may_v comsortable_o conclude_v concern_v your_o election_n 2_o pet._n 1.10_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o affect_v to_o cavil_v against_o this_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n i_o have_v thought_n meet_v to_o transcribe_v part_n of_o the_o 17_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n valeat_fw-la quantum_fw-la valere_fw-la potest_fw-la predestination_n to_o life_n be_v the_o everlasting_a purpose_n of_o god_n whereby_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v he_o have_v constant_o decree_v by_o his_o counsel_n secret_a to_o we_o to_o deliver_v from_o curse_n and_o damnation_n those_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v in_o christ_n out_o of_o mankind_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o by_o christ_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n as_o vessel_n make_v to_o honour_v wherefore_o they_o which_o be_v endue_v with_o so_o excellent_a a_o benefit_n of_o god_n be_v call_v according_a to_o god_n purpose_n by_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o due_a season_n they_o through_o grace_n obey_v the_o call_v they_o be_v justify_v free_o they_o be_v make_v son_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n they_o be_v make_v like_o the_o image_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n they_o walk_v religious_o in_o good_a work_n and_o at_o length_n by_o god_n mercy_n they_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a felicity_n etc._n etc._n to_o conclude_v you_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v the_o decree_n of_o election_n or_o say_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v 〈◊〉_d that_o none_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o god_n decree_n whatsoever_o he_o effect_n 2._o redeem_v love_n have_v join_v sanctification_n and_o salvation_n together_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n design_n to_o procure_v the_o admission_n of_o unholy_a soul_n while_o such_o to_o heaven_n that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o have_v lay_v heaven_n and_o hell_n common_a but_o he_o have_v make_v way_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o must_v fit_v we_o for_o glory_n and_o then_o for_o our_o entrance_n thereinto_o 1_o john_n 3.8_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v oâ—_n the_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n sin_v from_o the_o beginning_n foâ—_n this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o â—e_n may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n matth._n 1.21_o he_o shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o not_o in_o their_o sin_n tiâ—â—_n 2.14_o who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purity_n unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n ephes_n 5.25_o 26._o christ_n love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o redeemer_n be_v never_o intend_v to_o exempt_v we_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o creator_n but_o to_o bring_v we_o back_o thereto_o the_o promisory_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o innocency_n be_v indeed_o cease_v by_o reason_n of_o our_o incapacity_n a_o guilty_a creature_n can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o require_v perfect_a and_o perpetual_a obedience_n as_o the_o condition_n thereof_o but_o then_o the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o that_o law_n be_v still_o so_o far_o in_o force_n that_o the_o least_o violation_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o least_o sin_n make_v perpetual_a punishment_n our_o due_n except_o pardon_v mercy_n interpose_v for_o our_o deliverance_n and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o redeemer_n take_v place_n though_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v still_o command_v we_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o insist_v upon_o as_o a_o condition_n whereupon_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v suspend_v sincerity_n shall_v be_v accept_v through_o the_o math_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v in_o his_o own_o person_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o withal_o offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o our_o disobedience_n pray_v be_v clear_a in_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o expect_v that_o christ_n will_v save_v you_o unless_o you_o â—ay_v down_o your_o arm_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n so_o long_o as_o you_o resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o your_o rebellion_n be_v christ_n the_o minister_n of_o sin_n or_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v jesus_n christ_n be_v exalt_v by_o the_o father_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v first_o repentance_n and_o then_o forgiuness_n to_o turn_v man_n heart_n from_o sin_n and_o then_o to_o pardon_v it_o if_o you_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v any_o other_o way_n than_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n say_v so_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v infidel_n but_o if_o not_o then_o know_v you_o that_o sanctification_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o christ_n have_v design_v for_o his_o peopel_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a affront_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o imagine_v that_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o be_v wrought_v for_o it_o by_o his_o renew_n grace_n it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o nullify_v or_o deny_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o if_o his_o gracious_a operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v needless_a or_o superfluous_a thing_n or_o at_o least_o that_o man_n may_v attain_v to_o happiness_n without_o they_o be_v this_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o holy-ghost_n or_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o to_o blaspheâ—â—_n he_o do_v you_o not_o tremble_v to_o approach_v so_o near_o to_o theâ—_n pardonable_a sin_n if_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o be_v sanctify_v 〈◊〉_d what_o purpose_n be_v all_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d god_n upon_o his_o people_n if_o holiness_n be_v so_o needless_a 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o heaven_n well_o enough_o without_o it_o why_o do_v the_o spirit_n strive_v so_o long_a wâ—â—_n poor_a creature_n to_o make_v they_o holy_a why_o do_v 〈◊〉_d still_o follow_v they_o with_o the_o earnest_a solicitation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d grace_n notwithstanding_o their_o unkind_a resistance_n froâ—_n one_o ordinance_n and_o providence_n to_o another_o hâ—â—_n great_a a_o work_n be_v it_o to_o quicken_v illuminate_v and_o draw_v 〈◊〉_d god_n a_o dead_a blind_a disaffect_v soul_n and_o to_o uphoâ—â—_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n as_o have_v be_v already_o openeâ—_n what_o mighty_a power_n do_v the_o spirit_n put_v forth_o inâ—â—â—_n this_o and_o dare_v you_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o needs_o or_o promâ—â—â—_n to_o yourselves_o salvation_n without_o it_o this_o will_v 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o have_v hear_v under_o the_o former_a head_n but_o to_o do_v despâ—â—â—_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n i_o wonder_v not_o that_o such_o man_n make_v a_o scoff_n at_o the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n convert_v and_o pâ—â—don_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o whâ—â—_n they_o affirm_v 1_o tim._n 1.7_o but_o measure_v themselves_o by_o themselves_o and_o compare_v themselves_o among_o themselves_o 〈◊〉_d not_o wise_a or_o understand_v it_o not_o 2_o cor._n 10.12_o sure_o in_o god_n account_n none_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o 〈◊〉_d worshipper_n but_o they_o who_o worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o woâ—â—_n he_o joh._n 4.23_o but_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o 4._o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n and_o
ordinance_n be_v a_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n 〈◊〉_d work_n by_o his_o appoint_a mean_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.8_o as_o also_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n rom._n 8.2_o and_o well_o may_v it_o be_v so_o call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n because_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v give_v under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o be_v usual_a before_o now_o the_o sacred_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v institured_a in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v he_o that_o qualify_v minister_n for_o their_o work_n assist_v they_o in_o it_o and_o make_v it_o successful_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o end_n moreover_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o errand_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v send_v you_o have_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o chapter_n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o namely_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o have_v commit_v unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n now_o than_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n our_o business_n therefore_o be_v to_o treat_v with_o sinner_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n that_o we_o may_v persuade_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o offer_v of_o free_a grace_n and_o to_o edify_v strengthen_v and_o help_v the_o joy_n of_o those_o who_o have_v hearty_o comply_v ephes_n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o and_o o_o how_o strict_a a_o charge_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o etc._n etc._n we_o may_v now_o say_v it_o be_v already_o come_v 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 3_o 4._o and_o that_o we_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n heb._n 13.17_o and_o warn_v you_o of_o your_o danger_n that_o your_o blood_n may_v not_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n ezek._n 3.18_o and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o well_o then_o if_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o be_v wrought_v for_o it_o etc._n etc._n of_o what_o use_n be_v the_o ministerial_a office_n or_o why_o be_v we_o so_o strict_o charge_v moreover_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o rellgious_a duty_n that_o be_v appoint_v we_o with_o that_o seriousness_n and_o spirituality_n therein_o require_v do_v full_o prove_v the_o point_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n the_o holy_a reverend_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n do_v powerful_o tend_v to_o raise_v our_o soul_n near_o to_o he_o and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o like_o he_o to_o heal_v our_o spiritual_a distemper_n and_o to_o refine_v and_o purify_v all_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n and_o so_o to_o prepare_v and_o sit_v we_o for_o the_o state_n of_o heavenly_a perfection_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o such_o appointment_n as_o if_o they_o be_v only_o mere_a arbitrary_a injunction_n to_o exact_a homage_n from_o we_o but_o though_o sovereign_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o they_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v how_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v sure_v out_o work_n to_o our_o end_n our_o present_a duty_n to_o our_o future_a happiness_n that_o by_o the_o one_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o the_o other_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o our_o present_a life_n as_o also_o to_o our_o future_a blessedness_n we_o can_v neither_o serve_v nor_o enjoy_v god_n here_o or_o hereafter_o without_o be_v wrought_v thereto_o by_o his_o grace_n i_o mention_v nor_o the_o heartless_a service_n of_o hypocrite_n as_o not_o be_v worth_a take_v notice_n of_o hence_o also_o you_o may_v learn_v what_o end_v to_o propose_v to_o yourselves_o in_o every_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o i_o proceed_v 5._o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n unregenerate_a person_n as_o such_o be_v peremptory_o exclude_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n itself_o you_o can_v produce_v the_o least_o syllable_n in_o scripture_n whereupon_o to_o ground_v those_o hope_n of_o heaven_n wherewith_o such_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o but_o i_o can_v show_v you_o enough_o to_o confound_v and_o overthrow_v their_o wicked_a presumption_n for_o ever_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o condemnation_n be_v legible_a in_o almost_o every_o leaf_n of_o the_o bible_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o consider_v it_o nor_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.3_o 18_o 36._o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n shall_v die_v without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n of_o god_n all_o this_o be_v settle_v long_o before_o thou_o be_v bear_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o exception_n against_o it_o thou_o come_v too_o late_o with_o they_o as_o one_o say_v assure_v yourselves_o that_o these_o sacred_a constitution_n can_v be_v disannul_v your_o unbelief_n shall_v not_o make_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n you_o will_v quick_o faâ—d_v who_o word_n shall_v stand_v his_o or_o you_o 〈◊〉_d true_a indeed_o pardon_v and_o life_n be_v free_o offer_v by_o the_o gospel-grant_a if_o thou_o will_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n throuâ—â—_n christ_n otherwise_o it_o bring_v upon_o thou_o a_o heavy_a condemnation_n than_o thou_o be_v under_o before_o john_n 3.10_o a_o sore_a punishment_n heb_fw-mi 10.29_o the_o câ—â—â—_n speak_v itself_o thou_o can_v plead_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unless_o thou_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n thereof_o abuse_v mercy_n turn_v to_o great_a indignation_n therefore_o it_o much_o concern_v you_o to_o inquire_v what_o those_o term_n be_v and_o not_o to_o venture_v your_o soul_n upon_o uncertainty_n behold_v the_o judge_n stand_v before_o the_o door_n jam._n 5.9_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 23.28_o mat._n 3.12_o 6._o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o have_v the_o earnest_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n how_o then_o shall_v they_o have_v the_o thing_n itself_o do_v you_o expect_v the_o fruit_n without_o the_o seed_n the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n without_o the_o beginning_n thereof_o the_o inheritance_n without_o the_o earnest_a how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v how_o absurd_a be_v such_o hope_n as_o these_o will_v you_o be_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n without_o first_o go_v through_o the_o infant-state_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n as_o for_o the_o true_o godly_a they_o have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o they_o even_o that_o save_v transform_a practical_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v which_o be_v the_o inchoation_n thereof_o but_o the_o ungodly_a be_v not_o so_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n they_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n what_o then_o can_v they_o expect_v reasonable_o to_o reap_v but_o corruption_n will_v you_o sow_v one_o sort_n of_o grain_n and_o reap_v another_o know_v therefore_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n suitable_a inclination_n heaven-ward_n and_o desire_v after_o it_o that_o be_v rational_a judicious_a holy_a desire_n do_v thereby_o give_v they_o a_o earnest_n of_o it_o but_o still_o remember_v if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8_o 9_o 7._o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n which_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v under_o stand_v between_o they_o and_o heaven_n i_o hope_v you_o know_v that_o you_o be_v sinner_n and_o that_o you_o must_v be_v justify_v before_o you_o can_v be_v glorify_v the_o weight_n of_o gild_n must_v needs_o press_v you_o down_o into_o everlasting_a darkness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o take_v off_o by_o pardon_v mercy_n and_o grace_n and_o do_v you_o not_o also_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o pardon_n without_o true_a repentance_n and_o withal_o that_o true_a repentance_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o
