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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n corruption_n flesh_n sow_v 5,273 5 10.3024 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A69777 The intercourses of divine love betwixt Christ and his Church, or, The particular believing soul metaphorically expressed by Solomon in the first chapter of the Canticles, or song of songs : opened and applied in several sermons, upon that whole chapter : in which the excellencies of Christ, the yernings of his gospels towards believers, under various circumstances, the workings of their hearts towards, and in, communion with him, with many other gospel propositions of great import to souls, are handles / by John Collinges ... Collinges, John, 1623-1690. 1683 (1683) Wing C5324; ESTC R16693 839,627 984

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or_o despise_v i_o for_o it_o it_o be_v no_o native_a blackness_n it_o be_v but_o accidental_a to_o i_o it_o be_v not_o internal_a but_o external_a that_o which_o make_v i_o thus_o black_a in_o your_o eye_n be_v those_o affl_fw-mi ction_n &_o persecution_n which_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o and_o from_o the_o world_n the_o exceed_a heat_n of_o that_o sornace_n of_o affliction_n into_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v cast_v i_o have_v scorch_v i_o and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o make_v i_o appear_v so_o black_a in_o your_o eye_n it_o follow_v my_o mother_n child_n be_v angry_a with_o i_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v all_o along_o take_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v the_o spouse_n here_o mention_v by_o mother_n child_n here_o understand_v the_o heathen_a who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o her_o mother_n eve_n tempt_a and_o seduce_v they_o to_o their_o idolatrye_n the_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o that_o church_n very_o often_o by_o the_o heathen_a seduce_v to_o their_o 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faith_n yet_o there_o be_v also_o much_o of_o unbelief_n who_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o the_o righteous_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n in_o a_o day_n and_o who_o can_v tell_v how_o often_o he_o offend_v and_o though_o indeed_o the_o lust_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o a_o good_a man_n heart_n do_v not_o common_o break_v out_o into_o scandalous_a act_n which_o stander_n by_o take_v notice_n of_o yet_o sometime_o they_o do_v lot_z and_o noah_n be_v both_o overtake_v with_o wine_n david_n be_v overco●e_v by_o the_o strange_a that_o come_v to_o his_o house_n peter_n deny_v his_o master_n solomon_n asa_n jehosaphat_n all_o the_o good_a king_n of_o judah_n have_v their_o great_a error_n which_o be_v as_o black_a spot_n upon_o their_o memory_n to_o this_o day_n and_o
but_o from_o that_o faith_n in_o the_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n from_o that_o love_n fear_v and_o obedience_n to_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v principled_a those_o act_n and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o will_v have_v make_v those_o act_n more_o intense_a certain_z steady_a and_o uniform_a if_o these_o be_v want_v the_o life-colour_n be_v want_v to_o the_o picture_n other_o thing_n make_v but_o up_o the_o skeleton_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o be_v but_o as_o a_o draught_n of_o the_o line_n of_o the_o face_n without_o the_o life-colour_n which_o seldom_o have_v much_o beauty_n in_o they_o and_o the_o soul_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o fair_a and_o splendid_a outside_n be_v in_o his_o eye_n but_o as_o a_o paint_a sepulchre_n within_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o stench_n and_o rottenness_n and_o the_o bone_n of_o dead_a man_n so_o that_o no_o soul_n that_o be_v without_o faith_n without_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o that_o act_v not_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o christ_n in_o what_o it_o do_v but_o be_v black_a whole_o black_a in_o the_o lord_n eye_n how_o fair_a soever_o in_o its_o own_o eye_n or_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o augustine_n say_v of_o old_a of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o virtuous_a action_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v true_a of_o the_o best_a action_n of_o these_o titular_a christian_n they_o be_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la splendid_a sinning_n thus_o now_o i_o say_v the_o true_a christian_a stand_v distinguish_v from_o unbeliever_n of_o all_o size_n whatsoever_o none_o of_o they_o be_v comely_a but_o whole_o black_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o have_v none_o of_o his_o comeliness_n put_v upon_o they_o the_o glorify_a saint_n be_v altogether_o whitehe_fw-ge have_v not_o only_o wash_v his_o garment_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n but_o he_o be_v also_o deliver_v from_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n from_o the_o sin_n that_o easy_o besett_n he_o the_o weight_n that_o press_v he_o down_o the_o war_n in_o his_o member_n from_o the_o lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n so_o often_o rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o a_o captivity_n oft_o time_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v now_o present_v before_o christ_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n this_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o his_o state_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o