mistake_n to_o suppose_v that_o any_o external_a duty_n of_o worship_n as_o hear_v the_o word_n prayer_n or_o the_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v for_o themselves_o or_o accept_v for_o themselves_o such_o thought_n the_o jew_n of_o old_a have_v concern_v their_o sacrifice_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o be_v acceptable_a service_n unto_o god_n mere_o on_o their_o own_o account_n wherefore_o god_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o this_o pernicious_a mistake_n affirm_v ofttimes_o that_o he_o never_o appoint_v they_o at_o all_o that_o be_v for_o any_o such_o end_n jer._n 7.22_o 23._o isa._n 1.12_o 13_o 14_o etc._n etc._n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n sundry_a thing_n destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v proceed_v from_o such_o a_o supposition_n some_o hereon_o have_v always_o satisfy_v and_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o external_a observance_n of_o they_o without_o desire_v or_o endeavour_v any_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o or_o by_o they_o this_o constitute_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n mention_v rev._n 3.1_o and_o by_o follow_v this_o tract_n the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o nor_o do_v know_v how_o to_o use_v they_o unto_o their_o advantage_n until_o they_o come_v whole_o unto_o that_o woeful_a state_n isai._n 29.13_o and_o some_o to_o establish_v this_o deceit_n have_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o outward_a work_n of_o these_o duty_n than_o ever_o god_n put_v into_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o work_v wrought_v but_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o be_v all_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n be_v but_o mean_v to_o express_v and_o exercise_v those_o of_o the_o first_o as_o faith_n love_n fear_v trust_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n the_o end_n of_o they_o all_o be_v that_o through_o they_o and_o by_o they_o we_o may_v act_v those_o grace_n on_o god_n in_o christ_n where_o this_o be_v not_o attend_v unto_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v not_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o this_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o solemn_a as_o to_o their_o outward_a performance_n be_v attend_v unto_o with_o diligence_n be_v perform_v with_o earnestness_n and_o delight_n they_o be_v neither_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o beneficial_a unto_o themselves_o isai._n 1.11_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o general_a spring_n of_o the_o love_n of_o believer_n of_o they_o who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o their_o delight_n in_o they_o they_o have_v experience_n that_o in_o and_o by_o they_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v excite_v unto_o a_o gracious_a exercise_n of_o themselves_o on_o god_n in_o christ._n and_o when_o they_o find_v it_o otherwise_o with_o they_o they_o can_v have_v no_o rest_n in_o their_o soul_n for_o this_o end_n be_v they_o ordain_v sanctify_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v effectual_a mean_n of_o it_o when_o their_o efficacy_n be_v not_o defeat_v by_o unbelief_n and_o those_o who_o have_v no_o experience_n hereof_o in_o their_o attendance_n unto_o they_o do_v as_o have_v be_v say_v fall_v into_o pernicious_a extreme_n some_o continue_v their_o observance_n with_o little_a regard_n unto_o god_n in_o curse_a formality_n so_o they_o make_v they_o a_o mean_n of_o their_o ruin_n by_o countenance_v of_o they_o in_o their_o security_n other_o utter_o reject_v they_o at_o least_o the_o most_o solemn_a of_o they_o and_o therein_o both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v appoint_v because_o through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o unbelief_n they_o find_v nothing_o in_o they_o this_o be_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v give_v glory_n unto_o god_n in_o their_o observance_n which_o be_v their_o ultimate_a end_n in_o this_o world_n &_o this_o be_v the_o design_n in_o general_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o obedience_n they_o yield_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o their_o diligent_a observation_n of_o they_o we_o may_v consider_v how_o in_o what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v those_o who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v their_o mind_n and_o soul_n unto_o their_o observance_n and_o we_o may_v consider_v herein_o first_o what_o they_o do_v design_n and_o than_o what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o in_o their_o use_n and_o enjoyment_n first_o they_o come_v unto_o they_o with_o this_o desire_n design_n and_o expectation_n namely_o to_o be_v enable_v direct_v and_o excite_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o any_o where_o there_o be_v not_o this_o design_n they_o do_v in_o various_a degree_n take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a in_o their_o observance_n these_o be_v approximationes_n dei_fw-la the_o way_n of_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o call_v in_o scripture_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n may_v consist_v mere_o in_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o duty_n whatever_n be_v its_o solemnity_n be_v to_o reject_v all_o due_a reverence_n of_o he_o forasmuch_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o this_o people_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o therefore_o i_o will_v proceed_v against_o they_o isaiah_n 29.13_o the_o mouth_n and_o lip_n be_v put_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n for_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o outward_a worship_n and_o honour_n these_o man_n may_v use_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o while_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o god_n that_o be_v when_o they_o do_v not_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o all_o this_o worship_n be_v reject_v of_o god_n with_o the_o high_a token_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o indignation_n against_o it_o first_o our_o soul_n then_o have_v no_o way_n of_o approach_n unto_o god_n in_o duty_n of_o worship_n but_o by_o faith_n no_o way_n of_o adherance_n or_o cleave_v unto_o he_o but_o by_o love_n no_o way_n of_o abide_v in_o he_o but_o by_o fear_n reverence_n and_o delight_n when_o ever_o these_o be_v not_o in_o excercise_n outward_a duty_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o such_o a_o approach_n unto_o he_o as_o that_o they_o set_v we_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o than_o we_o be_v before_o at_o least_o be_v utter_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a unto_o we_o so_o indeed_o they_o be_v unto_o the_o most_o who_o come_v unto_o they_o they_o know_v not_o why_o and_o behave_v themselves_o under_o they_o they_o care_v not_o how_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o way_n of_o man_n whereof_o god_n complain_v more_o in_o his_o word_n as_o that_o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o he_o and_o because_o these_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v mean_n which_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o this_o end_n namely_o the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v of_o divine_a faith_n and_o love_n and_o therefore_o do_v sanctify_v and_o bless_v they_o thereunto_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v any_o delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n nor_o do_v design_n growth_n in_o they_o by_o who_o these_o great_a mean_n of_o they_o be_v despise_v or_o neglect_v and_o although_o i_o have_v see_v those_o valley_n of_o public_a worship_n forsake_v either_o on_o pretence_n of_o high_a attainment_n in_o faith_n light_n and_o love_n than_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o any_o more_o or_o on_o a_o foolish_a opinion_n that_o they_o cease_v upon_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o to_o make_v they_o useful_a and_o effectual_a or_o on_o some_o provocation_n that_o have_v be_v give_v unto_o some_o man_n or_o which_o they_o have_v take_v unto_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v think_v they_o can_v revenge_v by_o a_o neglect_n of_o public_a administration_n or_o through_o slavish_a peace_n and_o negligence_n in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n as_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o some_o who_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n heb._n 16.25_o yet_o i_o never_o see_v but_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o great_a decay_n if_o not_o in_o a_o utter_a loss_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o sometime_o in_o open_a profaneness_n for_o such_o person_n contemn_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v appoint_v for_o their_o exercise_n and_o increase_n and_o this_o shall_v
in_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o the_o like_a and_o withal_o have_v some_o renew_a conviction_n of_o sin_n in_o commission_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n and_o thereon_o do_v endeavour_n to_o be_v more_o spiritual_o mind_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n on_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o we_o fail_v in_o and_o these_o thought_n decay_n as_o our_o conviction_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o do_v wear_v off_o or_o be_v remove_v we_o have_v attain_v a_o very_a low_a degree_n in_o this_o grace_n if_o we_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o at_o all_o water_n that_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o a_o live_a spring_n run_v equal_o and_o constant_o unless_o it_o be_v obstruct_v or_o divert_v by_o some_o violent_a opposition_n but_o that_o which_o be_v from_o thunder-shower_n run_v furious_o for_o a_o season_n but_o be_v quick_o dry_v up_o so_o be_v those_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o prevalent_a internal_a principle_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v even_o and_o constant_a unless_o a_o interruption_n be_v put_v upon_o they_o for_o a_o season_n by_o temptation_n but_o those_o which_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o thunder_n of_o conviction_n however_o their_o stream_n may_v be_v fill_v for_o a_o season_n they_o quick_o dry_v up_o and_o utter_o decay_v 2._o such_o thought_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o spiritual_o mind_v from_o outward_a mean_n and_o occasion_n such_o i_o intend_v as_o be_v indeed_o useful_a yea_o appoint_v of_o god_n for_o this_o end_n among_o other_o that_o they_o may_v ingenerate_v and_o stir_v up_o holy_a thought_n and_o affection_n in_o we_o but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o their_o use_n and_o operation_n in_o some_o they_o excite_v the_o inward_a principle_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o act_v in_o holy_a thought_n according_a unto_o its_o own_o sanctify_a disposition_n and_o prevalent_a affection_n this_o be_v their_o proper_a end_n and_o use._n in_o other_o they_o occasional_o suggest_v such_o thought_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o spring_v only_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n propose_v unto_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o end_n also_o they_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n howbeit_o such_o thought_n do_v not_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v where_o you_o till_o and_o manure_v your_o land_n if_o it_o bring_v forth_o plentiful_a crop_n of_o corn_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o soil_v it_o self_n be_v good_a and_o fertile_a the_o dress_n of_o it_o only_o give_v occasion_n and_o advantage_n to_o put_v forth_o its_o own_o fruitbearing_a virtue_n but_o if_o in_o the_o till_v of_o land_n you_o lay_v much_o dung_n upon_o it_o and_o it_o bring_v forth_o here_o and_o there_o a_o handful_n where_o the_o dung_n lie_v you_o will_v say_v the_o soil_n be_v barren_a it_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o of_o itself_o these_o mean_n that_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o be_v as_o the_o till_v of_o a_o fruitful_a soil_n which_o help_v it_o in_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n by_o exciting_a its_o own_o virtue_n and_o power_n they_o stir_v up_o holy_a affection_n unto_o holy_a thought_n and_o desire_n but_o in_o other_o who_o heart_n be_v barren_a they_o only_o serve_v as_o it_o be_v some_o of_o they_o here_o and_o there_o to_o stir_v up_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n or_o spirit_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n it_o shall_v be_v handle_v distinct_o by_o itself_o chap._n iii_o outward_a mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o thought_n of_o such_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o do_v not_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n exercise_n of_o gift_n prayer_n how_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o prayer_n be_v true_o spiritual_a thought_n prove_v we_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v 1._o such_o a_o mean_n be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o it_o be_v observe_v concern_v many_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o hear_v it_o willing_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o upon_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o and_o we_o see_v the_o same_o thing_n exemplify_v in_o multitude_n every_o day_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v without_o many_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o person_n about_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o thought_n and_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v produce_v more_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o hypocrite_n concern_v who_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v and_o be_v never_o spiritual_o mind_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o miscarriage_n be_v give_v we_o by_o our_o saviour_n math._n 13.20_o 21._o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n the_o same_o be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n the_o good_a thought_n they_o have_v proceed_v not_o from_o any_o principle_n in_o themselves_o neither_o their_o affection_n nor_o their_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v any_o internal_a root_n whereon_o they_o shall_v grow_v so_o be_v it_o with_o many_o who_o live_v under_o the_o present_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n continual_o suggest_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o do_v abide_v with_o they_o more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o be_v affect_v for_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o who_o be_v either_o despiser_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v or_o way-side_n hearer_n who_o