up_o thâ—_n measure_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o make_v themselves_o ripâ—_n for_o ruin_n treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wratâ—â—_n rom._n 25._o so_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n qualify_v and_o prepareâ—_n his_o people_n for_o heaven_n enable_v and_o habitnate_v theâ—â—_n to_o those_o spiritual_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n which_o arâ—â—â—_n suit_v thereto_o verse_n 9_o wherefore_o we_o labour_v thâ—â—_n whether_o present_a or_o absent_a we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o phil._n 2.13_o he_o work_v in_o they_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n a_o work_n so_o great_a that_o it_o emulaâ—â—_n even_o creation_n itself_o insomuch_o that_o the_o person_n thâ—â—_n wrought_v upon_o be_v new_a creature_n as_o vers_n 17._o of_o thâ—â—_n chapter_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creaturâ—â—_n not_o in_o point_n of_o essence_n or_o faculty_n but_o of_o new_a quality_n and_o disposition_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v anâ—_n thus_o we_o must_v be_v wrought_v for_o this_o self_n same_o thing_n hence_o believer_n as_o such_o be_v call_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n ephes_n 2.10_o his_o building_n raise_v and_o frame_v by_o he_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n verse_n 22._o his_o husbandry_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o be_v cultivate_v by_o he_o to_o bring_v forth_o that_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n whereof_o be_v everlasting_a life_n rom._n 6.22_o thus_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n tree_n of_o righteousness_n the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v isa_n 60.21_o ch._n 61.3_o so_o these_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n be_v prepare_v for_o glory_n rom._n 8.23_o make_a meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n col._n 1.12_o well_o set_v or_o right_o dispose_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v luke_n 9.62_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o it_o be_v which_o the_o text_n principal_o aim_v at_o wherein_o you_o may_v observe_v several_a thing_n 1._o that_o great_a work_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o a_o thing_n already_o do_v he_o that_o have_v wrought_v etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o author_n of_o this_o work_n viz._n the_o bless_a god_n himself_o 3._o the_o subject_n or_o person_n upon_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v namely_o the_o apostle_n himself_o and_o other_o gospel-minister_n we_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v any_o other_o person_n who_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o they_o 2_o pet._n 1.1_o or_o that_o have_v believe_v through_o their_o word_n joh._n 17.20_o see_v the_o forego_n chapter_n vers_fw-la 14._o as_o also_o chap._n 1.21_o we_o with_o you_o 4._o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o this_o great_a work_n namely_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o heaven_n give_v they_o a_o temper_v suit_v thereto_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o long_o after_o it_o 5._o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o great_a work_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o relation_n which_o these_o word_n bear_v to_o the_o context_n and_o more_o especial_o by_o the_o word_n now_o or_o burr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o connect_v this_o verse_n with_o the_o foregoing_a q._n d._n we_o know_v that_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n shall_v be_v we_o and_o we_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v there_o vers_n 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o this_o selfsame_a thing_n otherwise_o our_o hope_n be_v presumptuous_a our_o confidence_n mere_a self-deceit_n according_a to_o which_o plain_a exposition_n this_o little_a particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v big_a enough_o to_o exclude_v all_o from_o heaven_n who_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n thus_o wrought_v for_o it_o and_o now_o it_o be_v obvious_a that_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n may_v easy_o be_v draw_v from_o these_o word_n thus_o open_v and_o divide_v but_o i_o will_v mention_v no_o more_o than_o one_o which_o i_o design_v to_o insist_v upon_o and_o to_o it_o all_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v reduce_v doct._n there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o heaven_n till_o we_o be_v wrought_v or_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o handle_v this_o point_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v distinct_o speak_v to_o i._o the_o explication_n of_o it_o or_o what_o it_o mean_v ii_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o or_o how_o it_o appear_v iii_o the_o use_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o or_o what_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o it_o either_o to_o inform_v our_o judgement_n or_o to_o direct_v and_o regulate_v our_o practice_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v proceed_v as_o follow_v 1._o to_o give_v you_o some_o general_a account_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n for_o which_o we_o must_v be_v prepare_v 2._o set_a before_o you_o a_o more_o distinct_a and_o large_a explication_n of_o that_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v fit_v for_o glory_n without_o some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o end_n we_o be_v not_o like_a to_o understand_v the_o mean_n and_o except_o we_o inquire_v into_o yea_o and_o choose_v the_o way_n we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o enjoy_v the_o bless_a end_n chap._n ii_o some_o general_a account_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n to_o which_o be_v subjoin_v some_o short_a hint_n how_o unfit_a we_o be_v by_o nature_n for_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o our_o conception_n fall_v exceed_o short_a and_o our_o expression_n yet_o short_a when_o we_o come_v to_o discourse_v concern_v that_o glory_n which_o be_v within_o the_o veil_n who_o can_v at_o this_o distance_n give_v any_o other_o than_o a_o very_a imperfect_a account_n of_o that_o fullness_n of_o joy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o those_o everlasting_a pleasure_n which_o be_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n psal_n 16.11_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o leave_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a neither_o somewhat_o of_o heaven_n may_v be_v know_v and_o therefore_o shall_v diligent_o be_v inquire_v after_o while_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n all_o can_v till_o we_o come_v thither_o at_o present_a we_o have_v some_o revelation_n of_o it_o both_o objective_n and_o subjective_n viz._n so_o far_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o our_o present_a state_n it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n 2_o tim._n 1.10_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o we_o true_a believer_n have_v the_o foreta_v of_o it_o in_o those_o exercise_n of_o grace_n which_o lead_n to_o it_o though_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o full_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v yet_o in_o part_n it_o do_v for_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v 1_o joh._n 3.2_o though_o out_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n col._n 3.3_o yet_o nor_o so_o as_o if_o nothing_o of_o it_o can_v be_v know_v but_o rather_o that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o earnest_o search_v after_o even_o as_o in_o he_o be_v bid_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n chap._n 2.3_o compare_v with_o prov._n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o see_v also_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o 10._o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v etc._n etc._n but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 12._o that_o we_o may_v know_v thâ—_n thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n well_o then_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n that_o we_o have_v â—_o map_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n a_o description_n of_o the_o new_a jâ—rusalem_n set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o sacred_a record_n and_o yeâ—_n great_a if_o we_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n and_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o those_o gospel_n discovery_n in_o our_o own_o spirit_n but_o then_o those_o that_o do_v so_o can_v hardly_o make_v other_o understand_v these_o grateful_a relish_v the_o joy_n of_o believen_n be_v such_o as_o stranger_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o can_v be_v right_o apprehend_v but_o by_o inward_a vital_a sense_n and_o experience_n know_v only_o to_o they_o that_o have_v they_o wordâ—_n can_v but_o saintly_o express_v they_o for_o they_o be_v unspeak_v able_a 1_o pet._n 1.8_o how_o much_o more_o inexpressible_a must_v those_o pleasure_n be_v which_o in_o heaven_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o fuid_a perfection_n therefore_o as_o to_o what_o be_v unrevealed_a let_v we_o waitâ—â—_n while_n it_o can_v be_v long_o time_n run_v fast_o on_o eternity_n be_v almost_o upon_o we_o the_o concern_v of_o our_o soul_n be_v in_o safe_a hand_n our_o eye_n as_o one_o observe_v be_v in_o our_o glorify_v head_n jesus_n christ_n he_o know_v for_o we_o what_o
the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n yea_o and_o sometime_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n beside_o those_o of_o daily_a infirmity_n and_o therefore_o be_v often_o call_v to_o repentance_n humiliation_n and_o amendment_n and_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o act_v faith_n upon_o his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o double_v their_o watch_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o future_a when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v not_o perhaps_o oblige_v at_o all_o to_o call_v in_o question_n their_o foundation_n nor_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o main_a indeed_o as_o for_o those_o who_o oft_o fall_v into_o groffer_n sin_n and_o lie_v long_o in_o they_o even_o such_o sin_n as_o they_o may_v easy_o forbear_v if_o they_o be_v true_o willing_a such_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o question_v their_o own_o sincerity_n but_o as_o for_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o the_o godly_a yea_o or_o their_o great_a fall_n through_o inadvertency_n surprise_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o sudden_a temptation_n the_o case_n here_o be_v quite_o different_a if_o a_o workman_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v his_o foundation_n and_o be_v proceed_v forward_o in_o the_o building_n shall_v upon_o evevy_n lesser_a or_o some_o few_o great_a mistake_n in_o the_o superstructure_n pull_v down_o all_o again_o and_o question_v the_o foundation_n itself_o he_o will_v make_v very_o little_a progress_n and_o so_o have_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o his_o work_n so_o here_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n have_v still_o need_v to_o beg_v daily_a pardon_n for_o their_o daily_a sin_n yet_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o needless_a doubt_n or_o misgive_a thought_n as_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o main_a for_o if_o any_o man_n siam_fw-it we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a 1_o john_n 2.1_o he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n but_o be_v clean_o every_o whit_n john_n 13.10_o when_o david_n have_v sin_v so_o grievous_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n be_v seâ—â—_n to_o he_o to_o expostulate_v with_o he_o about_o it_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n we_o find_v that_o he_o humble_o acknowledge_v his_o transgression_n earnest_o implore_v the_o divine_a mercy_n pray_v hard_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n in_o the_o main_a nor_o can_v we_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v so_o but_o encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n psal_n 51.17_o the_o sacrisices_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v there_o be_v say_v a_o great_a divine_a some_o sin_n which_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v so_o forsake_v as_o to_o cease_v commit_v they_o and_o there_o be_v some_o lesser_a sin_n which_o they_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v hate_v indeed_o but_o yet_o frequent_o renew_v as_o our_o defective_a degree_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n itself_o faith_n love_n trust_v fear_v obedience_n our_o vain_a thought_n and_o word_n some_o sinful_a passion_n etc._n etc._n many_o such_o sin_n be_v fit_o call_v infirmity_n because_o they_o consist_v with_o life_n and_o be_v forgive_v it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o for_o one_o fort_n require_v a_o conversion_n to_o another_o state_n and_o the_o other_o require_v but_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o when_o they_o be_v unknown_a be_v forgive_v without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n because_o our_o general_a repentance_n be_v virtual_o though_o not_o actual_o particular_a as_o to_o they_o one_o sort_n be_v cause_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o ungodly_a and_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v only_a cause_n of_o filial_a humiliation_n baxter'_v directory_n part_v 1._o pag._n 299._o direct_v 11._o though_o you_o can_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o â—uller_a comfort_n of_o assurance_n do_v not_o therefore_o undervalue_v any_o thing_n that_o look_v hopeful_o or_o have_v a_o likely_a endency_n thereto_o great_a thing_n be_v not_o usual_o attain_v but_o by_o degree_n and_o through_o many_o difficulty_n it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o justify_v state_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n so_o common_a among_o true_a believer_n themselves_o as_o perhaps_o you_o imagine_v who_o yet_o have_v considerable_a support_v â—nd_v comfort_n from_o hopeful_a probability_n in_o the_o case_n now_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o pull_v down_o the_o vain_a hope_n of_o presumptuous_a sinner_n so_o it_o also_o be_v to_o strengthen_v and_o help_v the_o joy_n and_o hope_n of_o weak_a christian_n well_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o be_v you_o not_o grieve_v or_o the_o many_o offence_n you_o have_v commit_v against_o god_n at_o least_o be_v it_o not_o your_o trouble_n that_o you_o can_v nourn_v for_o sin_n no_o more_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v no_o north_n tender_a and_o relent_a be_v it_o not_o your_o desire_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n your_o endeavour_n to_o renounce_v your_o sin_n and_o to_o mortify_v your_o corruption_n can_v you_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o part_v with_o christ_n or_o quit_v your_o interest_n in_o he_o for_o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o let_v go_v your_o hold_n of_o he_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v offer_v you_o in_o exchange_n will_v you_o not_o even_o loath_a and_o abhor_v the_o proposal_n be_v it_o not_o your_o endaavour_n to_o love_v he_o more_o and_o serve_v he_o better_o put_v such_o question_n as_o these_o be_v to_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o judge_v whether_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o something_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o than_o like_v special_a grace_n and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o let_v thus_o much_o support_v you_o till_o you_o can_v see_v further_o and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v thankful_a for_o what_o you_o have_v and_o strive_v for_o more_o grace_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o comfort_n will_v increase_v together_o and_o all_o along_o be_v sure_a to_o remember_v that_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o accept_v you_o upon_o gospel-term_n as_o you_o can_v be_v to_o desire_v it_o yea_o and_o infinite_o mâ—â—â—_n willing_a as_o love_a holiness_n better_o than_o you_o do_v 〈◊〉_d the_o march_n break_v between_o christ_n and_o you_o it_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d through_o your_o own_o refusal_n never_o be_v any_o poâ—â—_n sinner_n beforehand_o with_o he_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o consent_v and_o be_v a_o suitor_n to_o we_o for_o our_o full_a 〈◊〉_d hearty_a consent_n nor_o will_v he_o despise_v the_o least_o tendecy_n thereto_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n oâ—_n on_o his_o part_n all_o be_v safe_a and_o clear_a prevail_v but_o withy_a own_o heart_n to_o hold_v on_o and_o go_v thorough_a with_o the_o work_n and_o all_o be_v thy_o own_o direct_v 12._o be_v sure_a that_o you_o exercise_v the_o moâ—â—_n deep_a and_o entire_a self-resignation_n to_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o this_o matter_n leave_v it_o unto_o god_n to_o measure_v out_o your_o comfort_n for_o you_o and_o to_o determine_v the_o time_n and_o season_n thereof_o lay_v your_o soul_n at_o his_o foot_n with_o the_o profound_a reverence_n humility_n and_o submission_n say_v as_o david_n in_o another_o case_n it_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n will_v look_v upon_o my_o affliction_n but_o if_o he_o say_v he_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o i_o behold_v here_o be_o i_o let_v he_o do_v as_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o 2_o sam._n 15.26_o o_o learn_v to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o look_v for_o he_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o hide_v his_o faâ—â—_n isa_n 8.17_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o you_o shall_v be_v loser_n by_o thus_o resign_v your_o soul_n and_o your_o all_o into_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v your_o certain_a duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o that_o sincerity_n which_o you_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o there_o be_v many_o comfortable_a promise_n make_v to_o such_o act_n of_o soul_n as_o these_o and_o encourage_v example_n set_v before_o we_o bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o wait_v for_o he_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n wait_v i_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n psal_n 20.14_o methinks_v that_o such_o a_o
we_o be_v not_o yet_o admit_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o leâ—_n this_o quiet_a we_o notwithstanding_o our_o remain_a darkness_n we_o be_v go_v to_o the_o world_n of_o light_n however_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o wilful_a affect_a ignorance_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v not_o sloth_n prevent_v nor_o presumptuous_a curiosity_n pervert_v our_o inquiry_n about_o it_o labour_v after_o as_o distinct_a and_o clear_a a_o knowledge_n of_o heaven_n as_o you_o can_v but_o be_v sure_a to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n it_o seem_v plain_a from_o scripture_n as_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n consist_v main_o in_o or_o result_v from_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o perfect_a fitness_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o glorious_a bless_a god_n 2._o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o these_o be_v most_o intimate_o essential_a to_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v principal_o consider_v though_o there_o be_v also_o certain_a adjunct_n and_o circumstance_n of_o this_o blessedness_n which_o must_v not_o be_v whole_o pass_v by_o but_o of_o these_o afterward_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o other_o 1._o a_o perfect_a fitness_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v refine_v strengthen_v enlarge_v replenish_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o capacity_n with_o fullness_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o therein_o confirm_v and_o settle_v past_o all_o danger_n of_o revolt_n or_o decay_v and_o therefore_o complete_o fit_v subjective_o for_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o the_o bless_a god_n their_o objective_a happiness_n portion_n all._n as_o action_n and_o fruition_n presuppose_v be_v and_o nature_n so_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o former_a be_v necessary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o latter_a the_o best_a of_o man_n while_o here_o below_o have_v great_a remainder_n of_o sinful_a weakness_n all_o their_o grace_n be_v enfeeble_v by_o a_o contrary_a principle_n of_o corruption_n dwell_v in_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o working_n of_o their_o soul_n towards_o god_n be_v so_o weak_a and_o languid_a and_o the_o joy_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o so_o often_o interrupt_v and_o obscure_v but_o in_o heaven_n it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o there_o we_o shall_v have_v strength_n without_o weakness_n light_n without_o darkness_n love_n without_o any_o remain_a aversion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v joy_n without_o sorrow_n i_o know_v that_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o vain_a enough_o to_o talk_v of_o a_o sinless_a perfection_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o once_o i_o meet_v with_o one_o who_o have_v the_o face_n to_o tell_v i_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o little_a passion_n for_o aught_o he_o know_v he_o be_v perfect_a i_o present_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o think_v he_o love_v god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o this_o put_v he_o to_o a_o stand_n or_o rather_o make_v he_o go_v back_o from_o his_o former_a assertion_n alas_o how_o little_a do_v such_o man_n know_v of_o their_o own_o heart_n or_o of_o the_o latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n psal_n 119.96_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o scripture_n have_v record_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n even_o as_o to_o those_o particular_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o eminent_a thus_o numb_a 12.3_o the_o man_n moses_n be_v very_o meek_a above_o all_o the_o man_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o we_o read_v psal_n 106.33_o that_o his_o spirit_n be_v so_o provoke_v that_o he_o speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o li_n insomuch_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o go_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n deut._n 32.51_o 52._o i_o mention_v not_o how_o that_o when_o his_o anger_n be_v hot_a he_o break_v the_o table_n of_o stone_n write_v with_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 32.19_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o be_v do_v by_o peculiar_a divine_a instinct_n to_o show_v that_o rebellious_a people_n how_o unworthy_a they_o be_v of_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n and_o how_o well_o they_o themselves_o deserve_v to_o be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o utter_o cast_v off_o of_o job_n it_o be_v say_v in_o general_a chap._n 2.3_o that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n etc._n etc._n and_o particular_o jam._n 5.11_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n and_o have_v we_o not_o hear_v of_o his_o impatience_n too_o chap._n 3._o when_o he_o curse_v his_o day_n etc._n etc._n how_o renown_a be_v solomon_n for_o wisdom_n who_o yet_o commit_v great_a folly_n in_o israel_n even_o in_o his_o old_a age_n 1_o king_n 11.4_o etc._n etc._n how_o remarkable_o forward_a and_o zealous_a for_o christ_n do_v we_o find_v peter_n to_o have_v be_v upon_o many_o occasion_n yet_o pitiful_o baffle_v by_o two_o silly_a maid_n one_o after_o another_o to_o the_o denial_n of_o his_o master_n mat._n 26.69_o 71._o thus_o you_o see_v how_o many_o strong_a one_o have_v fall_v and_o be_v wound_v even_o in_o those_o part_n where_o their_o great_a strength_n lay_v be_v it_o not_o then_o the_o height_n of_o madness_n or_o fanaticism_n to_o talk_v of_o universal_a sinless_a perfection_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n sure_o the_o most_o able_a experience_a christian_n speak_v at_o another_o rate_n phil._n 3.12_o not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a so_o 1_o joh._n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o but_o if_o once_o we_o get_v safe_a to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v sin_v no_o more_o grace_n will_v then_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o its_o full_a maturity_n and_o shall_v never_o be_v weaken_v by_o any_o contrary_a principle_n more_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a indeed_o heb._n 12.23_o there_o be_v no_o complaint_n of_o dull_a inactivity_n and_o listlessness_n to_o spiritual_a work_n paul_n be_v not_o there_o cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o sorrowful_a yet_o comfortable_a chapter_n rom._n 7._o i_o miserâ—m_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o etc._n etc._n the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n sin_n dwell_v in_o i_o evil_n be_v present_a with_o i_o etc._n etc._n no_o no_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o of_o this_o there_o all_o those_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n wherewith_o our_o mind_n be_v so_o over-shadowed_n in_o this_o present_a state_n will_v then_o be_v quite_o dissipate_v and_o go_v the_o remnant_n of_o our_o disaffection_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n which_o be_v now_o the_o matter_n or_o occasion_n of_o our_o most_o grievous_a and_o pierce_a complaint_n will_v then_o be_v perfect_o master_v and_o wrought_v out_o all_o these_o distemper_n will_v be_v cure_v which_o must_v needs_o cause_v so_o great_a a_o pleasure_n as_o none_o can_v have_v a_o full_a notion_n of_o but_o they_o who_o feel_v and_o possess_v it_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o a_o fullness_n of_o spiritual_a life_n strength_n and_o vigour_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v surround_v with_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o a_o perfect_a day_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v perfect_o reconcile_v to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o only_a soul-satisfying_a object_n no_o wonder_n that_o sorrow_n and_o sigh_v be_v over_o when_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o curse_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o occasion_v they_o be_v do_v away_o how_o great_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o imperfect_a beginning_n of_o this_o bless_a state_n in_o that_o work_n of_o grace_n which_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o true_o godly_a even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o psal_n 45.13_o change_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o thus_o true_a grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n to_o which_o it_o be_v tend_v put_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o it_o how_o much_o more_o valuable_a than_o must_v that_o perfection_n itself_o be_v if_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o its_o present_a infant-state_n be_v so_o aimable_fw-fr what_o will_v it_o be_v when_o we_o come_v to_o perfect_a manhood_n when_o we_o shall_v arrive_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o excellency_n whereof_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a even_o so_o high_a as_o to_o be_v complete_o qualify_v for_o the_o more_o immediate_a enjoyment_n oâ—_n god_n himself_o i_o have_v almost_o forget_v to_o mention_v that_o our_o body_n shalâ—_n be_v raise_v spiritualised_a and_o make_v like_a unto_o christ_n
god_n who_o have_v thus_o first_o love_v we_o and_o so_o to_o effect_v the_o reconciliation_n on_o our_o part_n study_v this_o well_o the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v in_o it_o as_o christ_n as_o mediator_n be_v the_o summary_n mean_v and_o way_n to_o the_o father_n to_o bring_v man_n home_o to_o his_o creator_n so_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o mediate_a grace_n to_o work_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o mr._n baxter_n haâ—_n it_o no_o other_o grace_n or_o duty_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n nor_o will_v prove_v our_o salvation_n any_o further_a than_o iâ—_n participate_v of_o predominant_a love_n to_o god_n but_o thiâ—_n predominant_a love_n be_v always_o a_o evidence_n of_o life_n ibid._n three_o the_o same_o power_n which_o have_v bring_v the_o work_n thus_o far_o do_v maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a the_o principle_n of_o grace_n implant_v in_o the_o soul_n our_o spiritual_a life_n no_o less_o than_o the_o natural_a depend_v upon_o the_o continual_a influx_n of_o its_o almighty_a author_n in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v not_o only_o as_o man_n but_o as_o christian_n or_o new_a men._n the_o strength_n of_o that_o habitual_a grace_n subject_v in_o we_o will_v never_o hold_v our_o without_o daily_a influence_n of_o efficient_a grace_n still_o work_v upon_o we_o thus_o we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 1_o pet._n 1.5_o and_o preserve_v unto_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n 2_o tim._n 4.18_o we_o know_v what_o woeful_a work_n our_o first_o parent_n make_v when_o their_o concern_v be_v leave_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n how_o shameful_o they_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o ruin_v at_o once_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n and_o this_o through_o the_o mere_a mutability_n of_o their_o nature_n though_o upright_o and_o innocent_a as_o it_o come_v out_o of_o god_n hand_n what_o then_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o we_o who_o have_v not_o only_o mutable_a nature_n but_o great_a remnant_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o sure_o if_o our_o stock_n of_o grace_n be_v leave_v only_o to_o our_o own_o management_n we_o shall_v soon_o turn_v bankrupt_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o grace_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a but_o supernatural_a principle_n not_o essential_a but_o a_o additional_a to_o our_o being_n not_o bear_v with_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o stranger_n or_o new_a comer_n in_o we_o and_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o whole_o dispossess_v of_o those_o object_n which_o be_v against_o its_o work_n nor_o deliver_v from_o those_o principle_n which_o have_v a_o enmity_n to_o it_o yea_o that_o we_o often_o lose_v some_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o shall_v quick_o lose_v the_o rest_n if_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o engage_v in_o our_o preservation_n and_o that_o faithfulness_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a 1_o cor._n 10.13_o this_o holy_a seed_n will_v soon_o come_v to_o nothing_o in_o so_o unkind_o a_o soil_n as_o our_o heart_n be_v be_v it_o not_o cherish_v and_o water_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o place_v it_o there_o this_o spark_n of_o divine_a light_n will_v quick_o be_v extinguish_v if_o not_o keep_v in_o and_o refresh_v by_o continual_a emanation_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v command_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n or_o above_o all_o keep_n prov._n 4.23_o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a that_o be_v we_o must_v put_v forth_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n for_o god_n work_v by_o mean_n but_o if_o we_o trust_v to_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v fool_n prov._n 28.26_o i_o may_v allude_v to_o that_o psal_n 127.1_o except_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o city_n the_o watchman_n wake_v but_o in_o vain_a well_o then_o we_o must_v do_v our_o utmost_a to_o keep_v that_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o but_o how_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o dwell_v in_o we_o 2_o tim._n 1.14_o so_o judas_n 21._o keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o than_o vers_n 24_o 25._o he_o teach_v they_o to_o look_v high_a than_o their_o own_o endeavour_n in_o this_o matter_n now_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v you_o from_o fall_v to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n our_o saviour_n be_v glory_n and_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o power_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n four_o by_o the_o same_o almighty_a power_n the_o new_a creature_n be_v carry_v on_o gradual_o towards_o its_o design_a perfection_n phil._n 1.6_o be_v confident_a of_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o which_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v or_o finish_v it_n until_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o only_o keep_v whole_a in_o the_o soul_n but_o more_o abundant_a life_n give_v it_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o its_o merciful_a saviour_n joh._n 10.10_o i_o be_o come_v that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o more_o abundant_o that_o heavenly_a light_n which_o have_v shine_v in_o upon_o it_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o a_o perfect_a day_n prov._n 4.18_o the_o principle_n of_o holy_a love_n be_v cherish_v and_o blow_v up_o till_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a flame_n that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o wrought_v be_v good_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v but_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o work_n imperfect_a it_o shall_v be_v all_o very_a good_a before_o he_o have_v do_v with_o it_o as_o at_o the_o first_o creation_n gen._n 1.31_o god_n intend_v for_o his_o child_n not_o only_o a_o perfection_n of_o part_n but_o of_o degree_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o manifest_a tendency_n of_o that_o divine_a nature_n whereof_o he_o have_v make_v they_o partaker_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o agreeable_a than_o for_o those_o who_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a to_o desire_v more_o full_a and_o satisfy_v relish_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o have_v he_o give_v they_o those_o desire_v to_o abuse_v and_o torment_v they_o it_o can_v be_v sure_o those_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5.6_o yea_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a their_o long_n be_v so_o much_o the_o fit_a for_o large_a communication_n psal_n 81.10_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o ask_v great_a thing_n and_o with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a this_o leave_v a_o black_a note_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n make_v no_o progress_n but_o seem_v well_o enough_o content_a with_o the_o measure_n to_o which_o they_o have_v attain_v i_o tell_v you_o such_o person_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o own_o sincerity_n nay_o if_o this_o be_v their_o state_v constant_a habitual_a temper_n they_o may_v just_o be_v pronounce_v hypocrite_n he_o that_o think_v he_o have_v grace_n enough_o have_v certain_o not_o true_a save_a grace_n at_o all_o live_v nature_n as_o plant_n child_n etc._n etc._n thrive_v till_o they_o come_v to_o perfection_n piece_n of_o art_n or_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o image_n of_o a_o child_n a_o wither_a plant_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n or_o grow_v worse_o phil._n 3.14_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark._n sincerae_fw-la sanctitatis_fw-la inse_v parabile_fw-la signum_fw-la est_fw-la desiderium_fw-la sincerum_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la method_n theol._n part_n 3._o pag._n 216._o a_o sincere_a desire_n of_o perfection_n be_v a_o inseparable_a sign_n of_o sincere_a holiness_n be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o that_o man_n have_v any_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o sincere_a hearty_a love_n to_o he_o who_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o know_v he_o better_o and_o to_o love_v he_o more_o you_o that_o have_v experience_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v consider_v of_o it_o take_v advice_n and_o speak_v your_o mind_n but_o as_o for_o empty_a lifeless_a hypocrite_n i_o except_v against_o they_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n because_o they_o savour_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o have_v their_o judgement_n bribe_v and_o over-swayed_n by_o the_o fleshly_a interest_n we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o be_v always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o ill_a signification_n as_o to_o our_o state_n if_o such_o command_n weigh_v nothing_o with_o we_o but_o with_o the_o true_o godly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v incline_v they_o
christ_n as_o you_o can_v what_o pleasure_n do_v you_o take_v be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n etc._n etc._n what_o say_v you_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v agree_v with_o you_o or_o be_v they_o not_o a_o weariness_n to_o you_o be_v you_o nor_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o lords-day_n return_v too_o oâ—_n and_o that_o strict_a and_o serious_a religion_n be_v intolerable_a prociseness_n do_v not_o your_o heart_n rise_v against_o it_o be_v â—e_v not_o glad_a when_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v over_o though_o sour_a thing_n you_o will_v do_v to_o secure_a heaven_n for_o a_o reserve_n who_o you_o can_v enjoy_v the_o world_n no_o long_o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a temper_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o deplorable_a alas_o what_o shall_v you_o do_v in_o heaven_n with_o sod_a heart_n as_o these_o will_v you_o not_o be_v eternal_o weary_a oâ—_n a_o eternal_a sabbath_n will_v not_o your_o ungracious_a spirit_n be_v ever_o recoil_v and_o uneasy_a do_v you_o not_o yet_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n without_o new_a heart_n if_o not_o it_o be_v because_o you_o shut_v your_o eye_n certain_o if_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v â—n_v haven_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n it_o will_v be_v vast_o different_a even_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o which_o goâ—_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_n he_o but_o he_o shall_v man_n be_v happy_a against_o their_o own_o will_n or_o it_o state_n to_o which_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o sure_v so_o true_a be_v that_o great_a say_v of_o a_o worthy_a divine_a when_o god_n have_v so_o determine_v that_o without_o â—â—â—ness_n none_o shall_v see_v he_o he_o lay_v no_o other_o law_n upon_o unholy_a soul_n than_o what_o their_o own_o impure_a nature_n lie_v upon_o themselves_o blessedness_n of_o the_o righteous_a pag._n 46_o by_o this_o time_n you_o see_v or_o may_v see_v if_o you_o will_v thâ—â—_n except_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n can_v be_v reverse_v the_o design_n of_o redemption_n pervert_v the_o office_n of_o the_o hâ—â—_n spirit_n nullify_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o ministry_n aâ—â—_n ordinance_n run_v down_o the_o threarning_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v of_o none_o effect_v the_o inheritance_n be_v attain_v without_o the_o earnest_n a_o new_a way_n find_v to_o heaven_n which_o none_o ever_o discover_v before_o and_o all_o this_o while_n the_o righteous_a themselves_o be_v scarce_o save_v in_o a_o word_n unless_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v quite_o overturn_v and_o palpable_a contradiction_n make_v to_o agree_v none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o wrought_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a grace_n lo_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a heb._n for_o thyself_o job_n 5.27_o chap._n vi_o several_a inference_n of_o truth_n draw_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n thus_o we_o have_v full_o prove_v that_o except_o you_o will_v be_v holy_a you_o can_v be_v happy_a if_o this_o therefore_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a a_o truth_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v also_o a_o very_a weighty_a and_o important_a one_o a_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o close_o apply_v because_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o what_o be_v infinite_o more_o than_o either_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a god_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o it_o now_o since_o there_o be_v many_o other_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o intimate_a connexion_n with_o and_o dependence_n upon_o this_o great_a doctrine_n let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o for_o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n inser_n 1._o we_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o real_a holiness_n real_a i_o say_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o vain_a empty_a show_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o multitude_n make_v a_o