be_v now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v sin_n here_o make_v we_o black_a affliction_n and_o sorrow_n make_v we_o appear_v more_o black_a than_o we_o be_v the_o translate_a soul_n neither_o sin_v nor_o yet_o suffer_v or_o sorrow_v any_o more_o the_o state_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o these_o because_o he_o be_v black_a it_o differ_v from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n in_o this_o life_n because_o he_o be_v not_o only_o black_a but_o also_o comely_a hence_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o error_n of_o those_o who_o dream_n of_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v and_o do_v attain_v in_o this_o life_n some_o go_v very_o high_a in_o blasphemy_n telleng_fw-mi u_fw-mi that_o we_o be_v chri_v and_o god_v and_o that_o the_o believer_n be_v as_o spotless_a as_o christ_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n indeed_o tell_v we_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o divine_a nature_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o altogether_o desire_v there_o be_v no_o spot_n no_o blemish_n in_o he_o the_o best_a of_o god_n people_n be_v black_a as_o well_o as_o comely_a black_a through_o inherent_a corruption_n and_o unrighteousness_n though_o comely_a in_o respect_n of_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o inherent_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n many_o be_v make_v sinner_n and_o that_o we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n eph._n 2._o 3._o those_o who_o will_v have_v christ_n to_o die_v for_o every_o man_n be_v pinch_v with_o that_o question_n what_o do_v christ_n then_o purchase_v for_o those_o that_o shall_v never_o be_v save_v some_o of_o they_o answer_n he_o purchase_v for_o all_o a_o total_a freedom_n from_o adam_n sin_n i_o know_v no_o line_n in_o scripture_n to_o justify_v that_o it_o be_v after_o christ_n have_v die_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n but_o he_o that_o can_v fancy_v that_o he_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o against_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o black_a through_o actual_a sin_n do_v yet_o more_o foul_o deceive_v himself_o certain_o he_o must_v not_o look_v into_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n or_o else_o be_v not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v white_a from_o black_a if_o he_o look_v into_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o will_v quick_o with_o saint_n paul_n see_v that_o the_o law_n be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a and_o just_o and_o good_a and_o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v but_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n let_v not_o then_o any_o glory_n in_o a_o fancy_v perfection_n it_o be_v but_o a_o glory_v in_o appearance_n not_o in_o reality_n all_o that_o the_o spouse_n glori_v in_o be_v that_o she_o be_v not_o altogether_o black_a it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n of_o mr._n calvin_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o our_o perfection_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o imperfection_n as_o vain_a be_v the_o glory_v also_o of_o they_o who_o glory_n in_o a_o exemption_n from_o affliction_n that_o this_o sun_n have_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o affliction_n have_v not_o scorch_v they_o as_o they_o have_v scorch_v other_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o be_v without_o chasten_v then_o be_v we_o bastard_n and_o not_o son_n it_o be_v not_o our_o glory_n to_o be_v free_a from_o they_o but_o to_o endure_v they_o not_o to_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o they_o but_o under_o they_o to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o fire_n the_o motto_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v black_a but_o comely_a black_a through_o remain_v lust_n and_o coruption_n comely_a through_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o inherent_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n black_a through_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n comely_a in_o and_o under_o they_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o fire_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n 1._o from_o hence_o every_o inquisitive_a christian_a may_v take_v just_a measure_n of_o himself_o he_o be_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o himself_o by_o his_o blackness_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o blackness_n of_o renew_v sin_n and_o corruption_n or_o the_o blackness_n of_o affliction_n and_o worldly_a opposition_n and_o persecution_n let_v he_o examine_v himself_o 1._o whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o mixture_n of_o grace_n with_o corruption_n sin_n in_o dominion_n be_v not_o indeed_o consistent_a with_o grace_n but_o sin_n in_o be_v be_v there_o be_v twin_n which_o struggle_n one_o with_o another_o in_o every_o good_a soul_n every_o christian_n will_v find_v he_o have_v a_o flesh_n to_o be_v crucify_v member_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n some_o impetuous_a motion_n of_o lust_n at_o some_o time_n but_o let_v he_o examine_v whether_o he_o do_v not_o find_v also_o a_o spiritual_a part_n and_o a_o law_n in_o his_o mind_n the_o flesh_n indeed_o lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v a_o christian_n blackness_n but_o do_v thou_o not_o also_o find_v the_o spirit_n lust_a against_o thy_o flesh_n that_o be_v thy_o comeliness_n a_o true_a christian_a be_v not_o to_o judge_v himself_o