understand_v nothing_o of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o immediate_o lose_v all_o sense_n of_o it_o all_o thought_n about_o it_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o they_o who_o attend_v with_o some_o diligence_n and_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o some_o joy_n these_o insensible_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v without_o some_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n howbeit_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v as_o be_v say_v but_o like_v unto_o water_n that_o run_v after_o a_o shower_n of_o rain_n they_o pour_v out_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o proceed_v from_o some_o strong_a live_a spring_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o when_o once_o the_o water_n of_o the_o shower_n be_v spend_v their_o channel_n be_v dry_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o stone_n and_o dirt_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n fall_v on_o such_o person_n as_o shower_n of_o rain_n it_o give_v a_o course_n sometime_o great_a sometime_o less_o unto_o their_o thought_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o they_o have_v not_o a_o well_o of_o water_n in_o they_o spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n wherefore_o after_o a_o while_n their_o mind_n be_v dry_v up_o from_o such_o thought_n nothing_o remain_v in_o they_o but_o earth_n and_o that_o perhaps_o foul_a and_o dirty_a it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o most_o holy_a and_o spiritual_o mind_v may_v have_v nay_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n excite_v multiply_a and_o confirm_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o its_o dispensation_n one_o principal_a use_n of_o it_o in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o it_o have_v this_o effect_n two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o its_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n be_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v the_o more_o this_o be_v do_v the_o more_o shall_v we_o thrive_v in_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v 2._o as_o it_o administer_v occasion_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n for_o propose_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n love_n fear_v trust_v reverence_n unto_o the_o soul_n it_o draw_v forth_o all_o those_o grace_n into_o exercise_n wherefore_o although_o the_o vigorous_a act_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n be_v occasional_a from_o the_o word_n be_v more_o under_o and_o after_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o than_o at_o other_o time_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o the_o ordinance_n by_o god_n own_o appointment_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o evidence_n that_o those_o with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v yet_o where_o man_n have_v no_o other_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n such_o thought_n do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v their_o endeavour_n in_o they_o be_v like_o those_o of_o man_n in_o a_o dream_n under_o some_o oppression_n of_o their_o spirit_n their_o imagination_n fix_v on_o something_o or_o other_o that_o be_v
peace_n be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v judge_v but_o a_o weak_a attempt_n as_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n but_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v these_o two_o advantage_n first_o that_o it_o be_v seasonable_a and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v sincere_o intend_v and_o if_o it_o have_v this_o only_a success_n that_o it_o may_v occasion_v other_o who_o have_v more_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n than_o i_o have_v to_o bring_v in_o their_o assistance_n for_o a_o opposition_n unto_o the_o vehement_a and_o importunate_a insinuation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o entertainment_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o professor_n this_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v lost._n but_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n among_o we_o that_o unless_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vigorous_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n with_o other_o mean_v appoint_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n be_v engage_v in_o to_o recall_v professor_n unto_o that_o strict_a mortification_n that_o sincerity_n of_o conversation_n that_o separation_n from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o world_n that_o heavenly_a mindedness_n that_o delight_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v require_v we_o shall_v loose_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o leave_v it_o very_o uncertain_a what_o will_v be_v our_o eternal_a condition_n the_o same_o may_v be_v speak_v concern_v love_n of_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o the_o advantage_n and_o emolument_n which_o man_n trust_v to_o attain_v unto_o themselves_o thereby_o this_o be_v that_o wiâ—h_n render_v man_n earthly_a mind_a and_o most_o remote_a from_o have_v their_o conversation_n above_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o corrupt_a affection_n do_v many_o professor_n of_o religion_n grow_v wither_v useless_a sapless_a give_v no_o evidence_n that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o on_o these_o and_o many_o other_o account_n do_v many_o christian_n evidence_n themselves_o to_o be_v stranger_n from_o spiritual_a mindedness_n from_o a_o life_n of_o meditation_n and_o holy_a contemplation_n on_o thing_n above_o yet_o unless_o we_o be_v find_v in_o these_o thing_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n no_o grace_n will_v thrive_v or_o flourish_n in_o we_o no_o duty_n will_v be_v right_o perform_v by_o we_o no_o condition_n sanctify_a or_o improve_v nor_o be_v we_o prepare_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o make_v meet_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n wherefore_o as_o be_v say_v to_o direct_v and_o provoke_v man_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a remedy_n of_o all_o these_o evil_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o give_v they_o a_o view_n into_o and_o a_o fore_o taste_v of_o eternal_a glory_n especial_o unto_o such_o who_o be_v in_o my_o own_o condition_n namely_o in_o a_o very_a near_o approach_n unto_o a_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n be_v the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n wiâ—h_n be_v recommend_v unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o reader_n rome_n viij_o 6._o but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n chap._n i._n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n explain_v the_o expression_n in_o our_o translation_n sound_v different_o from_o that_o in_o the_o original_a to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v say_v we_o in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o that_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v in_o the_o margin_n we_o read_v the_o mind_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o render_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o translation_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a prudentia_fw-la sapientia_fw-la intelligentia_fw-la mens_fw-la cogitatio_fw-la discretio_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sapit_fw-la the_o wisdom_n the_o understanding_n the_o mind_n the_o thought_n or_o contrivance_n the_o discretion_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o which_o the_o spirit_n savour_v be_v use_v to_o express_v it_o all_o our_o english_a translation_n from_o tindal_n the_o first_o of_o they_o have_v constant_o use_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v neither_o do_v i_o know_v any_o word_n whereby_o the_o emphasis_n of_o the_o original_a consider_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n can_v be_v better_o express_v but_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o must_v be_v further_o inquire_v into_o in_o the_o whole_a verse_n there_o be_v two_o entire_a proposition_n contain_v a_o double_a antithesis_fw-la the_o one_o in_o their_o subject_n the_o other_o in_o their_o predicate_v and_o this_o opposition_n be_v the_o high_a and_o great_a that_o be_v beneath_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o eternal_a ruin_n the_o opposite_a subject_n be_v the_o mind_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o be_v carnal_o mind_v and_o spiritual_o mind_v and_o these_o two_o do_v constitute_v two_o state_n of_o mankind_n unto_o the_o one_o of_o which_o every_o individual_a person_n in_o the_o world_n do_v belong_v and_o it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o know_v whetherof_o they_o they_o appertain_v unto_o as_o unto_o the_o quality_n express_v by_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n there_o may_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o in_o the_o same_o person_n at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v so_o in_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v for_o in_o they_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n lust_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a gal._n 5.17_o thus_o different_a contrary_a act_n in_o the_o same_o subject_a constitute_v not_o distinct_a state_n but_o where_o either_o of_o they_o be_v predominant_a or_o have_v a_o prevalent_a rule_n in_o the_o soul_n there_o it_o make_v a_o different_a state_n this_o distinction_n of_o state_n the_o apostle_n express_v v_o 9_o but_o you_o be_v not_o in_o the_o fesh_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n some_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o can_v please_v god_n v_o 8._o they_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n v_o 5._o they_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n v_o 1._o they_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n v_o 13._o this_o be_v one_o state_n other_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n v_o 9_o after_o the_o spirit_n v_o 5._o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n v_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o other_o state_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v carnal_o mind_v the_o other_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o do_v every_o live_a man_n belong_v he_o be_v under_o the_o roll_a conduct_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n though_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n in_o each_o of_o these_o as_o to_o good_a and_o evil._n the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o state_n be_v great_a and_o the_o distance_n in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a because_o a_o eternity_n in_o blessedness_n or_o misery_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o at_o present_a be_v evidence_v by_o the_o different_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o their_o operation_n which_o constitute_v these_o different_a state_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v between_o the_o predicate_v of_o the_o proposition_n for_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v death_n but_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n i._o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n death_n as_o it_o be_v absolute_o penal_a be_v either_o spiritual_a or_o eternal_a the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o be_v formal_o the_o other_o meritorious_o it_o be_v formal_o death_n spiritual_a for_o they_o that_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n eph._n 2.1_o for_o those_o who_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n v_o 3._o be_v penal_o under_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a death_n they_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o the_o uncircumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n col._n 2.13_o and_o it_o be_v death_n eternal_a meritorious_o for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v rom._n 8.13_o as_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n chap._n 6.23_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n denounce_v so_o woeful_a a_o doom_n so_o dreadful_a a_o sentence_n on_o the_o carnal_a mind_n he_o declare_v in_o the_o two_o next_o verse_n for_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o indeed_o can_v be_v so_o than_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o the_o carnal_a mind_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o to_o be_v
carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o which_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n hereunto_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n and_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v particular_o to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o what_o be_v this_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o how_o it_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n 1._o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o context_n be_v evident_o use_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n as_o be_v usual_a where_o both_o the_o holy_a spirit_n himself_o and_o his_o work_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v relate_v unto_o 1._o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v intend_v by_o it_o v_o 9_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o and_o so_o also_o v._n 11._o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a mercy_n and_o benefit_n here_o and_o afterward_o insist_v on_o 2._o it_o be_v use_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n wrought_v in_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n joh._n 3.6_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o name_n spirit_n be_v here_o use_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n not_o for_o the_o spirit-himself_a but_o for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n act_n inclination_n and_o operation_n oppose_v unto_o the_o flesh_n v_o 1.4_o 5_o but_o the_o flesh_n here_o intend_v be_v that_o inherent_a corrupt_a principle_n of_o deprave_a nature_n whence_o all_o evil_a action_n do_v proceed_v and_o wherewith_o the_o action_n of_o all_o evil_a man_n be_v vitiate_a the_o opposition_n between_o they_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o mention_a and_o declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 5.17_o 18_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n be_v the_o holy_a vital_a principle_n of_o new_a obedience_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n enable_v they_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n 2._o unto_o this_o spirit_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ascribe_v which_o as_o we_o have_v intimate_v be_v translate_v with_o great_a variety_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o principal_a power_n and_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v