shift_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o even_o because_o they_o know_v no_o better_o and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o know_v satan_n have_v take_v advantage_n by_o their_o own_o corruption_n to_o blind_v their_o mind_n and_o close_v their_o eye_n and_o thus_o they_o choose_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o see_v no_o beauty_n in_o holiness_n no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v the_o form_n and_o comeliness_n of_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o procurer_n of_o it_o isa_n 53.2_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a if_o they_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o do_v but_o debase_v they_o first_o by_o form_v low_a and_o unworthy_a notion_n of_o they_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o degenerate_a temper_n and_o spirit_n then_o they_o act_v according_o and_o after_o all_o high_o value_v themselves_o upon_o what_o they_o have_v do_v nevertheless_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o holiness_n manifest_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o follow_v particular_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v 1._o it_o be_v original_a it_o be_v from_o heaven_n the_o bless_a god_n be_v himself_o the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o text._n he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n be_v god_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a work_n and_o that_o not_o a_o common_a work_n neither_o but_o wrought_v in_o a_o way_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a excellency_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o great_a change_n be_v denominate_v bear_v of_o god_n joh._n 1.13_o bear_v from_o above_o chap._n 33._o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v render_v hereupon_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o name_n and_o relation_n of_o child_n 1_o joh._n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o call_v and_o not_o miscall_v for_o so_o they_o be_v as_o vers_n 2._o now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n speak_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o image_n draw_v upon_o it_o a_o participiation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o sweet_o and_o effectual_o incline_v all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n god-ward_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o prevail_v upon_o we_o it_o take_v away_o our_o unkind_a aversion_n and_o estrangedness_n from_o he_o and_o teach_v we_o to_o centre_n upon_o he_o as_o our_o portion_n happiness_n and_o chief_a good_n in_o short_a it_o be_v our_o devotedness_n unto_o god_n which_o imply_v a_o separation_n from_o whatsoever_o stand_v in_o opposition_n against_o he_o as_o such_o so_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a work_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o may_v have_v tell_v we_o whence_o it_o be_v for_o it_o bear_v the_o image_n and_o superscription_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o little_o do_v the_o proud_a despiser_n of_o holiness_n consider_v what_o they_o say_v or_o against_o who_o it_o be_v that_o they_o spirit_n themselves_o make_v a_o wide_a mouth_n and_o draw_v out_o the_o 〈◊〉_d isa_n 57.4_o to_o vilify_v this_o work_n be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o its_o author_n to_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o the_o image_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o its_o great_a original_a who_o scorn_v their_o scorner_n sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o laugh_v at_o they_o for_o he_o see_v that_o their_o day_n be_v come_v psal_n 37_o 13._o 3._o the_o bless_a end_n and_o issue_n of_o holiness_n show_v you_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o it_o come_v from_o above_o and_o thither_o it_o lead_v and_o be_v at_o last_o complete_v in_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n judge_n then_o of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o the_o end_n here_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o be_v high-born_a and_o a_o suitable_a inheritance_n be_v design_v they_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v slight_o of_o holiness_n be_v to_o contemn_v heaven_n itself_o which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n therein_o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cart-rope_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n isa_n 5.18_o 20._o it_o may_v be_v at_o last_o they_o will_v say_v as_o one_o of_o their_o predecessor_n do_v let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a not_o from_o any_o love_n to_o righteousness_n but_o from_o a_o slavish_a fear_n of_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o therefore_o those_o force_a
cry_n will_v avail_v they_o nothing_o inser_n 2._o learn_v from_o hence_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o equity_n yea_o the_o wonderful_a grace_n and_o benignity_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n over_o fall_a man_n see_v what_o a_o connexion_n there_o be_v between_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n all_o the_o precept_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o may_v just_o he_o esteem_v as_o so_o many_o direction_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o our_o own_o welfare_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o law_n be_v enforce_v by_o the_o divinâ—_n command_n but_o be_v that_o any_o injury_n to_o we_o that_o the_o moâ—â—_n bless_v glorious_a god_n have_v by_o his_o sovereign_a righâ—â—â—_n authority_n over_o we_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v happy_a put_v we_o under_o such_o a_o law_n that_o we_o can_v be_v innocent_o miserable_a if_o we_o perish_v it_o shall_v be_v our_o own_o fault_n that_o we_o do_v soâ—â—â—_n well_o may_v it_o be_v call_v a_o paternal_a government_n god_n iâ—_n please_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o that_o tidâ—_n which_o he_o have_v condescend_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o viâ—â—_n the_o father_n of_o spirit_n behold_v how_o tender_o and_o gent_o he_o deal_v with_o his_o offspring_n even_o the_o rational_a souâ—â—_n that_o issue_v from_o he_o his_o love_n invite_v they_o hâ—â—_n authority_n enjoy_v they_o to_o be_v happy_a he_o reason_n thâ—_n case_n with_o they_o why_o will_v you_o die_v yea_o he_o beseech_v they_o in_o the_o most_o earnest_a move_a manner_n as_o though_o gâ—â—_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o 2_o cor_fw-la 5.20_o they_o be_v impoâ—cuned_v from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o his_o name_n to_o lay_v aside_o theâ—â—â—_n frowardness_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o who_o alone_a 〈◊〉_d make_v they_o complete_o bless_v and_o thus_o he_o wait_v 〈◊〉_d be_v gracious_a to_o they_o how_o little_o do_v we_o deserve_v to_o 〈◊〉_d thus_o treat_v methinks_v this_o shall_v make_v we_o even_o to_o 〈◊〉_d ashamed_a and_o blush_v to_o consider_v our_o unworthy_a 〈◊〉_d disingenuous_a carriage_n towards_o he_o and_o convioâ—us_o at_o length_n how_o much_o better_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o 〈◊〉_d government_n than_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o conduct_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o first_o aâ—â—_n principal_a of_o they_o be_v this_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n etc._n etc._n what_o but_o the_o despertâ—â—â—_n wickedness_n of_o our_o deprave_a sinful_a nature_n can_v maâ—â—_n this_o seem_v a_o hard_a say_v who_o shall_v we_o love_v not_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o thâ—_n most_o suitable_a good_a for_o we_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o we_o ever_o enjoy_v upon_o who_o both_o 〈◊〉_d being_n and_o well-being_n do_v entire_o depend_v you_o 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o put_v we_o off_o with_o trifle_n but_o offer_v himâ—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o promise_v all_o thoâ—â—â—_n return_v of_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n which_o can_v rational_o be_v desire_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o can_v you_o yâ—â—_n refuse_v to_o love_n o_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o so_o may_v a_o aversion_n from_o he_o what_o iniquity_n have_v you_o ever_o find_v in_o he_o jer._n 2.5_o lord_n into_o how_o great_a confusion_n and_o distraction_n be_v we_o fall_v by_o forsake_v he_o and_o sink_v into_o our_o own_o wretched_a self_n alas_o that_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v so_o averse_a from_o close_v with_o the_o infinite_a universal_a all_o comprehend_v good_a he_o have_v make_v our_o capacity_n such_o as_o none_o but_o himself_o can_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v therefore_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v uneasy_a or_o restless_a while_o we_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o sure_o then_o no_o precept_n can_v tend_v more_o direct_o to_o our_o own_o felicity_n than_o this_o of_o love_a god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o this_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v reduce_v for_o it_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o sure_o the_o obedience_n of_o love_n will_v be_v pleasant_a if_o thy_o mind_n be_v once_o bring_v up_o to_o this_o holy_a love_n the_o work_n be_v do_v thy_o cavil_n against_o any_o other_o command_n will_v then_o be_v at_o a_o end_n thou_o will_v ever_o justify_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o humble_v thyself_o that_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n thou_o fall_v short_a thou_o will_v then_o see_v reason_n to_o convince_v thou_o that_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o be_v wont_a to_o look_v upon_o as_o over_o great_a severity_n in_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o thy_o case_n make_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o thy_o cure_n that_o no_o needless_a restraint_n be_v lay_v upon_o thou_o that_o the_o most_o exact_a watchfulness_n the_o great_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n be_v all_o little_a enough_o to_o keep_v so_o froward_a a_o nature_n within_o its_o due_a bound_n in_o a_o word_n thou_o will_v see_v that_o god_n have_v restrain_v thou_o from_o nothing_o which_o be_v true_o good_a for_o thou_o but_o only_o deny_v thou_o the_o liberty_n of_o self_n undo_v and_o therefore_o that_o his_o way_n be_v equal_a how_o unequal_a soever_o thy_o own_o way_n have_v be_v infer_v 3._o learn_v from_o hence_o what_o woeful_a work_n sin_n have_v make_v in_o human_a nature_n forasmuch_o as_o so_o great_a a_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o refit_n and_o qualifyâ—it_v â—it_z for_o its_o proper_a use_n and_o end_n all_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n be_v exceed_o deprave_a and_o enfeeble_v by_o the_o fall_n in_o we_o that_o be_v in_o our_o flesh_n there_o dwell_v no_o good_a â—â—ing_n when_o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o we_o rom._n 7.18_o 21._o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v all_o unregenerate_a person_n can_v please_v god_n chap._n 8.8_o some_o indeed_o there_o be_v who_o deny_v original_a sin_n and_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o imitation_n that_o we_o become_v wicked_a but_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a and_o clear_a in_o the_o case_n psal_n 51.5_o behold_v i_o be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o in_o sin_n do_v my_o mother_n couceive_v i_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ephes_n 2.3_o hence_o our_o saviour_n show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n joh._n â—_o 5_o 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n verse_n 7._o marvel_v not_o that_o i_o say_v into_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d must_v â—e_v bear_v again_o be_v not_o death_n the_o wage_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o infant_n die_v even_o before_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o actual_a sin_n therefore_o they_o have_v original_a sin_n and_o why_o be_v they_o wash_v with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n if_o they_o have_v no_o sinful_a defilement_n upon_o they_o and_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o corruption_n do_v so_o early_o discover_v itself_o in_o they_o but_o because_o they_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o world_n with_o they_o true_a it_o be_v that_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v create_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n endue_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n fit_v for_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o he_o etc._n etc._n this_o man_n once_o be_v lad_n to_o say_v be_v and_o be_v not_o our_o gold_n be_v become_v dress_v the_o crown_n be_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n woe_n unto_o we_o for_o wâ—_n have_v sin_v how_o be_v the_o mighty_a fall_v the_o distemper_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v now_o past_o number_v the_o understanding_n and_o will_n which_o be_v make_v to_o govern_v the_o inferior_a faoulty_n the_o one_o by_o guidance_n the_o other_o by_o command_n be_v themselves_o enslave_v to_o lust_n and_o appetite_n so_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a asâ—s_n colt_n folly_n and_o vanity_n it_o bind_v up_o in_o his_o heart_n from_o hâ—_n very_a childhood_n be_v depart_v from_o god_n the_o centre_n in_o which_o aâ—_n our_o faculty_n shall_v unite_v and_o for_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v improve_v and_o employ_v we_o be_v become_v at_o variance_n with_o one_o another_o and_o each_o man_n with_o himself_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o bitter_a strife_n and_o envy_n the_o bloody_a war_n and_o contention_n whereby_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n yea_o and_o less_o society_n too_o rise_v up_o one_o against_o another_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v how_o strange_o inconsistent_a even_o with_o themselves_o ungodly_a man_n be_v one_o will_v think_v they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n the_o sensitive_a part_n be_v against_o the_o rational_a the_o will_n against_o
the_o judgement_n their_o practice_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o their_o profession_n they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o or_o they_o say_v one_o thing_n and_o do_v the_o quite_o contrary_a they_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 dire_a isa_n 57.20_o the_o body_n which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n be_v become_v their_o ruler_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o earth_n can_v bear_v prov._n 30.21_o 22._o a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v lament_v lam._n 5.8_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o these_o convulsion_n and_o disorder_n do_v proceed_v profess_v to_o be_v wise_a they_o be_v become_v fool_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o have_v their_o wit_n about_o they_o wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n tit._n 1.16_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n go_v out_o after_o their_o idol_n they_o will_v be_v happy_a but_o can_v endure_v the_o thought_n of_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v they_o so_o they_o inquire_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n but_o set_v their_o face_n quite_o contrary_a they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n but_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v it_o they_o oft_o complain_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o cross_n and_o disappointment_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o but_o will_v not_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o a_o better_a yea_o many_o of_o they_o be_v sond_a of_o these_o present_a enjoyment_n when_o they_o grow_v old_a and_o can_v but_o know_v that_o they_o must_v quick_o leave_v they_o yea_o some_o of_o thein_a hate_n and_o revile_v other_o for_o live_v in_o some_o measure_n up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o themselves_o profess_v the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o mention_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o that_o nonsense_n whereof_o they_o be_v continual_o guilty_a so_o besot_v a_o thing_n be_v a_o carnal_a heart_n as_o if_o their_o lust_n have_v not_o only_o bereave_v they_o of_o all_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n but_o of_o their_o wit_n too_o both_o together_o thus_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o unregenerate_a person_n till_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n rectify_v these_o disorder_n and_o bring_v their_o soul_n into_o a_o better_a frame_n and_o o_o how_o great_a a_o work_n be_v this_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o ephes_n 1.19_o and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d transcendent_a hyperbolical_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o we_o ward_v who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n energy_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o may_v of_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o sir_n lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n consider_v thorough_o and_o bewail_v deep_o your_o original_a corruption_n pray_v hard_a for_o renew_v grace_n it_o will_v signify_v little_a for_o you_o to_o empty_v some_o of_o the_o stream_n while_o the_o fountain_n be_v disregard_v which_o will_v fill_v up_o all_o again_o corruption_n lie_v deep_a in_o you_o and_o will_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o master_v it_o and_o root_v it_o out_o nor_o can_v you_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v do_v it_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o your_o own_o endeavour_n with_o and_o under_o his_o grace_n phil._n 2.12_o 13._o infer_v 4._o learn_v also_o from_o hence_o the_o weakness_n wickedness_n or_o both_o of_o those_o person_n who_o go_v about_o to_o deny_v or_o obscure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o special_a grace_n their_o weakness_n i_o say_v in_o disow_v a_o thing_n so_o manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o experience_n their_o wickedness_n in_o attempt_v to_o rob_v god_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o on_o this_o account_n they_o cry_v up_o the_o natural_a freedom_n of_o man_n will_n but_o consider_v not_o its_o moral_a impotency_n or_o indisposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v god_n its_o curse_a aversion_n from_o god_n and_o holiness_n which_o will_v never_o be_v overcome_v but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o free_a grace_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o if_o man_n be_v true_o willing_a than_o the_o work_n be_v do_v and_o therefore_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o will_n make_v they_o inexcusable_a john_n 5.40_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n but_o i_o also_o know_v that_o if_o ever_o they_o be_v make_v willing_a it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n psal_n 110.3_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o that_o be_v their_o will_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o