from_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o soul_n from_o sin_n but_o from_o the_o war_n and_o combat_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o sin_n he_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o say_v i_o believe_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n express_v the_o lively_a image_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a so_o do_v st._n paul_n more_o large_o rom._n 7._o 18_o 19_o 20._o for_o i_o know_v in_o i_o that_o be_v in_o my_o flesh_n there_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n for_o to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o kow_n to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o for_o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o will_v not_o that_o i_o do_v now_o if_o i_o do_v that_o which_o i_o will_v not_o it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o i_o find_v then_o a_o law_n that_o when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o i_o
and_o christ_n himself_o speak_v to_o i_o he_o of_o who_o god_n have_v say_v this_o be_v my_o well_o belove_a son_n hear_v you_o he_o for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o man_n that_o speak_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o man_n send_v of_o god_n clothe_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o speak_v to_o i_o his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o name_n nor_o be_o i_o to_o regard_v any_o thing_n i_o hear_v but_o what_o agree_v with_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v or_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o he_o the_o set_v right_o of_o a_o person_n first_o end_n design_n and_o intention_n give_v a_o mighty_a conduct_n to_o his_o action_n and_o as_o i_o before_o say_v it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o expect_v god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n with_o and_o upon_o we_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o set_v right_o with_o reference_n to_o its_o intention_n and_o design_n it_o be_v true_a as_o to_o the_o first_o grace_n god_n be_v find_v of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o and_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o inquire_v after_o he_o no_o soul_n will_v ever_o be_v convert_v and_o bring_v home_o to_o god_n if_o god_n do_v not_o meet_v it_o in_o his_o word_n before_o it_o have_v thus_o right_o fix_v its_o design_n and_o intention_n in_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o what_o god_n may_v do_v and_o sometime_o do_v out_o of_o his_o abound_a and_o prevent_v grace_n be_v one_o thing_n what_o a_o soul_n may_v expect_v from_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o promise_n be_v another_o thing_n the_o archer_n may_v possible_o hit_v the_o mark_n though_o he_o have_v never_o by_o his_o eye_n level_v his_o arrow_n at_o it_o but_o he_o can_v promise_v himself_o that_o good_a hap_n no_o soul_n that_o set_v not_o his_o heart_n aright_o to_o seek_v god_n in_o any_o ordinance_n particular_o this_o of_o hear_v his_o word_n who_o do_v not_o before_o he_o go_v set_v his_o face_n towards_o jerusalem_n set_v this_o as_o a_o mark_n in_o his_o eye_n as_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o 2._o second_o it_o do_v not_o only_o comprehend_v the_o end_n of_o intention_n and_o design_n but_o also_o the_o manner_n and_o certain_o none_o can_v pretend_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o he_o must_v go_v to_o it_o without_o any_o levity_n and_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o seriousness_n and_o composure_n of_o spirit_n no_o reverence_n and_o submission_n of_o spirit_n can_v be_v imagine_v too_o much_o for_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o go_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n as_o if_o we_o be_v go_v to_o hear_v a_o oration_n much_o less_o as_o if_o we_o be_v go_v to_o a_o play_n 3._o three_o we_o can_v be_v think_v to_o hear_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o some_o previous_a looking_n up_o to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o we_o go_v for_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o luk._n 11._o 14._o he_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o christ_n first_o beg_v the_o spirit_n for_o we_o john_n 14._o 16._o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v send_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o comfort_v spirit_n be_v the_o teach_v spirit_n v_o 26._o the_o comforter_n which_o the_o father_n shall_v send_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n as_o christ_n at_o first_o pray_v to_o the_o father_n to_o send_v the_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v teach_v we_o all_o thing_n so_o he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o he_o for_o ourselves_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o our_o household_n preparation_n 2._o attend_v particular_o to_o those_o impulse_n which_o at_o some_o time_n thou_o may_v have_v to_o hear_v a_o christian_a shall_v sometime_o find_v some_o particular_a impulse_n upon_o he_o to_o hear_v i_o will_v not_o be_v hear_v i_o will_v not_o be_v here_o mistake_v i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o dangerous_a opinion_n imbibe_v and_o promove_v by_o some_o enthusiast_n that_o christian_n shall_v never_o go_v to_o perform_v a_o duty_n whether_o pray_v or_o hear_v but_o upon_o some_o particular_a impulse_n or_o motion_n i_o call_v this_o a_o dangerous_a principle_n because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n but_o yet_o let_v no_o christian_a neglect_n such_o special_a impulse_n impulse_n