its_o light_n wisdom_n prudence_n knowledge_n understanding_n and_o discretion_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o respect_n unto_o speculation_n or_o ratiocination_n mere_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v its_o power_n as_o it_o be_v practical_a include_v the_o habitual_a frame_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o affection_n also_o it_o be_v its_o faculty_n to_o conceive_v of_o thing_n with_o a_o delight_n in_o they_o and_o adherence_n unto_o they_o from_o that_o suitableness_n which_o it_o find_v in_o they_o unto_o all_o its_o affection_n hence_o we_o translate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o to_o think_v that_o be_v to_o conceive_v and_o judge_v rom._n 12.3_o sometime_o to_o set_v the_o affection_n col._n 3.2_o to_o have_v such_o a_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o cleave_v unto_o they_o with_o our_o affection_n sometime_o to_o mind_n to_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n phil._n 3.19_o which_o include_v that_o relish_n and_o savour_n which_o the_o mind_n find_v in_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v fix_v on_o no_o where_o do_v it_o design_v a_o notional_a conception_n of_o thing_n only_o but_o principal_o the_o engagement_n of_o the_o affection_n unto_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n apprehend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v express_v the_o actual_a exercise_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n before_o describe_v wherefore_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o furnish_v with_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o light_n in_o its_o conception_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o the_o set_n of_o its_o affection_n on_o they_o as_o find_v that_o relish_n and_o savour_n in_o they_o wherewith_o it_o be_v please_v and_o satisfy_v and_o something_o we_o must_v yet_o further_o observe_v to_o give_v light_n unto_o this_o description_n of_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o absolute_o as_o unto_o what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o power_n and_o prevalency_n in_o we_o significant_o render_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v that_o be_v to_o have_v the_o mind_n change_v and_o renew_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o light_n so_o as_o to_o be_v continual_o act_v and_o influence_v thereby_o unto_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n from_o the_o affection_n cleave_v unto_o they_o with_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v when_o man_n mind_v earthly_a thing_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n unto_o they_o arise_v from_o their_o suitableness_n unto_o their_o corrupt_a affection_n their_o thought_n meditation_n and_o desire_n be_v continual_o engage_v about_o they_o wherefore_o 2._o three_o thing_n may_v be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v under_o which_o notion_n it_o be_v here_o recommend_v unto_o we_o 1._o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o its_o thought_n meditation_n and_o desire_n about_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a so_o be_v it_o express_v in_o the_o verse_n forego_v they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n do_v mind_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o flesh_n they_o think_v on_o they_o their_o contrivance_n be_v about_o they_o and_o their_o desire_n after_o they_o but_o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o mind_v they_o by_o fix_v their_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o they_o 2._o the_o inclination_n disposition_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o all_o its_o affection_n whereby_o it_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n this_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n reside_v habitual_o in_o the_o affection_n wherefore_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o mind_n as_o renew_v and_o act_v by_o a_o spiritual_a principle_n of_o light_n and_o life_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o its_o thought_n meditation_n and_o desire_n on_o spiritual_a thing_n proceed_v from_o the_o love_n and_o delight_n of_o its_o affection_n in_o they_o and_o engagement_n unto_o they_o 3._o a_o complacency_n of_o mind_n from_o that_o gust_n relish_v and_o savour_n which_o it_o find_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n from_o their_o suitableness_n unto_o its_o constitution_n inclination_n and_o desire_n there_o be_v a_o salt_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n whereby_o they_o be_v condit_v and_o make_v savoury_a unto_o a_o renew_a mind_n though_o to_o other_o they_o be_v as_o the_o white_a of_o a_o egg_n that_o have_v no_o taste_n or_o savour_n in_o it_o in_o this_o gust_n and_o relish_n lie_v the_o sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o spiritual_a life_n speculative_a notion_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o be_v dry_a sapless_a and_o barren_a in_o this_o gust_n we_o taste_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n be_v gracious_a and_o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n or_o whatever_o else_o have_v the_o most_o grateful_a relish_n unto_o a_o sensual_a appetite_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a foundation_n of_o the_o joy_n which_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n all_o these_o thing_n do_v concur_v in_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o spirit_n or_o to_o constitute_v any_o person_n spiritual_o mind_v and_o although_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n include_v in_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o affection_n and_o their_o immediate_a adherence_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n whence_o the_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o mind_n about_o they_o do_v proceed_v yet_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o distinct_a part_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o order_n lay_v down_o begin_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n about_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o first_o genuine_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n according_a unto_o the_o prevalency_n of_o affection_n in_o it_o they_o will_v make_v the_o best_a and_o most_o evident_a discovery_n of_o what_o nature_n the_o spring_n be_v from_o whence_o they_o do_v arise_v and_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v
distinct_o unto_o what_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o three_o place_n concern_v the_o complacency_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o what_o its_o affection_n be_v fix_v on_o for_o it_o will_v fall_v in_o with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v unto_o but_o before_o we_o do_v proceed_v it_o be_v not_o amiss_o as_o i_o suppose_v to_o put_v a_o remark_n upon_o those_o important_a truth_n which_o be_v direct_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n propose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n as_o 1._o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v the_o great_a distinguish_a character_n of_o true_a believer_n from_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o such_o be_v it_o here_o assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n all_o those_o who_o be_v carnal_o mind_v who_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n they_o be_v unregenerate_a they_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o god_n they_o please_v he_o not_o nor_o can_v do_v so_o but_o must_v perish_v for_o ever_o but_o those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v live_v unto_o he_o and_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o hereon_o depend_v the_o trial_n and_o determination_n of_o what_o state_n we_o do_v belong_v unto_o 2._o where_o any_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v there_o and_o there_o alone_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n what_o these_o be_v wherein_o they_o do_v consist_v what_o be_v their_o excellency_n and_o pre-eminence_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n how_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v there_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o consideration_n but_o be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v of_o how_o great_a concernment_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o diligent_o to_o inquire_v whether_o we_o be_v so_o or_o no._n it_o will_v therefore_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n unto_o we_o to_o have_v our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n always_o affect_v with_o and_o in_o due_a subjection_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o this_o truth_n namely_o that_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o whatever_o we_o may_v think_v otherwise_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o we_o have_v neither_o of_o they_o neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n it_o will_v i_o say_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o we_o if_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o many_o great_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n they_o admit_v of_o sacred_a truth_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o assent_v unto_o they_o but_o take_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o they_o on_o their_o conscience_n nor_o strict_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n by_o they_o which_o prove_v their_o ruin_n for_o hereby_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o believe_v that_o whereof_o in_o truth_n they_o believe_v not_o one_o syllable_n as_o they_o ought_v they_o hear_v it_o they_o understand_v it_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o they_o assent_n unto_o it_o at_o least_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o yea_o they_o commend_v it_o oftentimes_o and_o approve_v of_o it_o but_o yet_o they_o believe_v it_o not_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v judge_v themselves_o by_o it_o and_o reckon_v on_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v with_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n according_a as_o thing_n be_v determine_v therein_o or_o such_o person_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n james_n declare_v like_o a_o man_n behold_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n for_o he_o behold_v himself_o and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o straightway_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v jam._n 1.23_o 24._o there_o be_v a_o representation_n make_v of_o they_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o word_n they_o behold_v it_o and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o they_o as_o the_o word_n do_v declare_v but_o immediate_o their_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o other_o thought_n act_v by_o other_o affection_n take_v up_o with_o other_o occasion_n and_o they_o forget_v in_o a_o moment_n the_o representation_n make_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o condition_n wherefore_o all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v on_o this_o subject_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v unless_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n hereof_o be_v fix_v on_o our_o mind_n unless_o we_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o that_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n so_o that_o whatever_o our_o light_n and_o profession_n be_v our_o knowledge_n or_o our_o duty_n without_o this_o we_o have_v indeed_o no_o real_a interest_n in_o life_n and_o peace_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v more_o practical_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o unto_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o or_o as_o unto_o its_o degree_n for_o one_o may_v be_v so_o more_o than_o another_o or_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v more_o so_o at_o one_o time_n than_o another_o in_o the_o first_o way_n it_o be_v oppose_v unto_o be_v carnal_o mind_v in_o the_o other_o unto_o be_v earthly_a mind_v to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v death_n it_o be_v so_o every_o way_n and_o they_o who_o be_v so_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n this_o be_v oppose_v unto_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v as_o unto_o its_o nature_n or_o essence_n where_o a_o man_n as_o unto_o the_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n intend_v be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v he_o be_v carnal_o mind_v that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n spiritual_a and_o obnoxious_a unto_o death_n eternal_a this_o be_v the_o principal_a foundation_n we_o proceed_v upon_o whence_o we_o demonstrate_v the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o mind_n inquire_v after_o there_o be_v two_o way_n wherein_o man_n be_v earthly-minded_n the_o one_o be_v absolute_a when_o the_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n be_v whole_o predominant_a in_o the_o mind_n this_o be_v not_o formal_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v which_o be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n the_o one_o denomination_n be_v from_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n namely_o the_o flesh_n the_o other_o from_o the_o object_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o branch_n from_o the_o former_a as_o its_o root_n to_o be_v earthly_a mind_v be_v a_o operation_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n in_o one_o especial_a way_n and_o instance_n and_o it_o be_v as_o exclusive_a of_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o carnal_a mind_n itself_o phil._n 3.19_o 1_o joh._n 2.16_o this_o therefore_o be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o be_v of_o spiritual_a mindedness_n no_o less_o than_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v when_o there_o be_v in_o any_o a_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n that_o be_v predominant_a whence_o a_o person_n may_v be_v right_o denominate_v to_o be_v earthly_a mind_v he_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v at_o all_o he_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n intend_v thereby_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v evident_o with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n again_o there_o be_v a_o be_v earthly-minded_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o inordinate_a affection_n unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v sinful_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v mortify_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o the_o grace_n inquire_v after_o some_o who_o be_v real_o and_o true_o spiritual_o mind_v yet_o may_v for_o a_o time_n at_o least_o be_v under_o such_o a_o inordinate_a affection_n unto_o and_o care_v about_o earthly_a thing_n that_o if_o not_o absolute_o yet_o comparative_o as_o unto_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o may_v be_v they_o may_v be_v just_o say_v to_o be_v earthly_a mind_v they_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o degree_n in_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v which_o they_o ought_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o may_v attain_v unto_o and_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o this_o grace_n can_v never_o thrive_v or_o flourish_v it_o can_v never_o advance_v unto_o any_o eminent_a degree_n this_o be_v the_o zoar_n of_o many_o professor_n that_o little_a one_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v spare_v such_o a_o earthly-mindedness_a as_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v as_o unto_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n which_o depend_v thereon_o they_o will_v avoid_v for_o this_o they_o know_v will_v be_v absolute_o exclusive_a of_o life_n and_o peace_n they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o such_o a_o frame_n be_v as_o inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n as_o live_v in_o the_o vile_a sin_n that_o any_o man_n can_v