renounce_v their_o lust_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o affect_v a_o distance_n from_o god_n care_v not_o for_o come_v near_o he_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n though_o still_o they_o have_v natural_a faculty_n intellective_a and_o elective_a power_n else_o we_o may_v as_o well_o preach_v to_o wall_n as_o man_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o be_v grace_n that_o must_v sanctify_v and_o heal_v these_o faculty_n and_o determine_v they_o god-ward_o or_o else_o they_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o that_o some_o be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o be_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n you_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o text_n for_o proof_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o other_o be_v leave_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o wilful_a enmity_n and_o alienation_n from_o god_n in_o short_a that_o any_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o special_a grace_n that_o the_o rest_n perish_v be_v their_o own_o do_v not_o strict_o and_o proper_o because_o they_o can_v not_o but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o do_v otherwise_o the_o destruction_n which_o fall_v upon_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o choose_n in_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o forsake_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o prov._n 8.36_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o i_o wrong_v his_o own_o soul_n all_o they_o that_o hate_v i_o love_v death_n the_o law_n of_o grace_n be_v establish_v order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v unalterable_o settle_v and_o god_n will_v judge_v man_n according_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o so_o shall_v the_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n be_v execute_v too_o moreover_o god_n give_v unto_o all_o man_n such_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o help_v as_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o give_v and_o more_o by_o far_o than_o they_o due_o improve_v and_o if_o they_o will_v right_o use_v what_o they_o have_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a they_o have_v great_a encouragement_n to_o expect_v more_o therefore_o his_o proceed_n with_o they_o for_o their_o wilful_a neglect_v be_v beyond_o all_o just_a exception_n again_o if_o over_o and_o above_o all_o this_o he_o give_v to_o some_o person_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v yet_o great_a proportion_n of_o grace_n even_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v effectual_o work_v upon_o they_o and_o fit_v they_o for_o heaven_n who_o can_v say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o may_v he_o not_o do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o be_v there_o any_o injustice_n in_o all_o this_o what_o say_v you_o be_v not_o some_o person_n save_v be_v they_o not_o save_v by_o grace_n be_v not_o this_o grace_n the_o gift_n of_o god_n do_v god_n give_v it_o in_o time_n and_o do_v he_o not_o decree_v to_o give_v it_o from_o eternity_n where_o then_o be_v your_o cavil_n against_o election_n and_o special_a grace_n sure_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o multitude_n perish_v by_o their_o own_o wilful_a final_a impenitency_n through_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n because_o they_o hate_v he_o and_o will_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o infer_v 5._o last_o you_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o how_o exceed_v dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o resist_v and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n you_o have_v hear_v it_o full_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a work_n which_o must_v be_v do_v upon_o your_o soul_n or_o you_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o and_o dare_v you_o neglect_v the_o offer_a help_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v you_o not_o yet_o know_v that_o by_o a_o commoner_n sort_n of_o grace_n he_o usual_o prepare_v man_n for_o special_a grace_n and_o can_v you_o expect_v the_o latter_a while_o you_o despise_v or_o
face_n in_o a_o glass_n we_o need_v not_o say_v who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v high_a uâ—_n whereby_o we_o must_v search_v ourselves_o and_o whether_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o or_o no_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o at_o last_o joh._n 12.48_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n '_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o small_a sentence_n will_v pass_v according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v therein_o rev._n 20_o 12._o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v record_v in_o their_o book_n conscience_n the_o matter_n of_o right_n in_o god_n law_n and_o the_o conclusion_n in_o his_o decree_n as_o mr._n baxter_n upon_o the_o place_n motive_n 4._o we_o be_v express_o command_v thus_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o yea_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n near_o to_o you_o than_o yourselves_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v than_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n that_o be_v whether_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o or_o no._n be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o much_o alike_o that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v if_o he_o will_v if_o the_o end_n be_v so_o vast_o different_a sure_o there_o must_v be_v a_o proportionable_a difference_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o they_o motive_n 5._o you_o have_v comfortable_a encouragement_n to_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n suppose_v you_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n it_o be_v true_a you_o have_v then_o no_o full_a proper_a covenant-right_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o you_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o since_o he_o have_v be_v often_o strive_v with_o you_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o set_v yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o work_n by_o the_o assistance_n already_o receive_v prov._n 1.23_o tâ—ru_n you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o to_o quicken_v illuminate_v and_o draw_v dead_a dark_a disaffect_v soul_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n but_o if_o you_o be_v already_o convert_v you_o have_v then_o a_o covenant-right_a to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o have_v fâ—ll_a and_o propâ—â—_n promise_v to_o plead_v in_o this_o matter_n he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n your_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o live_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n be_v also_o near_o relate_v to_o and_o interest_v in_o that_o holy_a spirit_n whole_a office_n it_o be_v to_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v those_o soul_n who_o he_o have_v first_o renew_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o motive_n 6._o think_v well_o how_o sad_a and_o wretched_a a_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o your_o spiritual_a state_n you_o can_v tell_v what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o prov._n 27.1_o for_o aught_o you_o know_v you_o may_v be_v in_o hell_n the_o next_o hour_n because_o you_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o god_n be_v your_o friend_n or_o your_o enemy_n whether_o you_o have_v any_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n whether_o you_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o be_v not_o this_o a_o woeful_a case_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o when_o thou_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o thou_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o very_o next_o moment_n the_o divine_a fury_n may_v rest_v upon_o thou_o can_v thou_o think_v of_o death_n and_o not_o tremble_v and_o of_o judgement_n and_o not_o be_v astonish_v when_o thou_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o funeral_n how_o can_v thou_o forbear_v think_v that_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v thy_o â—wn_a case_n and_o yet_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a what_o will_v become_v of_o thy_o immortal_a soul_n at_o that_o day_n methinks_v this_o shall_v make_v thou_o a_o terror_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v about_o thou_o motive_n 7._o consider_v how_o impatient_a thou_o be_v of_o be_v in_o suspense_n or_o at_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o far_o less_o consequence_n if_o thou_o have_v but_o a_o lawsuit_n in_o hand_n how_o uneasy_a till_o thou_o know_v the_o issue_n if_o a_o purchase_n to_o make_v how_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o the_o title_n be_v good_a and_o the_o conveyance_n firm_a and_o sure_a if_o thou_o be_v take_v with_o any_o threaten_a distemper_n how_o earnest_a and_o solicitous_a be_v thou_o to_o know_v what_o the_o physician_n think_v of_o thy_o distemper_n pray_v sir_n what_o think_v you_o do_v you_o ever_o see_v any_o in_o such_o a_o case_n before_o do_v they_o recover_v do_v you_o hope_v the_o distemper_n may_v go_v off_o but_o o_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o express_v any_o such_o care_n about_o their_o soul_n how_o few_o that_o will_v come_v to_o a_o minister_n and_o inquire_v of_o he_o o_o sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v i_o fear_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n i_o find_v my_o heart_n dead_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o vigorous_a and_o sprightly_a in_o its_o pursuit_n after_o worldly_a vanity_n i_o find_v i_o be_o out_o of_o my_o element_n when_o engage_v in_o religious_a duty_n what_o think_v you_o be_v there_o any_o hope_n o_o help_v i_o speedy_o lest_o death_n overtake_v i_o unprepared_a for_o it_o o_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o show_v such_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o soul_n as_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o more_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a work_n of_o selfreflection_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v as_o follow_v without_o the_o formality_n of_o make_v distinct_a head_n think_v with_o yourselves_o how_o common_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v mistake_v about_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o withal_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v remember_v god_n himself_o will_v quick_o judge_v you_o and_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o yourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o if_o we_o will_v judge_n ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v moreover_o either_o you_o be_v thus_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n by_o renew_v grace_n or_o not_o if_o you_o be_v the_o close_a tâ—â—al_n will_v great_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v you_o by_o discover_v that_o the_o work_n be_v already_o do_v then_o may_v you_o comfortable_o go_v on_o with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v yet_o before_o you_o you_o may_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n as_o child_n to_o a_o father_n you_o may_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o joy_n when_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o your_o own_o you_o may_v come_v with_o confidence_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n when_o you_o know_v that_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v you_o you_o may_v meditate_v delightful_o upon_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n when_o you_o know_v that_o you_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o this_o will_v support_v you_o under_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o will_v make_v they_o appear_v light_a affliction_n indeed_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o credit_n of_o your_o profession_n by_o enable_v you_o to_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o man_n that_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o choice_n not_o despair_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o of_o their_o god_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o you_o be_v unregenerate_a selfreflection_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_v in_o order_n to_o your_o recovery_n psal_n 119.59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n so_o do_v the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o luk._n 15.17_o when_o once_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o concern_v
of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o inquire_v what_o have_v we_o do_v what_o be_v we_o do_v whither_o be_v we_o go_v how_o shall_v we_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v this_o look_v hopeful_o indeed_o though_o you_o must_v not_o stop_v here_o neither_o nor_o take_v up_o with_o conviction_n instead_o of_o conversion_n however_o think_v not_o that_o your_o wound_n be_v like_a to_o be_v cure_v without_o be_v search_v but_o if_o through_o a_o stupid_a unconcernedness_n as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o your_o soul_n you_o think_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o give_v yourselves_o all_o this_o trouble_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o be_v eager_o set_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n as_o the_o common_a case_n be_v i_o can_v then_o tell_v you_o what_o your_o case_n be_v without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n you_o may_v spare_v the_o labour_n of_o search_v whether_o you_o be_v regenerate_v or_o no_o for_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o it_o be_v certain_a you_o be_v not_o your_o brutish_a â—cupidity_n be_v evidence_n enough_o to_o prove_v that_o you_o be_v asleep_a yea_o dead_a in_o sin_n condemn_v already_o and_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o you_o in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o you_o and_o hell_n but_o yet_o a_o step_n there_o be_v your_o case_n be_v not_o quite_o desperate_a though_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a i_o must_v say_v of_o you_o as_o of_o those_o patient_n who_o condition_n seem_v very_o hazardous_a the_o event_n be_v uncertain_a but_o while_o there_o be_v life_n they_o hope_n some_o have_v recover_v who_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o as_o ill_a circumstance_n as_o you_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o many_o to_o one_o have_v perish_v even_o so_o be_v here_o some_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o save_v who_o be_v once_o as_o dead_a and_o stupid_a about_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n as_o you_o be_v but_o many_o to_o one_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o therefore_o to_o flatter_v you_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n may_v contribute_v much_o to_o your_o ruin_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o do_v therefore_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v just_a so_o much_o hope_n of_o your_o salvation_n as_o there_o be_v of_o your_o awaken_n from_o this_o carnal_a security_n and_o so_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o no_o more_o chap._n ix_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o foregoing_a motive_n to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o selfreflection_n and_o show_v you_o of_o how_o ill_a signification_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v and_o indifferent_a about_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o help_n of_o such_o as_o be_v solicitous_a to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no_o direction_n 1._o take_v care_n that_o you_o be_v impartial_a in_o your_o search_n that_o your_o judgement_n be_v not_o pervert_v or_o biased_a either_o way_n by_o fear_n or_o favour_n but_o that_o you_o may_v go_v according_a to_o evidence_n the_o great_a danger_n indeed_o be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n viz._n lest_o pride_n or_o self-love_n make_v you_o judge_v too_o favourable_o concern_v yourselves_o but_o here_o remember_v that_o such_o a_o mistake_n may_v prove_v your_o ruin_n it_o be_v necessary_a you_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o your_o case_n while_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v of_o redress_n you_o have_v already_o hear_v what_o multitude_n there_o be_v that_o perish_v by_o presumption_n to_o think_v false_o that_o you_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n will_v never_o bring_v you_o thither_o nor_o will_v it_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o suppose_v that_o you_o be_v well_o enough_o already_o such_o rave_n be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n that_o your_o noble_a faculty_n be_v impair_v and_o distract_v and_o therefore_o that_o your_o distemper_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a but_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o only_o remember_v that_o god_n will_v quick_o try_v all_o over_o again_o and_o whatever_o your_o present_a judgement_n be_v of_o yourselves_o his_o final_a judgement_n will_v be_v according_a to_o righteousness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o be_v so_o timorous_a and_o deject_a in_o spirit_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o comfortable_a concern_v themselves_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o presumptuous_a self-conceit_n that_o they_o run_v into_o a_o quite_o contrary_a extreme_a and_o stand_v in_o their_o own_o light_n can_v discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n fain_o they_o will_v be_v assure_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n but_o have_v not_o strength_n of_o spirit_n enough_o to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v so_o through_o mere_a fear_n lest_o it_o shall_v prove_v otherwise_o they_o vehement_o wish_v it_o but_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o still_o think_v it_o be_v too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a like_o old_a jacob_n when_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o joseph_n be_v alive_a his_o heart_n faint_v for_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o gen._n 45.26_o or_o as_o the_o poor_a jew_n when_o the_o lord_n turn_v again_o the_o captivity_n of_o zion_n they_o be_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal_n 126.1_o they_o can_v scarce_o believe_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o matter_n even_o so_o it_o be_v with_o many_o poor_a melancholy_a doubt_v christian_n they_o desire_v to_o be_v sincere_a but_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o and_o those_o evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n which_o to_o another_o will_v be_v discernible_a to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o now_o i_o say_v though_o such_o person_n be_v safe_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n concern_v themselves_o and_o so_o their_o mistake_n can_v prove_v destructive_a as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o consequence_n ill_a enough_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o comfort_n prudence_n will_v reach_v