to_o action_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n in_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v contemn_a and_o abhor_v they_o must_v come_v from_o the_o boiling_n of_o corruption_n in_o our_o own_o heart_n or_o from_o the_o evil_a spirit_n impulse_n to_o action_n which_o be_v not_o express_o command_v nor_o yet_o forbid_v must_v be_v consider_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v or_o not_o obey_v they_o as_o circumstance_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la at_o this_o or_o that_o time_n may_v determine_v it_o lawful_a or_o not_o lawful_a expedient_a or_o not_o expedient_a with_o reference_n to_o the_o general_n rule_v which_o god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v give_v we_o to_o guide_v all_o our_o action_n by_o impulse_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o due_a circumstance_n ought_v never_o to_o be_v neglect_v it_o may_v be_v well_o presume_v that_o god_n have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o particular_a at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o he_o give_v it_o a_o special_a item_n and_o monition_n to_o go_v to_o hear_v three_o be_v sure_o thou_o go_v to_o hear_v with_o a_o humble_a heart_n and_o with_o as_o much_o of_o a_o poor_a break_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n as_o thou_o can_v there_o be_v a_o promise_n psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o humble_a he_o will_v teach_v and_o another_o isa_n 57_o v._n 15._o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n and_o who_o name_n be_v holy_a i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o to_o revive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o contrite_a one_o and_o isa_n 66._o v._n 2._o to_o the_o man_n will_v i_o look_v even_o to_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n god_n send_v the_o proud_a soul_n empty_a away_o take_v heed_n of_o go_v to_o hear_v with_o a_o proud_a heart_n self-opinionated_a as_o to_o knowledge_n or_o self-conceited_a god_n teach_v the_o humble_a dwell_v with_o the_o humble_a look_v upon_o the_o humble_a the_o rain_n that_o dash_v off_o and_o run_v down_o the_o mountain_n rest_v in_o the_o valley_n the_o instruction_n reproof_n conviction_n of_o the_o word_n which_o fall_v upon_o man_n of_o proud_a and_o high_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o rest_n and_o be_v drink_v in_o by_o low_a and_o humble_a soul_n the_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n be_v like_o the_o plough_v ground_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o more_o apt_a to_o receive_v and_o drink_v in_o the_o word_n than_o that_o ground_n where_o the_o surface_n be_v not_o at_o all_o break_a but_o there_o be_v beside_o particular_a promise_n make_v to_o break_a heart_n the_o word_n you_o know_v be_v compare_v to_o seed_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a matth._n 13._o and_o in_o several_a other_o text_n the_o husbandman_n use_v not_o to_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o the_o whole_a but_o in_o the_o break_a ground_n four_o be_v sure_o you_o go_v to_o hear_v with_o unprejudised_a heart_n willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o learn_v prejudice_n natural_o bar_v the_o ear_n to_o instruction_n ahab_n prejudice_n against_o micajah_n stop_v his_o ear_n against_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o he_o and_o prove_v his_o fatal_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n i_o shall_v never_o advise_v christian_n to_o sit_v under_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o person_n they_o be_v prejudise_v against_o it_o much_o contribute_v to_o a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o they_o if_o therefore_o in_o that_o case_n i_o can_v not_o remove_v my_o prejudice_n i_o will_v choose_v another_o preacher_n but_o i_o further_o add_v that_o you_o shall_v go_v with_o heart_n willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o chapt_n thirsty_a ground_n that_o most_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n and_o be_v make_v most_o fruitful_a by_o it_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o the_o word_n that_o profit_v by_o it_o and_o have_v a_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o it_o though_o the_o word_n be_v god_n and_o he_o breathe_v upon_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o his_o own_o
prisoner_n which_o god_n hear_v and_o accept_v sermon_n xxi_o cant._n 1._o 4._o draw_v i_o and_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o great_a point_n that_o i_o be_o upon_o from_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o text_n draw_v i_o viz._n that_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v draw_v before_o it_o will_v move_v towards_o christ_n either_o by_o come_v to_o he_o in_o its_o first_o conversion_n or_o by_o run_v after_o he_o i_o have_v be_v some_o time_n upon_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o shut_v up_o my_o discourse_n with_o some_o few_o word_n of_o exhortation_n which_o shall_v respect_v all_o man_n and_o woman_n 1._o those_o that_o be_v yet_o without_o christ_n not_o come_v unto_o he_o 2._o such_o as_o be_v come_v unto_o he_o yet_o be_v under_o obligation_n to_o run_v after_o he_o 1._o to_o the_o first_o i_o will_v speak_v two_o thing_n 1._o never_o think_v either_o of_o come_v to_o christ_n or_o run_v after_o he_o in_o your_o own_o natural_a strength_n it_o be_v a_o rock_n which_o many_o soul_n dash_v and_o be_v eternal_o spill_v upon_o they_o say_v not_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n they_o have_v find_v