in_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n than_o in_o the_o sun_n but_o because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v great_a than_o our_o visive_a faculty_n can_v direct_o bear_v and_o behold_v so_o we_o can_v more_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o distinct_a nature_n of_o thing_n moral_a and_o natural_a than_o we_o can_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a see_v john_n 3.14_o not_o that_o there_o be_v more_o substance_n or_o reality_n in_o they_o but_o because_o the_o ability_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v more_o suit_v unto_o the_o comprehension_n of_o they_o the_o other_o be_v above_o we_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v hinder_v and_o disorder_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a by_o ignorance_n temptation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o all_o sort_n in_o nothing_o more_o be_v man_n subject_a unto_o mistake_n than_o in_o the_o application_n of_o thing_n unto_o themselves_o and_o a_o judgement_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o they_o fear_v self-love_n with_o the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n do_v all_o engage_v their_o power_n to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o pervert_v its_o judgement_n in_o no_o case_n do_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o of_o sin_n which_o be_v all_o one_o more_o act_n itself_o hence_o multitude_n say_v peace_n to_o themselves_o to_o who_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v peace_n and_o some_o who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n do_v yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n hence_o be_v that_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o help_v in_o this_o case_n ephes._n 1.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a similitude_n between_o temporary_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v save_v and_o durable_a and_o between_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o operation_n which_o be_v that_o that_o be_v under_o present_a consideration_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v therefore_o that_o without_o the_o especial_a light_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o man_n can_v make_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o his_o state_n and_o his_o action_n as_o shall_v be_v a_o stable_a foundation_n of_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o of_o obtain_v peace_n unto_o his_o own_o soul._n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v constant_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o ordinary_o under_o this_o bless_a conduct_n in_o the_o search_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v come_v unto_o a_o satisfaction_n whether_o they_o be_v influence_v by_o faith_n and_o have_v grace_n exercise_v in_o they_o especial_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o whether_o it_o derive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n raise_v by_o light_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n only_o and_o so_o whether_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n therein_o do_v spring_n from_o a_o vital_a principle_n of_o grace_n or_o whether_o they_o come_v from_o occasional_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o if_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o or_o to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o themselves_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n at_o all_o per_fw-la adventure_n to_o leave_v all_o thing_n at_o hazard_n to_o put_v off_o all_o trial_n unto_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o so_o never_o call_v themselves_o unto_o a_o account_n as_o unto_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o any_o particular_a instance_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o distinction_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o unto_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o we_o impartial_o and_o severe_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o frames_n and_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o holy_a duty_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o thereon_o not_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v that_o plain_o unto_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o word_n speak_v unto_o we_o this_o diligent_a search_n ought_v to_o respect_v our_o principle_n aim_n end_n act_n with_o the_o whole_a deportment_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o every_o duty_n see_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o if_o a_o man_n receive_v much_o money_n and_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o superscription_n when_o he_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v great_a store_n of_o currant_n coin_n in_o gold_n and_o silver_n he_o may_v have_v only_a heap_n of_o lead_n or_o copper_n by_o he_o but_o he_o that_o trade_v in_o it_o as_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o his_o natural_a life_n and_o condition_n he_o will_v try_v what_o he_o receive_v both_o by_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o touchstone_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o much_o adulterate_v coin_n be_v passant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o man_n reckon_v on_o his_o duty_n by_o tale_n and_o number_n he_o may_v be_v utter_o deceive_v and_o be_v spiritual_o poor_a and_o a_o bankrupt_a when_o he_o esteem_v himself_o rich_a increase_v in_o good_n and_o want_v nothing_o some_o duty_n may_v appear_o hold_v in_o the_o balance_n as_o to_o weight_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v it_o at_o the_o touchstone_n as_o to_o worth_n both_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o our_o account_n thus_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o duty_n call_v the_o people_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o so_o like_a to_o have_v acceptance_n with_o he_o isa._n 58.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o add_v we_o must_v unto_o our_o own_o diligent_a enquiry_n fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v search_v and_o try_v we_o as_o unto_o our_o sincerity_n and_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n hereof_o we_o have_v a_o express_a example_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 this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v unto_o our_o sincerity_n with_o our_o own_o spirit_n there_o be_v need_n of_o call_v in_o divine_a assistance_n in_o this_o matter_n both_o from_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o from_o its_o difficulty_n god_n alone_o know_v full_o and_o perfect_o what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o in_o the_o impartial_a use_n of_o these_o mean_n a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o assure_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n such_o as_o wherein_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v whether_o he_o do_v animate_v and_o quicken_v his_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o duty_n with_o inward_a vital_a grace_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v impression_n on_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o duty_n a_o duty_n this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n now_o hypocrisy_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o inroad_a on_o profession_n and_o gift_n have_v doflowred_a grace_n in_o its_o principal_a operation_n no_o person_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o walk_v at_o hazard_n with_o god_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o duty_n unto_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o other_o for_o they_o may_v countenance_v themselves_o with_o a_o appearance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o in_o reality_n and_o power_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o we_o have_v see_v many_o earnest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n who_o have_v turn_v vile_a and_o debauch_a apostate_n some_o have_v be_v know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o indulgence_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o yet_o to_o abide_v constant_a in_o their_o duty_n isa._n 1.15_o and_o we_o may_v hear_v prayer_n sometime_o that_o open_o discover_v themselves_o unto_o spiritual_a sense_n to_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o brain_n by_o the_o help_n of_o gift_n in_o memory_n and_o invention_n without_o a_o evidence_n of_o any_o mixture_n of_o humility_n reverence_n or_o godly_a fear_n without_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o flow_v as_o wine_n yet_o smell_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o unsavoury_a cask_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v put_v ourselves_o on_o the_o severe_a trial_n lest_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o spiritual_a duty_n gift_n be_v gracious_a vouchsafement_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v grace_n useful_a unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o yea_o they_o may_v make_v they_o useful_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o who_o have_v no_o grace_n in_o themselves_o but_o as_o
heart_n and_o affection_n 3._o earnestness_n and_o appear_a fervency_n in_o prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o outward_a delivery_n of_o the_o word_n of_o it_o yea_o though_o the_o mind_n be_v so_o affect_v as_o to_o contribute_v much_o thereunto_o will_v not_o of_o themselves_o prove_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n therein_o do_v arise_v from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a property_n of_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_n act_v of_o love_n faith_n and_o desire_n but_o there_o be_v a_o fervency_n wherewith_o the_o mind_n itself_o may_v be_v affect_v that_o may_v arise_v from_o other_o cause_n 1._o it_o may_v do_v so_o from_o the_o engagement_n of_o natural_a affection_n unto_o the_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n or_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o man_n may_v be_v mighty_a earnest_n and_o intent_n in_o their_o mind_n in_o pray_v for_o a_o dear_a relation_n or_o for_o deliverance_n from_o eminent_a trouble_n or_o imminent_a danger_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o fervour_n arise_v from_o the_o vehement_a act_n of_o natural_a affection_n about_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o excite_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n by_o the_o present_a duty_n hence_o god_n call_v the_o earnest_a cry_n of_o some_o for_o temporal_a thing_n not_o a_o cry_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o howl_v hosea_n 7.14_o that_o be_v the_o cry_n of_o hungry_a ravenous_a beast_n that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v 2._o sometime_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o sharpness_n of_o conviction_n which_o will_v make_v man_n even_o roar_v in_o their_o prayer_n for_o disquietment_n of_o heart_n and_o this_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n as_o yet_o receive_v nor_o it_o may_v be_v ever_o will_v be_v so_o for_o the_o perplex_v work_n of_o conviction_n go_v before_o real_a conversion_n and_o as_o it_o produce_v many_o other_o effect_n and_o change_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o it_o may_v do_v this_o of_o great_a fervency_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o outward_a affliction_n pain_n or_o trouble_n psal._n 78.34_o 35._o 3._o ofttime_n the_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v very_o little_o concern_v in_o that_o fervour_n and_o earnestness_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o gift_n and_o through_o their_o own_o utterance_n man_n put_v their_o natural_a affection_n into_o such_o a_o agitation_n as_o shall_v carry_v they_o out_o into_o a_o great_a vehemency_n in_o their_o expression_n it_o have_v be_v so_o with_o sundry_a person_n who_o have_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v rot_a hypocrite_n and_o have_v afterward_o turn_v curse_v apostate_n wherefore_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o gracious_a spring_n or_o vital_a principle_n act_v itself_o from_o within_o in_o spiritual_a thought_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v design_v a_o advantage_n by_o their_o conception_n unto_o the_o interest_n of_o profaneness_n and_o scoff_v for_o if_o there_o may_v be_v these_o evil_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n both_o in_o constancy_n and_o with_o fervency_n if_o there_o may_v be_v a_o total_a want_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o true_a grace_n with_o it_o and_o under_o it_o than_o it_o may_v be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v of_o this_o gift_n and_o its_o use_n be_v but_o hypocrisy_n and_o talk_n but_o i_o say_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o pretend_v that_o because_o the_o sun_n shine_v on_o a_o dunghill_n do_v occasion_n offensive_a and_o noisome_a steam_n therefore_o all_o that_o be_v pretend_v of_o its_o influence_n on_o spice_n and_o flower_n cause_v they_o to_o give_v out_o their_o fragrancy_n be_v utter_o false_a no_o man_n ever_o think_v that_o spiritual_a gift_n do_v change_v or_o renew_v the_o mind_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n where_o they_o be_v alone_o they_o only_o help_v and_o assist_v unto_o the_o useful_a exercise_n of_o natural_a faculty_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o saving_o renew_v no_o gift_n can_v stir_v up_o a_o save_a exercise_n of_o faith_n but_o where_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o cause_v