we_o to_o be_v wary_a and_o cautious_a in_o so_o great_a a_o enquiry_n to_o suspect_v our_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o to_o watch_v they_o narrow_o lest_o they_o shall_v betray_v we_o to_o vain_a hope_n and_o humility_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o entertain_v low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o but_o still_o it_o be_v unnatural_a to_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v refresh_v and_o comfort_v we_o and_o unthankful_a to_o overlook_v or_o deny_v the_o richos_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o rear_v as_o well_o as_o favour_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o right_n and_o impartial_a judgement_n direct_v 2._o this_o enquiry_n must_v be_v manage_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n and_o seriousness_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n that_o be_v before_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o have_v need_n have_v your_o wit_n about_o you_o a_o mistake_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n may_v destroy_v your_o soul_n forever_o on_o the_o other_o it_o may_v great_o obstruct_v your_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n therefore_o the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a consideration_n be_v here_o necessary_a call_v in_o your_o wander_a thought_n keep_v they_o close_o to_o the_o work_n let_v they_o not_o give_v you_o the_o slip_n lest_o they_o grow_v masterless_a and_o unruly_a commuâ—e_v with_o your_o heart_n and_o let_v you_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n psal_n 77.6_o there_o be_v no_o trifle_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o a_o few_o slighty_a transient_a thought_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n the_o principle_n of_o grace_n lie_v deep_a in_o the_o soul_n you_o must_v search_v for_o they_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n if_o you_o will_v discover_v they_o and_o there_o be_v depth_n of_o wickedness_n too_o which_o must_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v search_v after_o with_o great_a care_n and_o strictness_n 〈◊〉_d if_o you_o will_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o your_o own_o case_n you_o must_v excite_v your_o sluggish_a heart_n to_o the_o work_n and_o if_o your_o thought_n fly_v off_o from_o the_o business_n let_v reason_n interpose_v its_o authority_n otherwise_o a_o thousand_o impertinence_n will_v intrude_v upon_o you_o and_o so_o you_o will_v be_v leave_v in_o as_o great_a darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n as_o you_o be_v in_o before_o in_o a_o word_n intenseness_n of_o thought_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o work_n that_o so_o nothing_o may_v escape_v your_o observation_n which_o may_v any_o way_n conduce_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n direct_v 3._o see_v that_o you_o proceed_v with_o due_a order_n and_o method_n in_o this_o
nothing_o to_o put_v it_o off_o be_v thy_o case_n better_a oâ—_n worse_o labour_v to_o know_v it_o and_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n what_o it_o be_v 5._o last_o see_v that_o thy_o soul_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o discovery_n thou_o have_v make_v take_v it_o to_o heart_n that_o thoâ—_n may_v be_v prepare_v for_o what_o further_a work_n be_v before_o thou_o thus_o proceed_v orderly_o direct_v 4._o remember_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n be_v ordinary_o requisite_a for_o the_o right_n carry_v on_o this_o great_a work_n of_o self-examination_n do_v not_o think_v that_o so_o weighty_a a_o point_n be_v like_a to_o be_v resolve_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a you_o must_v search_v and_o search_v again_o 〈◊〉_d a_o work_n that_o must_v be_v do_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o 〈◊〉_d down_o in_o discouragement_n what_o though_o you_o long_a continâ—â—_n in_o doubt_n the_o case_n be_v not_o singular_a many_o good_a christian_n be_v keep_v a_o great_a while_n in_o suspense_n betwixt_o hope_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o their_o sincerity_n and_o that_o many_o time_n for_o want_n of_o constancy_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o selfreflection_n and_o even_o those_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o more_o comfortable_a assurance_n iâ—_n this_o matter_n do_v yet_o see_v reason_n to_o be_v often_o renew_v thâ—_n trial_n and_o to_o look_v over_o their_o evidence_n again_o as_o weâ—â—_n know_v what_o need_n there_o be_v to_o go_v upon_o solid_a ground_n and_o what_o a_o treacherous_a thing_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o shall_v be_v account_v part_n of_o our_o daâ—ly_a business_n as_o christian_n to_o commune_v with_o our_o owâ—_n heart_n by_o way_n of_o self-examination_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o call_v in_o question_n our_o state_n as_o to_o the_o main_a yet_o even_o that_o shall_v sometime_o be_v do_v so_o far_o as_o to_o review_v the_o discovery_n which_o we_o have_v former_o make_v and_o to_o try_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o have_v proceed_v especial_o upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n as_o when_o temptation_n arise_v or_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o any_o extraordinary_a duty_n or_o office_n yea_o or_o after_o some_o unusual_a fall_n into_o sin_n or_o when_o distemper_n threaten_v our_o dissolution_n as_o also_o before_o we_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o we_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o sincerity_n not_o so_o as_o to_o give_v way_n to_o unjust_a doubt_n and_o jealousy_n but_o to_o quiet_a compose_v and_o support_v our_o soul_n in_o peace_n direct_v 5._o last_o see_v that_o this_o work_n be_v right_o circumstantiate_v both_o as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n as_o for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o worldly_a business_n that_o you_o may_v attend_v upon_o this_o work_n without_o distraction_n enter_v into_o your_o closet_n shut_v the_o door_n upon_o you_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n remember_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o reverend_a witness_n of_o all_o your_o proceed_n who_o stand_v by_o and_o judge_v you_o while_o you_o be_v judge_v yourselves_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o this_o or_o nothing_o will_v over-awe_n your_o mind_n and_o make_v you_o impartial_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o business_n as_o for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n have_v a_o care_n of_o needless_a delay_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o do_v not_o rush_v precipitant_o upon_o it_o when_o you_o be_v unfit_a for_o such_o a_o undertake_n take_v such_o a_o season_n for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o possible_a when_o your_o spirit_n be_v lively_a your_o head_n clear_a your_o affection_n calm_a and_o compose_v otherwise_o if_o you_o set_v about_o it_o when_o your_o head_n be_v confuse_v your_o spirit_n deject_v or_o oppress_v with_o melancholy_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o your_o passion_n tumultuous_a and_o afloat_a you_o will_v make_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v sometime_o find_v that_o satan_n himself_o though_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n will_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o put_v a_o poor-trembling_a soul_n upon_o this_o work_n when_o he_o know_v it_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o and_o as_o ready_a will_v he_o be_v to_o triumph_v over_o such_o person_n and_o contempt_n they_o to_o despair_v when_o he_o see_v they_o be_v baffle_v and_o confound_v in_o their_o search_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o direct_v you_o in_o this_o point_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o in_o all_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n humble_o beg_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v lead_v you_o into_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n tell_v he_o you_o can_v be_v satisfy_v to_o hang_v in_o suspense_n but_o do_v sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o your_o case_n be_v it_o better_o or_o worse_o and_o that_o he_o himself_z his_o command_v you_o to_o search_v and_o try_v yourselves_o that_o the_o work_n be_v difficult_a and_o you_o dare_v not_o undertake_v it_o in_o your_o own_o strength_n in_o short_a that_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o rely_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o fail_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o appoint_a way_n say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a chap._n x._o sundry_a question_n propose_v by_o which_o to_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o general_a direction_n be_v premise_v we_o now_o come_v to_o offer_v you_o some_o far_a help_n or_o to_o lead_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n through_o the_o duty_n itself_o that_o so_o you_o may_v at_o length_n discover_v how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o eternity_n and_o here_o let_v i_o first_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o main_a point_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o your_o soul_n be_v affect_v towards_o the_o glorious_a bless_a god_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a comprehensive_a question_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o â—he_v rest_n which_o be_v entire_o subordinate_a to_o it_o observe_v it_o will_v stop_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v it_o it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v help_v you_o to_o understand_v remember_v and_o true_o to_o resolve_v what_o further_a inquiry_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o you_o as_o be_v the_o centre_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v all_o design_v if_o as_o to_o the_o main_a you_o be_v right_a here_o viz_o if_o your_o soul_n be_v due_o affect_v towards_o god_n all_o be_v your_o own_o you_o may_v then_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n indeed_o you_o shall_v not_o miss_v of_o happiness_n if_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o infinite_a all-sufficient_a god_n to_o mâ—ke_v you_o happy_a luk._n 15.31_o son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o well_o then_o iâ—_n in_o your_o most_o serious_a deliberate_a judgement_n you_o do_v high_o esteem_v he_o as_o infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a good_a for_o you_o again_o if_o your_o will_n and_o heart_n do_v sincere_o cleave_v to_o he_o love_v he_o rest_n in_o he_o resolve_v for_o he_o as_o such_o and_o then_o if_o the_o state_v couâ—se_n of_o your_o life_n be_v in_o the_o main_a agreeable_a to_o such_o apprehension_n and_o resolution_n you_o may_v then_o go_v your_o wâ—y_n eat_v your_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v your_o wine_n with_o a_o merry_a heart_n because_o god_n accept_v you_o eccles_n 9_o 7._o yet_o let_v i_o far_o add_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n go_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v reâ—lly_o and_o true_o your_o case_n most_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o they_o esteem_v and_o love_n god_n above_o all_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n ezek._n 33.31_o nor_o will_v any_o have_v be_v more_o forward_o in_o so_o profess_v than_o those_o very_a person_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n speak_v john_n 5_o 42._o i_o know_v you_o that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o you_o let_v i_o therefore_o help_v you_o to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o case_n by_o the_o follow_a question_n question_v 1_o how_o do_v you_o relish_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o happiness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n i_o beseech_v you_o deal_v true_o and_o faithful_o with_o your_o soul_n
give_v i_o more_o be_v not_o the_o case_n quite_o contrary_a i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o have_v refuse_v i_o have_v siretched_a out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v etc._n etc._n prov._n 1.24_o what_o get_v he_o slothful_a servant_n by_o say_v i_o know_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o hard_a man_n mat._n 25_o 24._o do_v this_o excuse_n he_o for_o hide_v his_o lord_n money_n though_o but_o one_o talon_n in_o the_o earth_n let_v i_o make_v the_o matter_n yet_o plain_a by_o a_o familiar_a comparison_n suppose_v some_o great_a prince_n or_o nobleman_n famous_a for_o bounty_n and_o kindness_n to_o the_o distress_a who_o behold_v a_o forlorn_a helpless_a creature_n miserable_a wretched_a poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o take_v compassion_n on_o he_o shall_v say_v to_o he_o friend_n come_v to_o my_o door_n i_o have_v full_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o many_o who_o circumstance_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o thou_o and_o i_o delight_v so_o to_o do_v now_o though_o in_o all_o this_o here_o be_v not_o a_o full_a direct_a promise_n make_v to_o this_o poor_a wretch_n yet_o will_v you_o not_o take_v he_o for_o a_o mad_a man_n who_o shall_v make_v light_n of_o such_o a_o intimation_n and_o encouragement_n poor_a sinner_n thou_o be_v the_o man_n so_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o christ_n and_o thou_o and_o because_o thou_o be_v blind_a he_o appoint_v his_o servant_n to_o lead_v thou_o to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o errand_n upon_o which_o i_o be_o come_v this_o day_n do_v not_o say_v but_o that_o help_n be_v offer_v thou_o 8._o consider_v how_o little_a all_o that_o ever_o you_o have_v do_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v avail_v you_o if_o you_o go_v not_o through_o with_o the_o work_n if_o you_o be_v but_o almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n you_o will_v be_v but_o almost_o say_v it_o may_v be_v you_o expect_v great_a matter_n from_o your_o frequent_a customary_a attendance_n upon_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o your_o make_v a_o more_o strict_a profession_n of_o religion_n than_o many_o other_o do_v but_o o_o remember_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o be_v word_n but_o in_o power_n 1_o cor._n 4.20_o many_o will_v say_v in_o the_o great_a day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thâ—_n name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n mat._n 7.22_o which_o be_v great_a thing_n than_o you_o can_v pretend_v to_o yet_o will_v he_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n verse_n 23._o the_o foolish_a virgin_n have_v lamp_n of_o profession_n mat._n 25._o but_o perish_v for_o want_n of_o oil_n viz._n true_a grace_n in_o short_a aâ—_n that_o ever_o you_o have_v do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v prove_v but_o lose_v labour_n as_o to_o any_o save_a benefit_n except_o your_o heart_n be_v effectual_o wrought_v upon_o and_o turn_v to_o god_n as_o have_v be_v full_o open_v and_o prove_v already_o o_o consider_v this_o well_o have_v you_o do_v and_o some_o of_o you_o suffer_v to_o many_o thing_n in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o vain_a gal_n 3_o 4._o yea_o have_v so_o much_o labour_v be_v bestow_v upon_o you_o in_o vain_a chap._n 4.11_o so_o much_o grace_n receive_v in_o vain_a 2_o coâ—_n 6.1_o o_o how_o bitter_a will_v the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v one_o day_n how_o will_v it_o pierce_v you_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n to_o think_v alas_o be_v all_o my_o profession_n prayer_n hear_v etc._n etc._n come_v to_o this_o namely_o the_o hypocrite_n reward_v it_o have_v be_v well_o for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n rather_o than_o to_o have_v rest_v thus_o in_o a_o outward_a show_n of_o religion_n alas_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v bring_v so_o nigh_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a forever_o of_o it_o 9_o consider_v how_o long_o the_o divine_a patience_n have_v bear_v with_o you_o already_o where_o have_v you_o be_v before_o this_o day_n but_o that_o you_o have_v have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o god_n who_o be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a and_o long-suffering_a how_o easy_o can_v he_o long_o since_o have_v take_v your_o guilty_a soul_n out_o of_o your_o body_n and_o send_v they_o into_o a_o place_n where_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o delay_a repentance_n be_v better_o know_v how_o have_v you_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a even_o that_o goodness_n which_o lead_v you_o to_o repentance_n rom._n 2.4_o how_o many_o instance_n have_v you_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a benignity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o you_o and_o yet_o how_o little_a effect_n have_v all_o have_v upon_o you_o line_n upon_o line_n precept_n upon_o precept_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a and_o yet_o all_o have_v not_o prevail_v with_o you_o to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n be_v you_o not_o ashamed_a do_v you_o not_o blush_v to_o think_v of_o your_o vile_a ingratitude_n and_o disingenuity_n towards_o he_o do_v you_o not_o tremble_v to_o consider_v what_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o obstinacy_n be_v like_a to_o be_v do_v you_o imagine_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v always_o strive_v with_o the_o wilful_a despiser_n of_o his_o grace_n o_o remember_v lento_fw-la gradu_fw-la ad_fw-la vindictam_fw-la procedie_n ita_fw-la divina_fw-la etc._n etc._n divine_a wrath_n proceed_v slow_o to_o vengeance_n but_o will_v compensate_a that_o slowness_n with_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v laesa_fw-la patientia_fw-la fit_a furor_fw-la as_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n be_v most_o spiritual_a so_o spiritual_a judgement_n be_v more_o common_a to_o those_o who_o trifle_v under_o it_o than_o perhaps_o most_o man_n consider_v but_o i_o proceed_v direct_v 2._o follow_v on_o these_o consideration_n till_o suitable_a conviction_n arise_v from_o they_o and_o your_o heart_n be_v sensible_o affect_v with_o they_o think_v not_o that_o some_o general_a slighty_a superficial_a thought_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n no_o no_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n than_o so_o they_o near_o concern_v you_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n urge_v they_o home_o upon_o your_o own_o spirit_n apply_v they_o close_o they_o have_v a_o work_n to_o do_v not_o only_o upon_o your_o understanding_n but_o upon_o your_o will_n heart_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o you_o acknowledge_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a but_o you_o must_v press_v the_o matter_n further_o if_o they_o be_v truth_n they_o be_v weighty_a truth_n indeed_o o_o labour_n to_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o the_o quick_a apply_v they_o strict_o and_o warm_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v say_v one_o a_o great_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n skill_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v a_o good_a preacher_n to_o himself_o there_o be_v more_o in_o this_o than_o most_o christian_n be_v aware_a of_o or_o use_v to_o practice_v this_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o a_o gainful_a way_n of_o preach_v no_o body_n here_o can_v make_v question_n of_o thy_o call_n nor_o deny_v thou_o a_o licence_n nor_o silence_v thou_o if_o thou_o silence_v not_o thyself_o imitate_v the_o most_o powerful_a preacher_n and_o plead_v with_o thy_o own_o soul_n as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v with_o his_o hearer_n mr._n baxter_n though_o such_o consideration_n may_v wound_v pierce_v or_o gall_v you_o for_o the_o present_a it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_o you_o must_v be_v wound_v that_o you_o may_v be_v heal_v you_o must_v be_v break_v that_o you_o may_v be_v bind_v up_o the_o truth_n be_v you_o have_v wound_v yourselves_o already_o and_o so_o much_o the_o worse_o by_o how_o much_o you_o be_v less_o sensible_a of_o it_o your_o putrify_a ulcer_n must_v be_v search_v to_o the_o bottom_n if_o ever_o you_o expect_v a_o thorough_a cure_n your_o sluggish_a heart_n must_v be_v awaken_v to_o purpose_n you_o have_v sleep_v too_o long_o o_o labour_n to_o be_v deep_o convince_v of_o your_o past_a folly_n till_o you_o groan_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o gild_n which_o you_o have_v contract_v remember_v you_o be_v ruin_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n if_o your_o gild_n be_v not_o remove_v and_o therefore_o your_o present_a case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v for_o you_o but_o no_o time_n to_o trifle_v in_o therefore_o direct_v 3._o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o you_o now_o come_v to_o some_o besitting_n resolution_n in_o the_o case_n in_o general_n that_o you_o resolve_v to_o do_v your_o utmost_a to_o put_v your_o spiritual_a concern_v into_o a_o better_a posture_n and_o that_o henceforth_o you_o will_v strive_v earnest_o to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o