the_o life_n of_o their_o hand_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o grieve_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a deceit_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n for_o he_o to_o say_v he_o have_v his_o spiritual_a life_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n within_o himself_o and_o can_v turn_v to_o christ_n when_o he_o please_v or_o to_o bless_v himself_o as_o in_o a_o good_a condition_n when_o indeed_o his_o condition_n be_v very_o bad_a let_v i_o a_o little_a show_n you_o the_o mischief_n of_o this_o error_n 1._o if_o i_o can_v say_v no_o more_o than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o false_a persuasion_n yet_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o defame_v it_o to_o every_o reasonable_a soul_n the_o soul_n instead_o of_o have_v its_o life_n have_v no_o more_o than_o a_o lie_n in_o its_o right_a hand_n the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v truth_n falsehood_n be_v what_o it_o ought_v natural_o to_o reject_v and_o abhor_v man_n be_v but_o in_o a_o ill_a condition_n when_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v lie_v their_o refuge_n and_o to_o hide_v themselves_o under_o falsehood_n be_v 28._o 15._o what_o a_o sad_a state_n be_v that_o soul_n in_o that_o be_v put_v to_o make_v a_o lie_v its_o refuge_n and_o to_o hide_v itself_o from_o the_o reflection_n of_o its_o conscience_n under_o falsehood_n his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o he_o perish_v for_o ever_o if_o he_o abide_v in_o the_o state_n he_o be_v in_o what_o relieve_v he_o he_o think_v he_o can_v repent_v and_o believe_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n when_o he_o list_v and_o so_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sinful_a course_n stop_v his_o ear_n against_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n charmer_n here_o be_v now_o a_o lie_n make_v the_o refuge_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o but_o second_o a_o further_a mischief_n lie_v here_o that_o whereas_o the_o drawing_n of_o divine_a grace_n do_v usual_o follow_v some_o mean_n and_o endeavour_n to_o be_v use_v on_o our_o part_n and_o that_o in_o time_n this_o false_a persuasion_n take_v we_o off_o the_o timely_a use_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o endeavour_n upon_o the_o use_n of_o which_o god_n ordinary_o come_v in_o with_o the_o further_a power_n of_o his_o grace_n admit_v a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o so_o allow_v by_o we_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v laborious_a painful_a or_o any_o way_n ingrateful_a as_o to_o the_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v or_o believe_v we_o can_v do_v when_o we_o will_v we_o be_v never_o hasty_a to_o do_v it_o but_o very_o apt_a to_o defer_v and_o put_v it_o off_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o to_o omit_v those_o mean_n the_o use_n of_o which_o be_v not_o please_v to_o our_o sense_n whereas_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o power_n but_o require_v the_o assistance_n of_o another_o if_o we_o apprehend_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o though_o the_o mean_n be_v unpleasing_a yet_o we_o will_v not_o neglect_v the_o use_n of_o they_o for_o example_n admit_v a_o man_n sick_a of_o some_o dangerous_a disease_n and_o he_o apprehend_v that_o without_o the_o use_n of_o some_o skilful_a physician_n he_o can_v live_v though_o he_o can_v come_v at_o this_o physician_n without_o a_o laborious_a journey_n and_o know_v the_o physic_n will_v not_o please_v his_o palate_n yet_o a_o man_n will_v not_o lose_v his_o opportunity_n nor_o neglect_v take_v physic_n according_a to_o the_o physician_n prescription_n whereas_o if_o he_o apprehend_v his_o distemper_n such_o as_o he_o know_v at_o any_o time_n how_o to_o remove_v by_o some_o mean_n in_o his_o own_o power_n he_o be_v very_o prone_a to_o put_v off_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n from_o time_n to_o time_n until_o possible_o it_o be_v too_o late_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o soul_n persuade_v that_o it_o have_v its_o life_n in_o its_o own_o hand_n a_o power_n in_o 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and_o not_o suffer_v its_o hand_n in_o the_o evening_n to_o be_v ●lack_a because_o it_o know_v not_o which_o shall_v prosper_v this_o or_o that_o with_o what_o mean_n or_o at_o what_o time_n god_n will_v concur_v isaiah_n 57_o 10._o thou_o say_v that_o thou_o have_v thy_o life_n in_o thy_o hand_n therefore_o thou_o be_v not_o grieve_v the_o jew_n have_v use_v all_o mean_n to_o make_v piece_n and_o league_n with_o other_o nation_n and_o have_v at_o length_n obtain_v it_o and_o thence_o conclude_v they_o have_v their_o life_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v well_o enough_o and_o safe_a enough_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o grieve_a for_o their_o sin_n against_o god_n which_o be_v a_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o their_o true_a security_n it_o be_v even_o thus_o with_o the_o soul_n do_v it_o lie_v under_o the_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o of_o itself_o it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o repent_v believe_v or_o turn_v to_o god_n it_o will_v then_o be_v trouble_v for_o its_o sad_a and_o miserable_a estate_n and_o look_v out_o for_o salvation_n in_o and_o by_o christ_n wait_v upon_o he_o in_o ordinance_n and_o by_o prayer_n cry_v to_o he_o to_o draw_v it_o unto_o himself_o but_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o opinion_n of_o sufficiency_n