the_o savour_n of_o it_o to_o flow_v forth_o 2._o be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o evil_n find_v under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n what_o remedy_n for_o they_o may_v be_v propose_v be_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v renounce_v their_o use_n of_o it_o and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o read_n of_o prayer_n only_o 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n whatever_o for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o liable_a unto_o abuse_n and_o shall_v we_o reject_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o whole_a complexe_n of_o gospel_n gift_n for_o the_o commuication_n whereof_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o continue_v his_o spirit_n with_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n because_o by_o some_o they_o be_v abuse_v 2._o not_o only_o the_o same_o but_o far_o great_a evil_n may_v be_v find_v in_o and_o under_o the_o read_n of_o prayer_n which_o need_v no_o further_a demonstration_n than_o what_o it_o give_v of_o itself_o every_o day_n 3._o it_o be_v hard_o to_o understand_v how_o any_o benefit_n at_o all_o can_v accrue_v unto_o any_o by_o this_o relief_n when_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o other_o way_n be_v evident_a wherefore_o the_o enquiry_n remain_v how_o we_o may_v know_v unto_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o thought_n we_o have_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v from_o internal_a fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v whereunto_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v tend_v some_o few_o thing_n i_o shall_v offer_v towards_o satisfaction_n herein_o 1._o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v on_o the_o evidence_n before_o give_v that_o person_n who_o have_v any_o spiritual_a light_n and_o will_v diligent_o examine_v and_o try_v their_o own_o heart_n will_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o real_a act_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n there_o be_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o their_o spiritual_a thought_n in_o general_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o sincere_a faith_n will_v be_v its_o own_o evidence_n and_o where_o there_o be_v sincere_a act_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v evidence_n themselves_o if_o we_o try_v all_o thing_n impartial_o by_o the_o word_n but_o if_o man_n do_v as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o do_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o duty_n without_o a_o examination_n of_o their_o principle_n frames_n and_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o uncertainty_n 2._o when_o the_o soul_n find_v a_o sweet_a spiritual_a complacency_n in_o and_o after_o its_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o grace_n have_v be_v act_v in_o its_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o desire_n jer._n 31._o the_o prophet_n receive_v a_o long_a gracious_a message_n from_o god_n fill_v up_o with_o excellent_a promise_n and_o pathetical_a exhortation_n unto_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a be_v as_o it_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o ver._n 25._o for_o i_o have_v satiate_v the_o weary_a soul_n and_o i_o have_v replenish_v every_o sorrowful_a soul_n whereon_o the_o prophet_n add_v upon_o this_o i_o awake_v and_o behold_v and_o my_o sleep_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o god_n gracious_a message_n have_v so_o compose_v his_o spirit_n and_o free_v his_o mind_n from_o trouble_n as_o that_o he_o be_v at_o quiet_a repose_n in_o himself_o like_o a_o man_n asleep_a but_o after_o the_o end_n of_o it_o he_o stir_v up_o himself_o unto_o a_o review_n and_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o he_o i_o awake_v and_o behold_v or_o i_o stir_v up_o myself_o and_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v deliver_v unto_o i_o and_o say_v he_o my_o sleep_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o i_o find_v a_o gracious_a complacency_n in_o and_o refreshment_n unto_o my_o soul_n from_o what_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v so_o be_v it_o ofttimes_o with_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v have_v real_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n it_o find_v itself_o both_o in_o it_o and_o afterward_o when_o it_o be_v awaken_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o spiritual_o refresh_v it_o be_v sweet_a unto_o he_o this_o holy_a complacency_n this_o rest_n and_o sweet_a repose_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o delight_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o duty_n they_o do_v not_o pray_v only_o because_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o yet_o because_o
way_n these_o thought_n man_n approve_v themselves_o in_o and_o judge_v they_o their_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o measure_n but_o no_o heart_n can_v conceive_v the_o multitude_n of_o these_o thought_n which_o partly_o in_o contrivance_n partly_o in_o converse_n be_v engage_v and_o spend_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o man_n be_v immerse_v in_o they_o the_o more_o do_v themselves_o and_o other_o esteem_v they_o diligent_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v neither_o necessity_n nor_o occasion_n to_o be_v engage_v much_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o any_o especial_a call_v who_o yet_o by_o their_o word_n and_o action_n declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v confine_v almost_o in_o their_o thought_n unto_o themselves_o their_o relation_n their_o child_n and_o their self_o concern_v which_o tho_o most_o of_o they_o be_v very_o impertinent_a yet_o they_o justify_v themselves_o in_o they_o all_o sort_n may_v do_v well_o to_o examine_v what_o proportion_n their_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v bear_v unto_o those_o of_o other_o thing_n i_o fear_v with_o most_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v very_o small_a with_o many_o next_o to_o none_o at_o all_o what_o evidence_n then_o can_v they_o have_v that_o they_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v that_o their_o principal_a interest_n lie_v in_o thing_n above_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v ask_v whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v think_v as_o much_o and_o as_o often_o about_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a as_o they_o do_v about_o the_o lawful_a affair_n of_o their_o calling_n i_o say_v more_o and_o more_o often_o if_o we_o be_v what_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v general_o it_o be_v the_o best_a sort_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o man_n who_o be_v busy_v in_o their_o calling_n some_o of_o one_o sort_n some_o of_o another_o but_o even_o among_o the_o best_a of_o these_o many_o will_v continual_o spend_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o spirit_n about_o their_o affair_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o so_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n with_o some_o thought_n sometime_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n occasional_o administer_v do_v suppose_v they_o acquit_v themselves_o very_o well_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v that_o his_o great_a design_n be_v to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o a_o voyage_n unto_o a_o far_a country_n where_o be_v his_o patrimony_n and_o his_o inheritance_n but_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o contrivance_n be_v about_o some_o few_o trifle_n which_o if_o indeed_o he_o intend_v his_o voyage_n he_o must_v leave_v behind_o he_o and_o of_o his_o main_a design_n he_o scarce_o think_v at_o all_o we_o all_o profess_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v for_o heaven_n immortality_n and_o glory_n but_o be_v it_o any_o evidence_n we_o real_o design_v it_o if_o all_o our_o thought_n be_v consume_v about_o the_o trifle_n of_o this_o world_n which_o we_o must_v leave_v behind_o we_o and_o have_v only_o occasional_a thought_n of_o thing_n above_o i_o shall_v elsewhere_o show_v if_o god_n will_v how_o man_n may_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o their_o earthly_a affair_n if_o some_o relief_n may_v not_o be_v thence_o obtain_v i_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o say_v or_o answer_v for_o they_o who_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v not_o hold_v proportion_n with_o yea_o exceed_v they_o which_o they_o lie_v out_o about_o their_o calling_n this_o whole_a rule_n be_v ground_v on_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 6.31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o take_v no_o thought_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v or_o what_o shall_v we_o drink_v or_o wherewith_o we_o shall_v be_v clothe_v but_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o take_v therefore_o no_o thought_n for_o to_o morrow_n when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v when_o we_o have_v make_v the_o best_a of_o they_o we_o be_v able_a all_o earthly_a thing_n as_o unto_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o what_o we_o eat_v what_o we_o drink_v and_o wherewith_o we_o be_v clothe_v about_o these_o thing_n our_o saviour_n forbid_v we_o to_o take_v any_o thought_n not_o absolute_o but_o with_o a_o double_a limitation_n as_o first_o that_o we_o take_v no_o such_o thought_n about_o they_o as_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o disquietment_n of_o mind_n through_o a_o distrust_n of_o the_o fatherly_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o context_n second_o no_o thought_n that_o for_o constancy_n and_o engagement_n of_o spirit_n shall_v be_v like_a unto_o those_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n let_v that_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a thing_n in_o your_o thought_n and_o conscience_n we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o at_o least_o they_o must_v hold_v a_o exceed_a proportion_n with_o they_o let_v a_o man_n industrious_o engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o call_v try_v himself_o by_o this_o rule_n every_o evening_n let_v he_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v his_o thought_n about_o his_o earthly_a occasion_n and_o what_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o thereon_o ask_v of_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no._n be_v not_o deceive_v as_o a_o man_n think_v so_o be_v he_o and_o if_o we_o account_v it_o a_o strange_a thing_n that_o our_o thought_n shall_v be_v more_o exercise_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o our_o calling_n we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n we_o can_v find_v that_o we_o have_v either_o life_n or_o peace_n moreover_o it_o be_v know_v how_o often_o when_o we_o be_v engage_v in_o spiritual_a duty_n other_o thought_n will_v interpose_v and_o impose_v themselves_o on_o our_o mind_n those_o which_o be_v about_o man_n secular_a concernment_n will_v do_v so_o the_o world_n will_v frequent_o make_v a_o inroad_n on_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n to_o disturb_v the_o passenger_n and_o wayfaring_a man_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o complain_v of_o by_o such_o as_o be_v awake_a unto_o their_o duty_n and_o sensible_a of_o their_o weakness_n call_v to_o mind_n therefore_o how_o often_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n spiritual_a thought_n do_v interpose_v and_o as_o it_o be_v impose_v themselves_o on_o your_o mind_n while_o you_o be_v engage_v in_o your_o earthly_a affair_n sometime_o no_o doubt_n but_o with_o all_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n it_o be_v so_o or_o ever_o i_o be_v aware_a say_v the_o spouse_n my_o soul_n make_v i_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o amminadab_n cant._n 6.12_o grace_n in_o she_o own_o soul_n surprise_v she_o into_o a_o ready_a willing_a frame_n unto_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n when_o she_o be_v intent_n on_o other_o occasion_n but_o if_o these_o thought_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n so_o arise_v in_o we_o bear_v no_o proportion_n with_o the_o other_o sort_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n what_o frame_n and_o principle_n be_v predominant_a in_o we_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v vain_a useless_a and_o altogether_o unprofitable_a these_o ordinary_o through_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v look_v on_o as_o not_o sinful_a because_o as_o it_o be_v suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o and_o therefore_o man_n rather_o shake_v they_o off_o for_o their_o folly_n than_o their_o gild_n but_o they_o arise_v from_o a_o corrupt_a fountain_n and_o woeful_o pollute_v both_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n wherever_o there_o be_v vain_a thought_n there_o be_v sin_n jerem._n 4.14_o such_o be_v those_o numberless_a imagination_n whereby_o man_n fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v not_o to_o enjoy_v what_o they_o enjoy_v not_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o and_o other_o at_o their_o pleasure_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v liable_a unto_o such_o a_o pernicious_a folly_n which_o some_o of_o tenacious_a fancy_n have_v turn_v into_o madness_n we_o be_v behold_v alone_o to_o our_o curse_a apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o the_o vanity_n that_o possess_v our_o mind_n thereon_o hence_o the_o prince_n of_o tyrus_n think_v he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n ezek._n 28.2_o so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o other_o and_o in_o those_o in_o who_o such_o imagination_n be_v keep_v unto_o some_o better_a order_n and_o bound_n yet_o be_v trace_v unto_o their_o original_a they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o spring_v some_o of_o they_o immediate_o from_o pride_n some_o from_o sensual_a lust_n some_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n all_o from_o self_n and_o the_o