neglect_v no_o mean_n nor_o help_n in_o order_n thereto_o such_o resolution_n as_o these_o be_v most_o proper_a in_o your_o condition_n but_o if_o your_o heart_n still_o hang_v back_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o will_v you_o resolve_v upon_o vita_fw-la humana_fw-la sine_fw-la proposito_fw-la vaga_fw-la est_fw-la &_o languida_fw-la will_v you_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o venture_n and_o trouble_v your_o head_n no_o further_o about_o it_o but_o still_o go_v on_o at_o the_o old_a dull_a stupid_a rate_n if_o so_o this_o be_v wilful_o to_o destroy_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o who_o can_v you_o blame_v but_o yourselves_o will_v you_o sit_v down_o in_o despair_n this_o be_v to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v the_o riches_n of_o gospel-grace_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o those_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o again_o will_v you_o delay_v for_o a_o while_n and_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n till_o hereafter_o answ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a case_n but_o almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o your_o time_n be_v not_o in_o your_o own_o hand_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o you_o the_o long_a you_o delay_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v help_v you_o will_v be_v grieve_v by_o your_o backwardness_n satan_n will_v have_v the_o fast_o hold_v of_o you_o and_o if_o death_n overtake_v you_o before_o the_o work_n be_v do_v you_o be_v damn_v therefore_o i_o say_v turn_v your_o thought_n which_o way_n you_o will_v all_o other_o resolution_n will_v be_v find_v mad_a and_o dangerous_a except_o that_o of_o the_o prodigal_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o do_v you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o your_o resolution_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a lest_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v afterward_o arise_v in_o your_o way_n shall_v discourage_v you_o and_o that_o they_o be_v speedy_a lest_o death_n overtake_v you_o unprepared_a and_o also_o that_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n you_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n lest_o you_o miscarry_v through_o foolish_a self-confidence_n but_o of_o that_o more_o by_o and_o by_o direct_v 4._o see_v that_o your_o resolution_n be_v forthwith_o put_v into_o practice_n by_o this_o it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o hearty_a if_o the_o will_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o case_n suitable_a endeavour_n will_v ensue_v and_o here_o your_o work_n lie_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o humble_a yourselves_o deep_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o folly_n which_o hitherto_o you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o consider_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n call_v to_o remembrance_n your_o own_o sin_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n bewail_v the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o estrangedness_n of_o your_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o with_o that_o inordinate_a propension_n to_o the_o creature_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n do_v main_o consist_v proceed_v then_o to_o consider_v those_o actual_a transgression_n which_o have_v all_o along_o issue_v from_o this_o corruption_n viz._n your_o loss_n of_o precious_a time_n misimprovement_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n your_o pride_n passion_n earthliness_n sensuality_n etc._n etc._n confess_v these_o thing_n humble_o and_o feel_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n labour_v to_o melt_v into_o a_o ingenuous_a childlike_a sorrow_n for_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o unworthy_o to_o so_o good_a and_o gracious_a a_o father_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o slave_n and_o may_v consist_v with_o as_o much_o love_n to_o sin_n as_o ever_o but_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v animate_v by_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n which_o raise_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o rational_a hearty_a grief_n for_o its_o transgression_n against_o he_o a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o for_o the_o future_a this_o be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o towards_o god_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n prov._n 28.13_o yea_o as_o matter_n now_o stand_v such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v sin_z wheresoever_o with_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v confess_v 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o i_o say_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o your_o sin_n lay_v yourselves_o low_a that_o his_o glory_n may_v â—â—e_v advance_v put_v your_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n justify_v his_o holy_a law_n though_o in_o so_o do_v you_o condemn_v yourselves_o say_v with_o the_o return_v prodigal_n luk._n 15.21_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o riches_n of_o freegrace_n in_o that_o god_n be_v yet_o please_v to_o offer_v you_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n the_o golden_a sceptre_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v touch_v it_o and_o live_v methinks_v this_o shall_v encourage_v you_o and_o put_v life_n and_o vigour_n into_o your_o proceed_n and_o draw_v out_o your_o very_a soul_n in_o sweet_a return_v of_o love_n to_o god_n lord_n be_v there_o yet_o hope_n be_v there_o any_o mercy_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o behold_v i_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o call_n blessed_n be_v god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o humble_o implore_v pardon_v mercy_n for_o your_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o your_o present_a and_o future_a duty_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o case_n shall_v make_v you_o very_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a in_o these_o request_n so_o you_o have_v great_a encouragement_n give_v you_o to_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a goodness_n god_n delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o have_v proclaim_v his_o gracious_a name_n exod._n 34.6_o 9_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v psal_n 25.11_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a plead_v the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assure_v yourselves_o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o forgive_v as_o you_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v your_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n psal_n 51.17_o and_o since_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o you_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a therefore_o trust_v not_o to_o your_o own_o resolution_n or_o strength_n pray_v hard_o for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n â—ay_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n yield_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n careful_o strike_v in_o with_o all_o his_o motion_n lord_n here_o be_o i_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v teach_v i_o the_o way_n wherein_o i_o shall_v go_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n strengthen_v i_o with_o may_v in_o my_o inward_a man._n magnify_v thy_o power_n in_o my_o weakness_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o 4._o and_o now_o give_v up_o yourselves_o unfeigned_o to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n if_o you_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n that_o be_v your_o portion_n happiness_n soul-satisfying_a good_a you_o must_v be_v his_o people_n devote_v to_o his_o love_n and_o service_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v mutual_a else_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o great_a freedom_n cheerfulness_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n you_o will_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v your_o shield_n and_o your_o exceed_a great_a reward_n 5._o live_v henceforth_o as_o become_v the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n renounce_v your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n let_v the_o time_n pass_v of_o your_o life_n suffice_v you_o to_o have_v fulfil_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n remember_v you_o must_v now_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o heretofore_o you_o have_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n must_v be_v
your_o great_a end_n his_o holy_a word_n your_o rule_n his_o bless_a spirit_n your_o leader_n and_o guide_n his_o promise_n your_o support_n and_o joy_n in_o short_a you_o must_v become_v a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n still_o endeavour_v to_o make_v further_a advance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o direct_v 5._o arm_v yourselves_o and_o watch_v careful_o against_o those_o temptation_n to_o which_o young_a convert_v be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n liable_a under_o this_o head_n i_o must_v only_o give_v you_o some_o short_a hint_n for_o to_o speak_v full_o to_o this_o point_n will_v require_v a_o very_a large_a discourse_n at_o first_o set_v out_o you_o enter_v upon_o a_o state_n of_o warfare_n and_o if_o you_o stand_v not_o upon_o your_o guard_n satan_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o get_v a_o advantage_n against_o you_o 1._o some_o person_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n meet_v with_o extraordinary_a rapture_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n full_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o lively_o foreta_v of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n their_o reconcile_a father_n smile_v upon_o they_o take_v they_o into_o his_o arm_n and_o comfort_v they_o as_o one_o who_o his_o mother_n comfort_v and_o dandle_v upon_o her_o knee_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isa_n 66.12_o 13._o and_o now_o satan_n take_v a_o advantage_n to_o make_v they_o impatient_a of_o stay_v upon_o earth_n any_o long_o they_o will_v needs_o be_v remove_v to_o heaven_n out_o of_o hand_n and_o be_v scarce_o content_a to_o wait_v god_n time_n this_o case_n though_o not_o very_o common_a be_v yet_o more_o than_o a_o meet_a supposition_n to_o such_o i_o will_v say_v you_o have_v great_a reason_n indeed_o to_o be_v very_o thankful_a that_o matter_n be_v so_o well_o with_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o your_o eternal_a state_n but_o o_o remember_v how_o long_o god_n wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o you_o how_o frequent_a be_v the_o strive_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o you_o before_o you_o will_v yield_v how_o well_o content_v can_v you_o have_v be_v to_o have_v continue_v on_o earth_n for_o ever_o before_o he_o give_v you_o these_o feel_a discovery_n of_o a_o better_a state_n and_o how_o just_o may_v he_o have_v leave_v you_o to_o perish_v in_o your_o aversion_n from_o he_o but_o now_o you_o think_v your_o own_o turn_n be_v serve_v and_o your_o eternal_a welfare_n secure_v you_o will_v quit_v the_o stage_n and_o do_v no_o more_o service_n for_o god_n or_o his_o church_n in_o your_o generation_n but_o have_v your_o full_a blessedness_n immediate_o as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o debt_n and_o not_o of_o grace_n be_v this_o your_o kindness_n to_o your_o friend_n your_o ingenuity_n your_o gratitude_n be_v not_o the_o reward_n sure_a shall_v it_o not_o come_v in_o season_n will_v not_o heaven_n be_v the_o more_o welcome_a after_o you_o have_v due_o wait_v till_o you_o be_v at_o age_n for_o that_o inheritance_n be_v there_o nothing_o of_o unbelief_n in_o this_o your_o eagerness_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v not_o make_v hazel_n isa_n 28.16_o have_v not_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n etc._n etc._n their_o time_n of_o wait_v as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v not_o so_o glorious_a a_o state_n worth_n wait_v for_o and_o beside_o if_o you_o patient_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n your_o glory_n will_v be_v encreasingâ—_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o eternity_n will_v be_v long_o enough_o to_o enjoy_v that_o blessedness_n which_o be_v design_v for_o you_o tempt_v 2._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o overvalue_v your_o present_a attainment_n answ_n consider_v you_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o why_o then_o shall_v you_o glory_v as_o if_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4.7_o you_o have_v receive_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o your_o stock_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v trade_v with_o your_o talent_n must_v be_v improve_v what_o reason_n then_o have_v you_o to_o tremble_v lest_o in_o this_o you_o shall_v be_v find_v want_v moreover_o you_o bear_v not_o the_o root_n but_o the_o root_n bear_v you_o without_o christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v but_o fear_v let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n listen_v be_v fall_n 1_o cor._n 10.12_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v the_o way_n to_o lose_v what_o you_o have_v get_v and_o to_o full_a into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o absurdity_n and_o self-contradiction_n in_o it_o viz._n for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v high_a thought_n of_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v attain_v unto_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n when_o the_o entertain_n of_o such_o thought_n be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o have_v little_a true_a grace_n if_o any_o at_o all_o deep_a water_n and_o full_a vessel_n make_v least_o noise_n the_o most_o fruitful_a ear_n of_o corn_n hang_v downward_o not_o so_o those_o that_o be_v shallow_a empty_a or_o blast_v tempt_v 3._o be_v you_o for_o a_o factious_a side_v with_o this_o or_o the_o other_o party_n and_o rash_o censure_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o answ_n think_v well_o how_o great_a a_o sign_n this_o be_v of_o weakness_n in_o grace_n unripe_a fruit_n be_v sowâ—_n harsh_a and_o unpleasant_a so_o be_v raw_a novice_n in_o christianity_n but_o further_a experience_n and_o humility_n will_v mellow_v and_o sweeten_v your_o temper_n and_o disposition_n remember_v how_o great_a a_o stress_n the_o gospel_n lay_v upon_o servant_n charity_n love_v one_o another_o be_v the_o note_n or_o mark_v whereby_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n the_o grand_a essential_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o must_v live_v upon_o be_v general_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o party_n be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n though_o very_o common_a to_o overlook_a these_o weighty_a matter_n and_o to_o suffer_v our_o zeal_n to_o evaporate_v and_o spend_v itself_o about_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n of_o this_o see_v my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n pag._n 143._o etc._n etc._n tempt_v 4._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o grow_v secure_a and_o careless_a because_o you_o think_v your_o case_n be_v safe_a answ_n the_o great_a your_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o reason_n you_o have_v to_o be_v watchful_a against_o sin_n diligent_a and_o active_a in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o duty_n but_o if_o you_o grow_v negligent_a or_o remiss_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n you_o have_v cause_n enough_o to_o suspect_v that_o your_o hope_n and_o confidence_n be_v ill-grounded_a or_o not_o like_a to_o last_v long_o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a again_o there_o be_v many_o eye_n upon_o you_o the_o great_a god_n be_v the_o most_o reverend_a witness_n of_o all_o your_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o angel_n of_o god_n encompass_v you_o about_o and_o observe_v your_o behaviour_n satan_n wait_v to_o take_v you_o at_o a_o advantage_n your_o fellow_n christian_n be_v concern_v for_o your_o welfare_n and_o perseverance_n wicked_a man_n wait_v for_o your_o halt_n sure_o this_o be_v not_o a_o time_n for_o you_o to_o be_v slothful_a or_o unconcerned_a moreover_o suppose_v you_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n many_o that_o have_v be_v so_o have_v fall_v into_o very_o grievous_a sin_n and_o wound_a conscience_n deep_o and_o your_o safety_n depend_v upon_o the_o continual_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v dangerous_a to_o grieve_v or_o quench_v that_o spirit_n by_o laziness_n or_o carnal_a security_n tempt_v 5._o do_v the_o prospect_n of_o those_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o your_o way_n discourage_v you_o answ_n be_v not_o heaven_n worth_n strive_v for_o will_v you_o have_v the_o crown_n without_o victory_n or_o a_o victory_n without_o conflict_n or_o conflict_n without_o enemy_n 〈◊〉_d you_o not_o know_v that_o there_o be_v more_o with_o you_o than_o against_o you_o if_o you_o be_v sincere_a god_n be_v on_o your_o side_n and_o wiâ—â—_n be_v with_o you_o when_o you_o pass_v through_o fire_n or_o water_n his_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n his_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a for_o you_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o the_o great_a enemy_n that_o you_o have_v without_o 〈◊〉_d i_o mean_v satan_n and_o the_o world_n be_v already_o vanquish_v by_o the_o captain_n of_o your_o salvation_n and_o as_o for_o the_o enemy_n within_o you_o that_o be_v your_o own_o lust_n and_o coâ—ruptions_n though_o he_o have_v none_o such_o in_o himself_o to_o conflict_n with_o yet_o he_o have_v procure_v for_o you_o that_o grace_n which_o shall_v certain_o enable_v you_o to_o overcome_v they_o if_o you_o be_v not_o