in_o itself_o it_o neglect_v the_o timely_a use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o must_v be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o and_o from_o christ_n upon_o this_o score_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v that_o christ_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n mat._n 21._o 32._o that_o publican_n and_o harlot_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n before_o they_o the_o pharisee_n say_v they_o have_v their_o life_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o can_v save_v themselves_o they_o be_v lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n submit_v not_o themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 3._o 3._o may_v it_o not_o be_v doubt_v whether_o god_n will_v ever_o draw_v that_o soul_n that_o fanei_v that_o it_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o his_o draw_v it_o be_v say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a what_o be_v pride_n but_o a_o high_a and_o undue_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o gift_n of_o common_a providence_n such_o as_o riches_n honour_n etc._n etc._n or_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o as_o knowledge_n the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n or_o prophesy_v or_o which_o indeed_o be_v
beside_o the_o blot_n which_o these_o eruption_n of_o corruption_n leave_v upon_o the_o particular_a soul_n they_o leave_v also_o a_o blackness_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o they_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n but_o have_v in_o it_o some_o of_o unsanctified_a heart_n who_o as_o judas_n tell_v we_o be_v spot_n in_o our_o feast_n of_o charity_n and_o where_o they_o prevail_v in_o number_n they_o bring_v in_o also_o another_o blackness_n upon_o the_o church_n by_o admission_n of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n 2._o particular_a soul_n be_v also_o black_a through_o act_n of_o mortification_n the_o people_n of_o god_n live_v a_o die_a life_n i_o die_v daily_o say_v paul_n they_o keep_v under_o their_o body_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v they_o in_o subjection_n to_o their_o spirit_n now_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v a_o soul_n to_o look_v more_o white_a and_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n yet_o nothing_o make_v they_o appear_v more_o black_a and_o unlovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n look_v upon_o christian_n chastise_v themselves_o with_o fast_v and_o tear_n in_o their_o dejection_n and_o humiliation_n as_o very_o black_a but_o this_o be_v indeed_o no_o real_a but_o a_o appear_a blackness_n to_o such_o as_o understand_v no_o loveliness_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o sensuality_n 3._o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v often_o black_a through_o affliction_n job_n speak_v of_o affliction_n say_v job_n 30._o 30._o my_o skin_n be_v black_a upon_o i_o and_o my_o bone_n be_v burn_v with_o heat_n hence_o the_o afflict_a face_n be_v say_v to_o gather_v blackness_n joel_n 1._o 6._o nahum_n 2._o 10._o the_o skin_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o her_o affliction_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v as_o black_a as_o a_o raven_n lam._n 5._o 10._o and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o afflict_a nazarite_n lam._n 4._o 8._o that_o their_o visage_n be_v more_o black_a than_o a_o coal_n so_o that_o you_o see_v affliction_n be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v blackness_n now_o there_o be_v no_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n exempt_v from_o affliction_n such_o as_o be_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n immediate_o of_o which_o nature_n be_v desertion_n terror_n and_o soul_n trouble_v of_o several_a sort_n bodily_a distemper_n etc._n etc._n or_o from_o satan_n more_o immediate_o of_o which_o nature_n be_v temptation_n or_o from_o the_o world_n in_o persecution_n and_o injury_n by_o it_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o spouse_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a respect_n to_o these_o for_o she_o add_v my_o mother_n child_n be_v angry_a with_o i_o and_o as_o the_o particular_a soul_n be_v subject_a to_o these_o blackness_n so_o be_v the_o church_n 1._o through_o a_o mixture_n of_o ill_a member_n such_o as_o to_o use_n judes'_v phrase_n be_v spot_n in_o the_o church_n feast_n of_o charity_n such_o no_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v free_a from_o in_o any_o age_n some_o that_o be_v corrupt_a in_o their_o tenet_n and_o principle_n other_o that_o be_v so_o in_o their_o conversation_n god_n denominate_v his_o church_n from_o the_o sincere_a and_o better_a part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o world_n always_o denominate_v it_o from_o the_o worse_a part_n and_o cry_n crimine_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la disce_fw-la omnes_fw-la they_o be_v all_o alike_o hence_o there_o be_v no_o man_n cause_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o reproach_v and_o evil_o speak_v of_o as_o person_n profess_v to_o religion_n and_o membership_n in_o church_n and_o live_v loose_o o●growing_a corrupt_a in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n 2._o the_o church_n become_v black_a through_o the_o admission_n of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n all_o deviation_n from_o the_o divine_a rule_n where_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n in_o the_o case_n be_v the_o blackness_n of_o any_o church_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o