reckon_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o as_o if_o one_o have_v as_o much_o evil_a and_o misery_n in_o they_o as_o the_o other_o have_v of_o good_a and_o blessedness_n as_o though_o his_o state_n be_v any_o way_n to_o be_v complain_v of_o who_o must_v undergo_v the_o one_o while_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o or_o as_o though_o to_o escape_v the_o one_o he_o hazard_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v inseparable_a from_o our_o nature_n to_o have_v a_o fear_n of_o and_o aversation_n from_o great_a distress_a suffering_n that_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o bear_v even_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o have_v take_v on_o he_o all_o the_o sinless_a property_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v a_o fear_n and_o aversation_n though_o holy_a and_o gracious_a with_o respect_n unto_o his_o own_o those_o who_o through_o a_o stoutheartedness_n do_v contemn_v they_o before_o their_o approach_n boast_v in_o themselves_o of_o their_o ability_n to_o undergo_v they_o censure_v such_o as_o will_v not_o unadvised_o engage_v in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o seldom_o glorify_v god_n when_o they_o be_v real_o to_o conflict_n with_o they_o peter_n alone_o trust_v unto_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v his_o master_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v the_o warn_v ill_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o do_v so_o and_o he_o alone_o deny_v he_o all_o church_n story_n be_v fill_v with_o instance_n of_o such_o as_o have_v bear_v themselves_o high_a before_o the_o approach_n of_o trial_n have_v shameful_o miscarry_v when_o their_o trial_n have_v come_v wherefore_o it_o be_v moreover_o allow_v unto_o we_o to_o use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o they_o both_o rule_n and_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n give_v sufficient_a warranty_n for_o it_o but_o there_o be_v time_n and_o season_n wherein_o without_o any_o tergiversation_n they_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n confess_v christ_n before_o man_n as_o we_o will_v be_v own_v by_o he_o before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n all_o thing_n do_v now_o call_v we_o to_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o season_n to_o be_v martyr_n in_o resolution_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o real_o lose_v our_o life_n by_o violence_n nothing_o will_v give_v we_o this_o preparation_n but_o to_o have_v our_o mind_n exercise_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v invisible_a and_o eternal_a he_o who_o be_v thus_o spiritual_o mind_a who_o have_v his_o thought_n and_o affection_n set_v on_o thing_n above_o will_v have_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n what_o to_o oppose_v unto_o any_o circumstance_n of_o his_o suffering_n those_o view_n which_o such_o a_o one_o have_v have_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o increated_a glory_n above_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o heavenly_a place_n where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n of_o the_o glory_n within_o the_o veil_n whereby_o they_o have_v be_v realize_v and_o make_v present_a unto_o his_o soul_n will_v now_o visit_v he_o every_o moment_n abide_v with_o he_o continual_o and_o put_v forth_o their_o efficacy_n unto_o his_o supportment_n and_o refreshment_n alas_o what_o will_v become_v of_o many_o of_o we_o who_o be_v grovel_v continual_o on_o the_o earth_n who_o belly_n cleave_v unto_o the_o dust_n who_o be_v stranger_n unto_o the_o thought_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n when_o distress_v trouble_n shall_v befall_v we_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o refresh_a thought_n of_o thing_n above_o will_n then_o visit_v our_o soul_n when_o we_o resist_v their_o admittance_n in_o day_n of_o peace_n do_v you_o come_v to_o i_o in_o your_o distress_n say_v jepthe_n when_o in_o the_o time_n of_o your_o peace_n you_o drive_v i_o from_o you_o when_o we_o will_v thus_o think_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n to_o our_o refreshment_n we_o shall_v hardly_o get_v they_o to_o make_v a_o abode_n with_o we_o i_o know_v god_n can_v come_v in_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o support_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v and_o even_o surprise_v into_o the_o great_a of_o suffering_n yet_o do_v i_o know_v also_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o to_o tempt_v he_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n unto_o we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n heb._n 12.2_o his_o mediatory_a glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o this_o he_o take_v the_o view_n and_o prospect_n of_o in_o all_o his_o suffering_n unto_o his_o refreshment_n and_o supportment_n and_o his_o example_n as_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v more_o efficacious_o instructive_a than_o any_o other_o rule_n or_o precept_n eternal_a glory_n be_v set_v before_o we_o also_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o grace_n that_o by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v relieve_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n yea_o and_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n how_o many_o of_o those_o bless_a soul_n now_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o glory_n who_o pass_v through_o fiery_a trial_n and_o great_a tribulation_n be_v enable_v to_o sing_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o flame_n by_o a_o prepossession_n of_o this_o glory_n in_o their_o mind_n through_o believe_v yea_o some_o have_v be_v so_o fill_v with_o they_o as_o to_o take_v off_o all_o sense_n of_o pain_n under_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torture_n when_o stephen_n be_v to_o be_v stone_v to_o encourage_v he_o in_o his_o suffering_n and_o comfort_v he_o in_o it_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o he_o see_v jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o can_v conceive_v what_o contempt_n of_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o madness_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o a_o neglect_n of_o all_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n this_o view_n raise_v his_o holy_a soul_n unto_o to_o obtain_v therefore_o such_o view_v frequent_o by_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v who_o be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o encourage_v we_o unto_o all_o our_o suffering_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o the_o force_n of_o this_o encouragement_n in_o a_o comparison_n with_o earthly_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 9.25_o every_o man_n who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n now_o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o a_o incorruptible_a if_o man_n when_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n of_o vain_a honour_n and_o applause_n be_v propose_v unto_o they_o will_v do_v and_o endure_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o and_o relieve_v themselves_o in_o their_o hardship_n with_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o attain_v it_o ground_v on_o uncertain_a hope_n shall_v not_o we_o who_o have_v a_o crown_n immortal_a and_o invisible_a propose_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o with_o the_o high_a assurance_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o cheerful_o undergo_v endure_v and_o suffer_v what_o we_o be_v to_o go_v through_o in_o the_o way_n unto_o it_o 4._o this_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o wean_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n from_o thing_n here_o below_o to_o keep_v the_o mind_n unto_o a_o undervaluation_n yea_o a_o contempt_n of_o they_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v for_o there_o be_v a_o season_n wherein_o there_o be_v such_o a_o contempt_n require_v in_o we_o of_o all_o relation_n and_o enjoyment_n as_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o hate_v of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o absolute_o but_o comparative_o in_o comparison_n of_o he_o and_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o duty_n which_o belong_v unto_o our_o profession_n luke_n 14.26_o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n some_o i_o fear_v if_o they_o do_v but_o consider_v it_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o and_o other_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o disciple_n in_o another_o case_n lord_n who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v nor_o can_v we_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n on_o any_o other_o term_n but_o here_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n lie_v the_o wound_n and_o weakness_n of_o
think_v to_o express_v their_o love_n and_o conformity_n unto_o he_o they_o will_v have_v image_n of_o he_o which_o they_o will_v embrace_v adore_v and_o bedew_v with_o their_o tear_n they_o will_v have_v crucifix_n as_o they_o call_v they_o which_o they_o will_v carry_v about_o they_o and_o wear_v next_o unto_o their_o heart_n as_o if_o they_o resolve_v to_o lodge_v christ_n always_o in_o their_o bosom_n they_o will_v go_v in_o pilgrimage_n to_o the_o place_n where_o he_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o through_o a_o thousand_o danger_n and_o purchase_v a_o feign_a chip_n of_o a_o tree_n whereon_o he_o suffer_v at_o the_o price_n of_o all_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o long_a thoughtfulness_n fast_n and_o watch_n to_o cast_v their_o soul_n into_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n wherein_o they_o fancy_v themselves_o in_o his_o presence_n they_o come_v at_o last_o to_o make_v themselves_o like_o he_o in_o get_v impression_n of_o wound_n on_o their_o side_n their_o hand_n and_o foot_n unto_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o sundry_a other_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n and_o tendency_n do_v superstition_n abuse_v and_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o certain_a gospel_n truth_n than_o this_o that_o believer_n ought_v continual_o to_o contemplate_v on_o christ_n by_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o that_o thereby_o they_o be_v change_v and_o transform_v into_o his_o image_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forego_v our_o duty_n because_o other_o man_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o nor_o part_n with_o practical_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o superstition_n but_o we_o may_v see_v herein_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o depart_v in_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o conduct_n of_o scripture_n light_n and_o rule_n when_o for_o want_v thereof_o the_o best_a and_o most_o noble_a endeavour_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n even_o to_o love_n christ_n and_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o do_v issue_n in_o provocation_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n pray_v therefore_o that_o you_o may_v be_v keep_v unto_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o thing_n by_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o the_o only_a rule_n thereof_o and_o conscientious_a subjection_n of_o soul_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o it_o for_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v our_o affection_n to_o be_v entangle_v with_o the_o paint_n or_o artificial_a beauty_n of_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o give_v our_o love_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v among_o they_o who_o in_o the_o act_n of_o their_o love_n and_o affection_n unto_o christ_n do_v fall_v into_o some_o irregularity_n and_o excess_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v it_o provide_v their_o worship_n of_o he_o be_v neither_o superstitious_a nor_o idolatrous_a than_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n do_v almost_o disavow_v their_o have_v any_o thought_n of_o or_o affection_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o we_o shall_v foolish_o run_v into_o either_o of_o these_o extreme_n god_n have_v in_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o provide_v against_o they_o both_o he_o have_v both_o show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o diligent_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v limit_v out_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v so_o do_v and_o let_v our_o design_n be_v what_o they_o will_v where_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o depart_v from_o his_o prescription_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v sure_a to_o lose_v all_o that_o we_o do_v wherefore_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v that_o we_o may_v thus_o think_v of_o christ_n and_o meditate_v on_o he_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n 1_o that_o the_o mean_n of_o bring_v he_o to_o mind_n be_v what_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o appoint_v 2._o that_o the_o continue_a proposal_n of_o he_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o both_o these_o end_n the_o superstitious_a mind_n of_o man_n invent_v the_o way_n of_o image_n and_o crucifix_n with_o their_o appurtenance_n before_o mention_v and_o this_o render_v all_o their_o devotion_n a_o abomination_n that_o which_o tend_v unto_o these_o end_n among_o believer_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o word_n will_v you_o then_o think_v of_o christ_n as_o you_o ought_v take_v these_o two_o direction_n 1._o pray_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v abide_v with_o you_o continual_o to_o mind_n you_o of_o he_o which_o he_o will_v do_v in_o all_o in_o who_o he_o do_v abide_v for_o it_o belong_v unto_o his_o office_n 2._o for_o more_o fix_v thought_n and_o meditation_n take_v some_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o and_o propose_v either_o in_o his_o person_n office_n or_o grace_n unto_o you_o gal._n 3.1_o 4._o this_o duty_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o bless_a communion_n and_o intercourse_n that_o be_v between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v despise_v by_o some_o and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o esteem_v ridiculous_a but_o they_o do_v therein_o no_o less_o than_o renounce_v christianity_n and_o turn_v the_o lord_n christ_n into_o a_o idol_n that_o neither_o know_v see_v nor_o hear_v but_o i_o speak_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v not_o utter_a stranger_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n who_o know_v not_o what_o religion_n be_v unless_o they_o have_v real_a spiritual_a intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n thereby_o consider_v this_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a exemplify_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canticle_n there_o be_v not_o one_o instance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v which_o do_v not_o suppose_v a_o continual_a thoughtfulness_n of_o he_o and_o in_o answer_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n wherein_o he_o be_v delight_v do_v he_o by_o his_o spirit_n insinuate_v into_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o love_n kindness_n and_o relation_n unto_o we_o the_o great_a variety_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v mutual_o carry_v on_o between_o he_o and_o the_o church_n the_o singular_a endearment_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o and_o bless_a estate_n in_o rest_n and_o complacency_n do_v make_v up_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o holy_a discourse_n no_o thought_n then_o of_o christ_n proceed_v from_o faith_n accompany_v with_o love_n and_o delight_n shall_v be_v lose_v they_o that_o sow_v this_o seed_n shall_v return_v with_o their_o sheaf_n christ_n will_v meet_v they_o with_o gracious_a intimation_n of_o his_o acceptance_n of_o they_o delight_n in_o they_o and_o return_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o love_n unto_o they_o he_o never_o will_v be_v he_o never_o be_v behind_o with_o any_o poor_a soul_n in_o return_n of_o love_n those_o gracious_a and_o bless_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o come_v unto_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o they_o and_o of_o sup_v with_o they_o all_o expression_n of_o a_o gracious_a presence_n and_o intimate_a communion_n do_v all_o depend_v on_o this_o duty_n wherefore_o we_o may_v consider_v three_o thing_n concern_v these_o thought_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o they_o be_v exceed_o acceptable_a unto_o he_o as_o the_o best_a pledge_n of_o our_o cordial_a affection_n cant._n 2.14_o o_o my_o dove_n that_o be_v in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a when_o a_o soul_n through_o manifold_a discouragement_n and_o despondency_n withdraw_v and_o as_o it_o be_v hide_n itself_o from_o he_o he_o call_v to_o see_v a_o poor_a weep_n blubber_a face_n and_o to_o hear_v a_o break_a voice_n that_o scarce_o go_v beyond_o sigh_n and_o groan_n 2._o these_o thought_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o we_o comply_v with_o the_o gracious_a intimation_n of_o his_o love_n mention_v before_o by_o they_o do_v we_o hear_v his_o knock_n know_v his_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v he_o entrance_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v and_o sup_v with_o we_o sometime_o indeed_o the_o soul_n be_v surprise_v into_o act_n of_o gracious_a communion_n with_o christ_n cant._n 6.11_o but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v unless_o we_o abide_v in_o those_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o prepare_v