want_v to_o yourselves_o what_o though_o indwelling_a sin_n stick_v very_o close_o to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o they_o nor_o have_v any_o place_n in_o man_n primaeval_fw-fr state_n and_o the_o second_o adam_n come_v to_o heal_v those_o disease_n which_o the_o first_o have_v bring_v upon_o we_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v fly_v to_o christ_n yet_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o faint_v or_o be_v discourage_v because_o you_o have_v he_o to_o fly_v to_o tempt_v 6._o be_v you_o perplex_v with_o troublesome_a scruple_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n that_o you_o dare_v scarce_o move_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o duty_n for_o fear_n of_o go_v wrong_n answ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o best_a service_n while_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n will_v be_v attend_v with_o many_o sinful_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n but_o necessary_a duty_n must_v not_o be_v leave_v unâ—one_v for_o fear_n of_o mis-doing_a it_o that_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o we_o cheaâ—_n full_o and_o quiet_o obey_v his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v it_o and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v it_o better_o thankful_o receive_v the_o gospel-pardon_n for_o our_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n if_o we_o have_v the_o worthiness_n for_o so_o the_o gospel_n call_v it_o of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o sincere_a desire_n christ_n have_v the_o worthiness_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o we_o and_o though_o it_o be_v our_o great_a duty_n to_o keep_v conscience_n tender_a that_o be_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d careful_a to_o please_v god_n and_o fearful_a of_o sin_v 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v remember_v that_o needless_a self-tormenting_a â—â—ruples_n be_v not_o at_o all_o please_a to_o god_n but_o great_a â—â—derances_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o â—ake_v religion_n burdensome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o and_o â—â—at_o if_o these_o and_o such_o other_o temptation_n cease_v not_o 〈◊〉_d be_v troublesome_a it_o be_v sometime_o necessary_a that_o we_o contemn_v they_o the_o devil_n say_v luther_n be_v a_o proud_a spirit_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v slight_v he_o will_v use_v we_o work_n enough_o to_o do_v if_o we_o will_v but_o parley_v and_o â—â—gue_v the_o case_n with_o he_o to_o slight_v he_o be_v to_o resist_v â—â—â—m_n and_o then_o he_o fly_v from_o we_o tempt_v 7._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o ensnare_v yourselves_o â—â—y_o rash_a vow_n and_o to_o make_v duty_n to_o yourselves_o â—hich_v god_n never_o enjoin_v you_o or_o to_o impose_v â—asks_n upon_o yourselves_o which_o he_o have_v not_o prescribe_v answ_n the_o use_n of_o vow_n be_v to_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v bind_v â—s_a to_o by_o his_o law_n before_o that_o be_v to_o express_v our_o consent_n and_o resolution_n by_o a_o self-obligation_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n but_o not_o make_v a_o new_a religion_n to_o ourselves_o nor_o to_o injure_v our_o christian_a liberty_n by_o self-devised_n snare_n who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o â—lands_n such_o sacred_a thing_n as_o vow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trifle_v with_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o sacramental_a engagement_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n must_v be_v careful_o observe_v but_o vow_n about_o lesser_a matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v without_o great_a consideration_n and_o caution_n alteration_n of_o circumstance_n may_v make_v that_o sinful_a or_o however_o troublesome_a and_o inconvenient_a which_o at_o present_a appear_v and_o perhaps_o real_o be_v a_o duty_n good_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n be_v necessary_a and_o safe_a and_o may_v be_v change_v when_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n require_v it_o that_o be_v when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o those_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v first_o intend_v but_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n after_o vow_n or_o promise_v make_v to_o god_n to_o make_v enquiry_n 〈◊〉_d though_o sometime_o even_o that_o must_v be_v do_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d great_a fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a tempt_v 8._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o grow_v weary_a of_o â—â—rious_a religion_n and_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o to_o your_o wâ—â—ted_a formality_n and_o negligence_n answ_n humble_a yourselves_o deep_o before_o god_n 〈◊〉_d those_o remnant_n of_o corruption_n which_o thus_o dispose_v you_o to_o revolt_v renew_v your_o covenant_n with_o he_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n plead_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d upon_o his_o assistance_n and_o grace_n make_v not_o a_o ligâ—â—â—_n matter_n of_o the_o least_o decay_n or_o declining_n in_o hoâ—â—ness_n for_o these_o tend_v to_o great_a gird_v up_o the_o loâ—â—_n of_o your_o mind_n consider_v the_o prize_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o and_o look_v to_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o by_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n shaving_n and_o difficulty_n will_v be_v soon_o over_o bâ—_n iâ—_n weary_a of_o well_o do_v you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_a 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6.9_o whither_o will_v you_o fly_v in_o the_o hour_n of_o your_o extremity_n if_o the_o lord_n help_v you_o not_o then_o who_o can_v help_v you_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v also_o forsake_v you_o tempt_v 9_o be_v there_o some_o belove_a sin_n which_o you_o be_v especial_o incline_v to_o and_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v or_o part_v with_o it_o answ_n fortify_v your_o mind_n with_o argument_n 〈◊〉_d your_o will_n with_o resolution_n against_o it_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o resist_v the_o first_o strive_n and_o tendency_n towards_o it_o double_o your_o watch_n that_o you_o be_v not_o surprise_v by_o it_o single_v it_o out_o to_o run_v iâ—_n down_o mortify_v and_o destroy_v it_o as_o that_o which_o most_o dishonour_v god_n and_o endanger_v your_o own_o soul_n tempt_v 10._o be_v you_o tempt_v to_o place_v a_o undâ—â—â—_n conâ—idence_n in_o your_o own_o work_n or_o righteousness_n answ_n consider_v that_o if_o you_o thus_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n of_o your_o own_o you_o take_v the_o way_n 〈◊〉_d â—â—se_n the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n if_o â—ardon_n and_o life_n be_v of_o grace_n they_o can_v be_v of_o work_v else_o grace_n be_v no_o more_o grace_n as_o we_o â—â—e_v creature_n we_o owe_v ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o â—ave_n or_o can_v do_v to_o god_n the_o great_a angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v strict_o and_o proper_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n how_o much_o less_o such_o worm_n as_o we_o every_o â—â—â—y_v which_o we_o sincere_o perform_v be_v a_o great_a mercy_n receive_v and_o render_v we_o further_o indebt_v to_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v thereto_o and_o beside_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o pardon_n for_o the_o sinful_a weakness_n of_o our_o best_a service_n when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n eternal_a life_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v ii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o exhortation_n namely_o to_o those_o who_o be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n not_o know_v what_o to_o think_v of_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o great_a question_n viz._n whether_o they_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n that_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no._n to_o such_o person_n i_o will_v offer_v the_o follow_a direction_n direct_v 1._o remember_v it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o unusual_a among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n fear_n and_o spiritual_a trouble_n do_v not_o think_v that_o your_o case_n be_v singular_a lest_o your_o spirit_n shall_v sink_v under_o it_o solamen_fw-la miseris_fw-la etc._n etc._n there_o have_v nothing_o befall_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n even_o to_o very_o good_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v satan_n will_v tempt_v you_o to_o think_v that_o none_o ever_o be_v so_o perplex_v with_o fear_n uncertainty_n and_o misgive_a thought_n as_o you_o but_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a in_o the_o case_n that_o a_o true_o gracious_a person_n may_v sometime_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n isa_n â—0_n 10_o read_v also_o the_o 88th_o psalm_n and_o see_v 〈◊〉_d that_o good_a man_n be_v afflict_v and_o even_o distraâ—â—_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a therefore_o in_o all_o this_o god_n deal_v no_o otherâ—â—â—_n with_o you_o than_o he_o have_v do_v with_o thousand_o 〈◊〉_d his_o dear_v child_n and_o as_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o â—â—spise_v the_o chastening_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o neither_o shoâ—â—â—_n you_o faint_v under_o they_o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o
promise_n shall_v do_v more_o with_o you_o than_o just_o keep_v you_o from_o sink_v see_v also_o psalm_n 40.1_o 2._o i_o wait_v patient_o for_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v good_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v both_o hope_n and_o qui_v wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n lam._n 3.26_o remember_v god_n wait_v long_o on_o you_o before_o you_o â—ould_v take_v up_o any_o serious_a thought_n of_o repent_v use_v down_o in_o sullen_a discontent_n because_o he_o do_v not_o â—â—smediately_o give_v you_o the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n â—ne_z will_v think_v common_a ingenuity_n shall_v teach_v â—â—ou_v better_o light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a â—nd_n soon_o or_o late_a they_o shall_v reap_v the_o bless_a fruit_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v sow_o it_o be_v meet_a â—hat_n they_o shall_v wait_v till_o this_o precious_a fruit_n grow_v â—â—p_n or_o rather_o till_o they_o themselves_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o â—â—aturity_n and_o fitness_n for_o it_o god_n time_n be_v the_o â—â—st_n time_n he_o know_v perfect_o what_o degree_n of_o comfort_n be_v sit_v for_o you_o and_o what_o the_o fit_a â—easons_n to_o bestow_v it_o the_o husbandman_n after_o he_o â—â—â—h_v cast_v his_o seed_n into_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o immediate_o expect_v a_o harvest_n nor_o yet_o say_v i_o have_v â—â—boured_v in_o vain_a i_o will_v pull_v up_o the_o hedge_n and_o lay_n â—ll_v waste_v no_o no_o his_o god_n instruct_v he_o to_o great_a discretion_n isa_n 28.26_o he_o wait_v till_o the_o appoint_a season_n so_o do_v you_o in_o the_o present_a case_n wait_v god_n time_n for_o comfort_n give_v a_o early_a check_n to_o the_o least_o strive_n of_o impatience_n say_v not_o why_o shall_v i_o wait_v upon_o god_n any_o long_o as_o he_o 2_o king_n 6.33_o but_o rather_o as_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 42.11_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o etc._n etc._n chap._n xiii_o direction_n to_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o great_a degree_n of_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o exhorcation_n namely_o to_o those_o who_o through_o grace_n have_v attain_v unto_o great_a measure_n of_o assurance_n and_o be_v enable_v comfortable_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o lise_n to_o such_o i_o will_v say_v in_o general_n hold_v fast_o what_o you_o have_v that_o no_o max_n take_v away_o your_o crown_n rev._n 3.11_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n and_o your_o redeemer_n live_v in_o the_o spirit_n walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o you_o know_v who_o you_o have_v trust_v gird_v up_o therefore_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n we_o must_v tug_v a_o while_n with_o the_o diffificulty_n of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o work_n but_o these_o will_v soon_o be_v over_o heaven_n be_v in_o view_n we_o be_v almost_o there_o and_o shall_v certain_o reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o particular_n direct_v 1._o whatever_o you_o do_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v humble_a look_v upon_o pride_n as_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o god_n do_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n see_v himself_o against_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d jam._n 4.6_o he_o stand_v in_o battle_n array_n or_o in_o direct_a defiance_n and_o opposition_n against_o they_o god_n still_o counteract_v the_o proud_a as_o dr._n manton_n observe_v upon_o the_o place_n it_o be_v this_o which_o turn_v angel_n into_o devil_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 6._o lest_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o pride_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n pride_n be_v still_o the_o forerunner_n of_o some_o fall_n and_o mischief_n or_o other_o and_o though_o in_o the_o true_o godly_a it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n mortify_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o utter_o root_v out_o but_o stick_v very_o close_o to_o our_o nature_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o careful_o watch_v against_o it_o will_v be_v take_v occasion_n to_o show_v itself_o even_o from_o our_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o grace_n and_o whatever_o it_o come_v near_o be_v taint_v and_o corrupt_v by_o it_o o_o let_v we_o think_v and_o think_v again_o how_o unsuitable_a it_o be_v to_o our_o condition_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o high_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o how_o much_o disingenuity_n there_o be_v in_o be_v what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v what_o be_v we_o before_o we_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o shall_v we_o quick_o be_v again_o if_o we_o be_v not_o uphold_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n we_o bear_v not_o the_o root_n but_o the_o root_n bear_v we_o rom._n 11.18_o without_o he_o we_o can_v â—o_o nothing_o joh._n 15.5_o let_v we_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o be_v clothe_v throughout_o with_o humility_n this_o be_v as_o one_o say_v a_o christian_n livery_n without_o which_o christ_n will_v not_o own_v we_o as_o his_o servant_n let_v we_o learn_v of_o he_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n who_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d empty_v himself_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 2.7_o let_v we_o exercise_v ourselves_o frequent_o and_o solemn_o in_o self-annihilation_a that_o be_v in_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o nothingness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o advise_v you_o to_o do_v as_o a_o set_v duty_n by_o itself_o and_o all_o little_a enough_o to_o subdue_v the_o pride_n of_o our_o heart_n think_v not_o that_o some_o slight_a thought_n or_o general_a acknowledgement_n of_o your_o own_o unworthiness_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n but_o labour_v to_o feel_v what_o you_o say_v and_o to_o be_v nothing_o in_o your_o own_o eye_n go_v therefore_o into_o your_o retirement_n sit_v down_o and_o consider_v the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o the_o great_a god_n before_o who_o the_o angel_n vail_v their_o faceâ—_n who_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n and_o it_o shine_v not_o neither_o be_v the_o heaven_n clean_o in_o his_o sight_n who_o doâ—â—_n great_a thing_n and_o unsearchable_a marvellous_a thing_n without_o number_n job_n 5_o 9_o get_v your_o heart_n as_o full_a as_o they_o can_v hold_v of_o adore_v and_o admire_v thought_n of_o god_n and_o when_o you_o have_v so_o do_v reflect_v upon_o you_o self_n and_o you_o will_v find_v abundant_a reason_n to_o cry_v out_o lord_n what_o be_o i_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o max_n sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n foolish_a and_o ignorant_a and_o as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o aâ—â—_n thy_o mercy_n nothing_o or_o worse_o than_o nothing_o etc._n etc._n etc._n etc._n etc._n etc._n i_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o suitable_a to_o our_o condition_n more_o please_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n more_o conducive_a to_o our_o spiritual_a safety_n and_o comfort_n than_o to_o be_v much_o employ_v in_o such_o exercise_n as_o this_o be_v not_o desirous_a of_o vain_a glory_n do_v not_o affect_v the_o applause_n of_o man_n if_o you_o meet_v with_o it_o watch_v your_o heart_n as_o you_o will_v do_v gunpowder_n tinder_n or_o flax_n when_o fire_n be_v near_o still_o say_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n i_o be_o a_o poor_a vile_a worthless_a sinner_n direct_v 2._o press_v earnest_o towards_o the_o mark_n you_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n still_o on_o your_o hand_n many_o enemy_n to_o conflict_n withal_o you_o have_v run_v well_o hitherto_o o_o have_v a_o care_n of_o make_v a_o stand_n ad_fw-la ulteriora_fw-la tendens_fw-la semper_fw-la nilque_fw-la putans_fw-la actum_fw-la dum_fw-la quid_fw-la superesset_fw-la agendum_fw-la as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o julius_n cesar_n be_v a_o fit_a motto_n for_o a_o christian_a still_o press_v forward_o aim_v at_o great_a attainment_n and_o think_v nothing_o do_v while_o any_o thing_n remain_v undo_v phil._n 3.13.14_o forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n etc._n etc._n under_o this_o head_n you_o may_v observe_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o carry_v on_o a_o continual_a warfare_n against_o your_o remain_a corruption_n the_o flesh_n will_v be_v lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n labour_v therefore_o to_o keep_v under_o the_o body_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n do_v not_o indulge_v your_o corrupt_a carnal_a inclination_n how_o agreeable_a soever_o to_o your_o constitution_n or_o worldly_a interest_n have_v a_o care_n of_o be_v in_o love_n with_o