observe_v how_o prone_a the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v to_o this_o though_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o more_o infallible_a rule_n and_o more_o plain_a in_o this_o case_n than_o any_o other_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o yet_o i_o can_v find_v that_o ever_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n continue_v in_o it_o in_o purity_n fourscore_o year_n the_o long_a be_v the_o time_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n who_o each_o of_o they_o reign_v forty_o year_n but_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o solomon_n time_n it_o admit_v of_o much_o corruption_n there_o be_v a_o great_a toleration_n of_o idolatry_n as_o you_o read_v in_o the_o story_n and_o you_o shall_v observe_v in_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o that_o church_n in_o how_o few_o king_n reign_n the_o high_a place_n and_o the_o grove_n be_v take_v away_o and_o when_o they_o be_v take_v away_o in_o one_o king_n reign_n how_o soon_o they_o grow_v in_o fashion_n again_o in_o the_o next_o though_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o jew_n so_o severe_o smart_v nor_o against_o which_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v more_o severe_o declare_v by_o the_o prophet_n god_n send_v among_o they_o if_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n you_o look_v over_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n you_o will_v again_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a every_o deviation_n from_o truth_n or_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o worship_n or_o discipline_n will_v not_o unchurch_n a_o church_n the_o lord_n hate_v put_v away_o concern_v idolatry_n i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v that_o be_v a_o spiritual_a adultery_n and_o every_o where_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v whoredom_n and_o go_v a_o whore_v and_o as_o divorce_n be_v lawful_a in_o case_n of_o carnal_a adultery_n so_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v as_o to_o spiritual_a adultery_n that_o god_n have_v say_v to_o a_o people_n lo-ammi_a you_o be_v not_o my_o people_n who_o be_v lapse_v to_o idolatry_n 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and_o those_o tribulation_n by_o which_o christian_n have_v hitherto_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n there_o have_v be_v some_o both_o more_o ancient_a and_o modern_a divine_n who_o have_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o yet_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n christ_n shall_v reign_v upon_o the_o earth_n a_o thousand_o year_n but_o whether_o that_o time_n which_o we_o call_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v last_v so_o long_o or_o those_o thousand_o year_n shall_v be_v a_o space_n of_o time_n precede_v the_o last_o judgement_n whether_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v usual_o interpret_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o opinion_n signify_v christ_n being_n have_v in_o person_n or_o only_o a_o quiet_a and_o more_o tranquil_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v question_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v but_o as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n hitherto_o justify_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o state_n of_o affliction_n and_o blackness_n 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of_o spiritual_a life_n so_o he_o must_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n if_o god_n do_v not_o excite_v the_o grace_n bestow_v on_o he_o it_o will_v be_v choke_v by_o that_o body_n of_o death_n that_o lust_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o best_a man_n heart_n what_o can_v the_o creature_n do_v when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v quicken_v his_o habit_n of_o grace_n he_o can_v act_v and_o exercise_v they_o and_o put_v forth_o spiritual_a act_n but_o do_v he_o no_o more_o need_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yes_o without_o christ_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o he_o must_v still_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 10._o not_o i_o say_v paul_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o this_o be_v now_o cooperative_a and_o assist_a grace_n he_o can_v make_v the_o wheel_n which_o must_v carry_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n work_v grace_n must_v do_v that_o when_o it_o be_v make_v he_o can_v set_v it_o upon_o motion_n 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saviour_n matth._n 5._o and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n no_o man_n so_o glorify_v god_n as_o he_o who_o vigorous_o exercise_v his_o habit_n of_o grace_n the_o barren_a field_n be_v not_o that_o field_n which_o credit_v the_o husbandman_n the_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a soul_n be_v not_o that_o soul_n which_o bring_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o fruitful_a soul_n who_o smell_n be_v like_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o field_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v that_o bring_v honour_n to_o god_n and_o so_o eminent_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n 2._o the_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o concern_v in_o it_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n but_o also_o as_o to_o its_o peace_n and_o comfort_n indeed_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o comfort_n shall_v result_v from_o the_o soul_n performance_n