and_o make_v our_o soul_n meet_v for_o the_o reception_n and_o entertainment_n of_o he_o wherefore_o 3._o our_o want_n of_o experience_n in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o holy_a intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n arise_v principal_o from_o our_o defect_n in_o this_o duty_n i_o have_v know_v one_o who_o after_o a_o long_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n fall_v into_o great_a darkness_n and_o distress_n mere_o on_o this_o account_n that_o he_o do_v not_o experience_n in_o himself_o the_o sweetness_n life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o testimony_n give_v concern_v the_o real_a communication_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n unto_o and_o the_o intimation_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o believer_n he_o know_v well_o enough_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o it_o at_o least_o he_o understand_v there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o he_o have_v experience_n of_o god_n carry_v he_o by_o faith_n through_o that_o darkness_n but_o teach_v he_o withal_o that_o no_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v let_v into_o the_o soul_n but_o by_o constant_a thoughtfulness_n and_o contemplation_n on_o christ._n how_o many_o bless_a visit_n do_v we_o lose_v by_o not_o be_v exercise_v unto_o this_o duty_n see_v cant._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o sometime_o we_o be_v busy_a sometime_o careless_a and_o negligent_a sometime_o slothful_a sometime_o under_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o we_o neither_o inquire_v after_o nor_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o have_v our_o joy_n abound_v again_o i_o speak_v now_o with_o especial_a respect_n unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o presence_n as_o god_n and_o man_n eternal_o unite_v the_o discharge_v of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n as_o he_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o present_a act_n for_o the_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o true_a tabernacle_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v and_o not_o man_n the_o love_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o intercession_n whereby_o he_o take_v care_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o approach_n of_o his_o glorious_a come_n unto_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o daily_a thought_n and_o meditation_n let_v we_o not_o mistake_v ourselves_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v not_o to_o have_v the_o notion_n and_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v constant_a no_o not_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n both_o which_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n at_o all_o it_o be_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n real_o exercise_v with_o delight_n about_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o especial_o christ_n himself_o as_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n again_o so_o think_v of_o eternal_a thing_n as_o continual_o to_o lay_v they_o in_o the_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n this_o use_n of_o it_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o somewhat_o before_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v press_v upon_o all_o occasion_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o we_o shall_v yet_o suffer_v more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o have_v do_v so_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o if_o we_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o must_v do_v so_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o the_o world_n be_v prepare_v to_o bring_v it_o on_o we_o and_o as_o we_o must_v suffer_v so_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n that_o we_o suffer_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n mere_a suffering_n will_v neither_o commend_v we_o unto_o god_n nor_o any_o way_n advantage_n our_o own_o soul_n when_o we_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o eminent_a grace_n gift_n and_o privilege_n psal._n 1.29_o but_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o man_n suppose_v themselves_o to_o suffer_v for_o conscience_n sake_n though_o if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o all_o our_o suffering_n be_v in_o vain_a nor_o be_v it_o enough_o that_o we_o suffer_v for_o this_o or_o that_o way_n of_o profession_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o esteem_v to_o be_v true_a and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n unto_o what_o be_v not_o so_o the_o glory_n of_o suffering_n on_o these_o account_n sole_o have_v be_v much_o sully_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o person_n out_o of_o a_o natural_a courage_n accompany_v with_o deep_a radicate_a persuasion_n and_o have_v their_o mind_n influence_v with_o some_o sinister_a end_n may_v undergo_v thing_n hard_a and_o difficult_a in_o give_v testimony_n unto_o what_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n example_n we_o have_v have_v hereof_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n see_v 1_o pet._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o we_o have_v have_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o all_o paint_n and_o appearance_n of_o honour_n from_o they_o who_o in_o their_o suffering_n be_v deceive_v in_o what_o they_o profess_v but_o man_n may_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n suffer_v for_o what_o be_v indeed_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n yea_o may_v give_v their_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v therein_o and_o yet_o not_o to_o his_o glory_n nor_o their_o own_o eternal_a advantage_n wherefore_o we_o be_v due_o to_o consider_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v our_o suffering_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o honourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o many_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n with_o respect_n unto_o suffering_n that_o i_o never_o see_v good_a event_n of_o when_o it_o be_v try_v to_o the_o uttermost_a boldness_n confidence_n a_o pretend_a contempt_n of_o hardship_n and_o scorn_v other_o man_n who_o they_o suppose_v defective_a in_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o garment_n or_o livery_n they_o wear_v on_o this_o occasion_n such_o principle_n may_v carry_v man_n out_o in_o a_o bad_a cause_n they_o will_v never_o do_v so_o in_o a_o good_a evangelical_n truth_n will_v not_o be_v honourable_o witness_v unto_o but_o by_o evangelical_n grace_n distrust_v of_o ourselves_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_n to_o be_v undergo_v and_o of_o our_o own_o frailty_n with_o continual_a prayer_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o or_o support_v under_o they_o and_o prudent_a care_n to_o avoid_v they_o without_o a_o inroad_n on_o conscience_n or_o neglect_v of_o duty_n be_v much_o better_a preparation_n for_o a_o entrance_n into_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v many_o thing_n belong_v unto_o our_o learning_n aright_o this_o first_o and_o last_o lesson_n of_o the_o gospel_n namely_o of_o bear_v the_o cross_n or_o undergo_a all_o sort_n of_o suffering_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o they_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a occasion_n this_o only_o be_v that_o which_o we_o now_o press_v as_o a_o evidence_n of_o our_o sincerity_n in_o our_o suffering_n and_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o enable_v we_o cheerful_o to_o undergo_v they_o which_o be_v to_o have_v such_o a_o continual_a prospect_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o glory_n so_o as_o to_o lay_v it_o in_o the_o balance_n against_o all_o that_o we_o may_v undergo_v for_o 1._o to_o have_v our_o mind_n fill_v and_o possess_v with_o thought_n thereof_o will_v give_v we_o a_o alacrity_n in_o our_o entrance_n into_o suffering_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n other_o consideration_n will_v offer_v themselves_o unto_o our_o relief_n which_o will_v quick_o fade_v and_o disappear_v they_o be_v like_o a_o cordial_a water_n which_o give_v a_o little_a relief_n for_o a_o season_n and_o then_o leave_v the_o spirit_n to_o sink_v beneath_o what_o they_o be_v before_o it_o be_v take_v some_o relieve_v themselves_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o suffering_n they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v conflict_n with_o they_o and_o come_v off_o with_o safety_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n so_o small_a which_o will_v not_o prove_v too_o hard_a and_o strong_a for_o we_o unless_o we_o have_v especial_a assistance_n some_o do_v the_o same_o from_o their_o duration_n they_o be_v but_o for_o ten_o day_n or_o six_o month_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v free_a some_o from_o the_o compassion_n and_o esteem_n of_o men._n these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n be_v apt_a to_o occur_v unto_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n whether_o they_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no._n but_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v accustom_v unto_o thought_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v
mind_n be_v accompany_v for_o first_o it_o be_v that_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v most_o displease_v with_o in_o church_n or_o professor_n he_o pity_v they_o in_o their_o temptation_n he_o suffer_v with_o they_o in_o their_o persecution_n he_o intercee_v for_o they_o on_o their_o surprisal_n but_o threaten_v they_o under_o their_o spiritual_a decay_n rev._n 2.4_o 5._o chap._n 3.2_o this_o he_o can_v bear_v with_o as_o that_o which_o both_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o himself_o and_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v ruinous_a unto_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v he_o will_v long_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o be_v utter_o dead_a than_o with_o those_o who_o abide_v under_o these_o decay_n rev._n 3.15_o 16._o this_o be_v the_o only_a case_n wherein_o he_o threaten_v to_o reject_v and_o cast_v off_o a_o profess_v church_n to_o take_v away_o his_o candlestick_n from_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o of_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n he_o that_o speak_v thus_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o old_a speak_v now_o the_o same_o unto_o we_o for_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o his_o word_n be_v live_v and_o unchangeable_a there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o we_o who_o be_v under_o this_o frame_n but_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n testify_v his_o displeasure_n against_o we_o and_o if_o he_o be_v against_o we_o who_o shall_v plead_v for_o we_o consider_v what_o he_o say_v in_o this_o case_n revel_v 2.5_o chapter_n 3.3_o o_o who_o can_v stand_v before_o these_o dreadful_a intimation_n of_o his_o displeasure_n the_o lord_n help_v we_o to_o mind_v it_o lest_o he_o in_o who_o we_o profess_v to_o place_v our_o only_a trust_n be_v in_o our_o trial_n find_v our_o great_a enemy_n take_v heed_n of_o such_o sin_n as_o christ_n himself_o our_o only_a advocate_n have_v put_v a_o mark_n upon_o as_o those_o which_o he_o will_v not_o save_v we_o in_o second_o it_o be_v that_o wherewith_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v grieve_v his_o work_n it_o be_v to_o give_v grace_n a_o increase_n and_o progress_n in_o our_o soul_n he_o begin_v it_o and_o he_o carry_v it_o on_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a grief_n unto_o a_o wise_a and_o gracious_a worker_n than_o to_o have_v his_o work_n decay_n and_o go_v backward_o under_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o complaint_n of_o god_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o unprofitableness_n and_o backslide_n of_o man_n after_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o remedy_n for_o their_o fruitfulness_n and_o cure_n what_o say_v he_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o for_o my_o vineyard_n than_o i_o have_v do_v why_o then_o when_o i_o look_v for_o grape_n do_v it_o bring_v forth_o wild_a grape_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v such_o a_o just_a matter_n of_o grief_n and_o complaint_n unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o see_v and_o find_v those_o who_o he_o have_v once_o raise_v up_o unto_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a affection_n so_o as_o that_o their_o delight_n be_v in_o and_o their_o thought_n much_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o to_o become_v earthly_a or_o sensual_a to_o have_v no_o sensible_a act_n of_o any_o of_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o spiritual_a decay_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n wherein_o god_n speak_v unto_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o complaint_n and_o expostulation_n and_o use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n herein_o when_o a_o wise_a tender_a and_o careful_a parent_n have_v be_v diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o the_o education_n of_o his_o child_n and_o he_o for_o some_o time_n have_v give_v good_a hope_n of_o himself_o find_v he_o to_o slacken_v in_o his_o diligence_n to_o be_v careless_a in_o his_o call_n to_o delight_v in_o evil_a company_n how_o solicitous_a be_v his_o heart_n about_o he_o how_o much_o be_v he_o grieve_v and_o affect_v with_o his_o miscarriage_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o tender_a towards_o we_o than_o that_o of_o the_o most_o affectionate_a parent_n can_v be_v towards_o a_o only_a child_n and_o when_o he_o with_o cost_n and_o care_n have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v we_o up_o unto_o some_o growth_n and_o progress_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n wherein_o all_o his_o concern_v in_o we_o do_v lie_n for_o we_o to_o grow_v cold_a dull_a earthly-minded_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o pleasure_n or_o lust_n of_o this_o world_n how_o be_v he_o grieve_v how_o be_v he_o provoke_v it_o may_v be_v this_o consideration_n of_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n with_o some_o they_o shall_v have_v little_a concernment_n herein_o if_o they_o can_v well_o free_v themselves_o in_o other_o respect_n but_o let_v such_o person_n know_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o profligate_n hardness_n in_o sin_n three_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n provoke_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o any_o church_n as_o be_v intimate_v before_o when_o in_o the_o order_n of_o profession_n and_o worship_n any_o church_n have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n act_v in_o the_o affection_n be_v dead_a when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o cold_a as_o to_o forsake_v the_o external_a institution_n of_o worship_n nor_o so_o hot_a as_o to_o enliven_v their_o duty_n with_o spiritual_a affection_n the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o long_o bear_v with_o they_o yea_o judgement_n will_v sudden_o break_v out_o towards_o such_o a_o house_n of_o god_n four_o it_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n whatever_o person_n under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o frame_n pretend_v unto_o of_o that_o kind_n it_o be_v sinful_a security_n not_o gracious_a assurance_n or_o peace_n and_o constant_o as_o professor_n grow_v cold_a and_o decay_n in_o their_o spiritual_a affection_n stupidity_n of_o conscience_n and_o security_n of_o mind_n do_v grow_v also_o uâ—on_v they_o it_o be_v so_o i_o say_v unless_o they_o be_v sometime_o surprise_v or_o overtake_v with_o some_o great_a sin_n which_o reflect_v severe_o on_o their_o conscience_n and_o cast_v they_o for_o a_o time_n under_o trouble_n and_o distress_n but_o that_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o a_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n shall_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o habitual_a decay_n in_o grace_n especial_o in_o those_o grace_n which_o shall_v act_v themselves_o in_o our_o affection_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o bane_n and_o poison_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o our_o assurance_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n do_v arise_v whole_o from_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o there_o be_v other_o cause_n of_o they_o whereinto_o they_o be_v principal_o resolve_v but_o this_o i_o say_v under_o a_o habitual_a declension_n or_o decay_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o our_o affection_n no_o man_n can_v keep_v or_o maintain_v a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o of_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n more_o severe_o to_o be_v press_v on_o all_o at_o this_o day_n than_o a_o diligent_a examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o peace_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o any_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o luodicen_n who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o her_o good_a state_n and_o condition_n when_o it_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o almost_o desperate_a yea_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o many_o professor_n who_o we_o see_v and_o converse_v withal_o shall_v have_v any_o solid_a peace_n with_o god_n do_v man_n gather_v fig_n from_o thorn_n or_o grape_n from_o thistle_n it_o be_v a_o fruit_n that_o will_v not_o grow_v on_o a_o vain_a earthly_a selfish_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v be_v either_o asleep_a in_o a_o sinful_a security_n or_o live_v on_o most_o uncertain_a hope_n which_o probable_o may_v deceive_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o ruinous_a unto_o our_o profession_n as_o once_o to_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n a_o thing_n of_o course_n to_o maintain_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v but_o that_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o continue_a endeavour_n to_o thrive_v in_o every_o grace_n shall_v be_v require_v thereunto_o the_o whole_a beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v hereon_o to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n 5._o such_o a_o decay_n as_o that_o describe_v
unto_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n from_o which_o we_o be_v secure_v by_o this_o peace_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a the_o first_o be_v offence_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o who_o danger_n we_o be_v more_o warn_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o offence_n wo_n to_o the_o world_n say_v our_o saviour_n because_o of_o offence_n all_o age_n all_o time_n and_o season_n be_v fill_v with_o they_o and_o they_o prove_v pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o such_o be_v the_o scandalous_a division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n the_o endless_a difference_n of_o opinion_n and_o diversity_n of_o practice_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o fall_v and_o sin_n of_o professor_n the_o fearful_a end_n of_o some_o of_o they_o the_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v on_o all_o that_o engage_v into_o any_o peculiar_a way_n of_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o life_n with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o innumerable_a person_n be_v disquiet_v subvert_v or_o infect_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v unto_o this_o head_n against_o any_o hurtful_a or_o noxious_a influence_n on_o our_o mind_n from_o these_o thing_n against_o disquietment_n dejection_n of_o spirit_n and_o disconsolation_n be_v we_o secure_v by_o this_o peace_n so_o the_o psalmist_n assure_v we_o psal._n 119.165_o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o the_o law_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n unto_o we_o and_o the_o only_a outward_a way_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o converse_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o wherefore_o to_o love_v the_o law_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o be_v heavenly_a mind_a yea_o virtual_o that_o which_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a for_o such_o as_o do_v so_o nothing_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n before_o mention_v nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v a_o offence_n a_o stumble_a block_n or_o cause_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o have_v such_o a_o experience_n in_o themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n power_n efficacy_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n under_o a_o profession_n of_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v unto_o they_o a_o occasion_n of_o fall_v or_o be_v offend_v at_o christ._n and_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o very_a evil_a frame_n of_o heart_n when_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o some_o that_o have_v make_v profession_n whereby_o they_o be_v it_o may_v be_v damage_v in_o their_o outward_a concern_v so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v surprise_v into_o reflection_n on_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v profess_v the_o same_o themselves_o 2_o the_o second_o be_v affliction_n persecution_n and_o suffering_n of_o all_o sort_n it_o be_v know_v by_o all_o it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v what_o disquietment_n dejection_n and_o disconsolation_n these_o thing_n be_v apt_a to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n withal_o what_o fear_n trouble_n sorrow_n they_o reflect_v upon_o they_o against_o all_o these_o effect_n of_o they_o this_o peace_n intend_v give_v we_o security_n it_o make_v we_o to_o preserve_v a_o peaceable_a yea_o a_o joyous_a life_n in_o our_o conflict_n with_o they_o see_v joh._n 16.33_o both_o these_o as_o here_o join_v together_o life_n and_o peace_n do_v comprise_v a_o holy_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n wherein_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v find_v rest_n quietness_n refreshment_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o temptation_n affliction_n offence_n and_o suffering_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n composure_n of_o itself_o in_o god_n in_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n so_o as_o not_o great_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o order_n to_o be_v cast_v down_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v befall_v it_o but_o afford_v man_n cheerfulness_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o themselves_o though_o they_o walk_v sometime_o in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n such_o person_n have_v that_o in_o they_o abide_v with_o they_o as_o will_v give_v they_o life_n and_o peace_n under_o all_o occurrence_n 2_o our_o next_o enquiry_n be_v how_o this_o spiritual_a mindedness_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n or_o what_o it_o contribute_v unto_o they_o how_o it_o produce_v the_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n so_o express_v and_o this_o it_o do_v several_a way_n 1_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n on_o our_o part_n of_o retain_v a_o sense_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o durable_a comfort_n such_o as_o will_v support_v and_o refresh_v we_o under_o all_o opposition_n and_o distress_n that_o be_v of_o life_n and_o peace_n in_o our_o soul_n in_o any_o condition_n this_o god_n communicate_v by_o a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n for_o the_o most_o part_n without_o any_o preparation_n for_o it_o in_o ourselves_o he_o create_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o lip_n peace_n peace_n but_o although_o divine_a love_n be_v in_o itself_o unchangeable_a and_o always_o the_o same_o yet_o this_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v lose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o david_n when_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v restore_v unto_o he_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n psal._n 51.12_o and_o so_o many_o other_o have_v find_v it_o by_o woeful_a experience_n to_o insist_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n that_o we_o may_v retain_v a_o gracious_a refresh_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n after_o it_o be_v once_o grant_v unto_o we_o belong_v not_o unto_o my_o present_a purpose_n but_o this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o than_o as_o unto_o what_o belong_v to_o that_o end_n for_o man_n who_o by_o a_o mere_a act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n have_v taste_v herein_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v have_v the_o consolation_n and_o joy_n of_o it_o to_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o keep_n and_o preserve_v it_o in_o their_o soul_n be_v a_o provocation_n that_o they_o will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v sensible_a of_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n than_o to_o have_v his_o especial_a work_n whereby_o he_o seal_v we_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n neglect_v or_o despise_v and_o it_o argue_v a_o mighty_a prevalency_n of_o some_o corruption_n or_o temptation_n that_o shall_v cause_v man_n willing_o and_o by_o their_o own_o sloth_n to_o forfeit_v so_o inestimable_a a_o grace_n mercy_n and_o privilege_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o we_o who_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o bewail_v our_o folly_n in_o every_o intimation_n of_o divine_a love_n be_v a_o inestimable_a jewel_n which_o if_o safe_o treasure_v up_o in_o our_o heart_n add_v unto_o our_o spiritual_a riches_n and_o be_v lose_v will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o affect_v we_o with_o sorrow_n and_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o many_o of_o we_o be_v very_o negligent_a herein_o unto_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spiritual_n state_n many_o such_o intimation_n be_v give_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n through_o the_o word_n which_o we_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o either_o we_o know_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o or_o do_v not_o hearken_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o he_o when_o we_o can_v but_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o see_v cant._n 5.2_o 3._o or_o if_o we_o receive_v any_o impression_n of_o a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o they_o we_o quick_o lose_v they_o not_o know_v how_o much_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v concern_v therein_o and_o what_o use_n of_o they_o we_o may_v have_v in_o our_o follow_a temptation_n trial_n and_o duty_n now_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o retain_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a spring_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n unto_o our_o soul_n be_v this_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o duty_n for_o 1_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n preserve_v of_o itself_o in_o a_o frame_n meet_v to_o receive_v and_o retain_v this_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n what_o other_o way_n can_v there_o be_v on_o our_o part_n but_o that_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v so_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o retain_v it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a always_o prepare_v for_o that_o holy_a converse_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o which_o he_o