of_o its_o duty_n for_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n but_o yet_o first_o as_o he_o or_o she_o that_o have_v a_o box_n of_o spikenard_n or_o any_o other_o odoriferous_a unguent_n or_o perfume_n which_o cast_v out_o a_o sweet_a savour_n to_o delight_n or_o refresh_v other_o do_v first_o partake_v of_o it_o he_o or_o herself_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spouse_n spikenard_n ordinary_o its_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n do_v not_o only_o affect_v other_o but_o first_o affect_v the_o soul_n in_o which_o they_o be_v find_v hereby_o say_v st._n john_n we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n hez●kiah_n upon_o a_o message_n of_o death_n send_v by_o god_n to_o he_o be_v refresh_v with_o the_o smell_n of_o his_o own_o spikenard_n 2_o king_n 20._o 3._o i_o beseech_v thou_o o_o lord_n say_v he_o remember_v now_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o thy_o fight_n when_o a_o christian_a come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o sick_a bed_n or_o a_o deathbed_n it_o will_v be_v no_o grief_n of_o heart_n unto_o he_o but_o a_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v with_o his_o spirit_n serve_v god_n and_o endeavour_v by_o holiness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o he_o not_o to_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o vain_a 3._o last_o a_o christian_a be_v concern_v in_o point_n of_o honour_n a_o true_a christian_a be_v a_o honourable_a person_n bear_v of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o consult_v his_o honour_n and_o repute_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o smell_n of_o a_o christian_n grace_n that_o give_v he_o a_o name_n and_o honour_n a_o repute_n before_o man_n the_o world_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o our_o habit_n of_o grace_n while_o they_o lie_v dormant_a in_o the_o soul_n but_o when_o they_o show_v themselves_o in_o our_o conversation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n humility_n patience_n meekness_n obedience_n than_o have_v a_o christian_a honour_n before_o man_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o a_o christian_a be_v concern_v to_o have_v his_o spikenard_n send_v forth_o the_o smell_n thereof_o now_o see_v so_o much_o depend_v upon_o this_o that_o a_o christian_n shall_v keep_v this_o glorious_a king_n sit_v at_o his_o table_n it_o follow_v that_o this_o be_v of_o high_a concernment_n to_o every_o soul_n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o can_v we_o do_v towards_o it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n free_a as_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v where_o
own_o inbred_a enemy_n those_o of_o our_o own_o house_n our_o innate_a lust_n and_o corruption_n i_o mean_v be_v as_o still_o as_o our_o grand_a adversary_n the_o very_a water_n of_o marah_n themselves_o turn_v sweet_a when_o this_o tree_n of_o life_n be_v in_o they_o our_o heart_n lose_v much_o of_o their_o bitterness_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o it_o be_v when_o the_o sun_n be_v down_o that_o the_o frog_n and_o toad_n croak_v and_o the_o dor_n and_o bat_n fly_v it_o be_v in_o the_o night_n when_o the_o thief_n steal_v the_o time_n of_o christ_n withdrawing_n from_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o time_n when_o satan_n molest_v and_o lust_n be_v most_o busy_a 2._o the_o soul_n spikenard_n than_o send_v forth_o its_o pleasant_a smell_n you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n i_o show_v you_o there_o what_o dependence_n the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n have_v upon_o christ_n presence_n with_o we_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o exciting_a and_o assist_a influence_n christ_n speak_v it_o plain_a in_o that_o excellent_a parable_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o the_o branch_n joh._n 15._o 5._o he_o that_o abidath_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o v._n 6._o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n otherwise_o the_o soul_n wither_v v_o 6._o naturalist_n say_v that_o in_o those_o country_n which_o abound_v with_o myrrh_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o bind_v bundle_n of_o it_o to_o the_o heart_n or_o to_o anoint_v it_o with_o the_o gum_n the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n against_o what_o be_v noxious_a and_o unto_o a_o due_a discharge_n of_o its_o natural_a operation_n it_o be_v gregory_n observation_n or_o similitude_n rather_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o apply_v christ_n to_o its_o heart_n and_o which_o find_v his_o influence_n will_v find_v it_o like_o a_o bundle_n or_o a_o anoint_v of_o myrrh_n strengthen_v the_o soul_n against_o the_o prevailing_n of_o corruption_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o a_o spiritual_a heat_n and_o fitness_n for_o heavenly_a operation_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o just_a reason_n why_o the_o lodging_n or_o abiding_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v so_o desirable_a to_o it_o obj._n but_o will_v some_o poor_a soul_n say_v can_v christ_n not_o abide_v with_o that_o soul_n which_o he_o have_v once_o own_v be_v his_o love_n mutable_a be_v he_o not_o the_o god_n that_o change_v not_o but_o love_v to_o the_o end_n who_o he_o once_o love_v i_o answer_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o abide_a love_n he_o be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o with_o the_o soul_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v once_o fix_v his_o heart_n who_o he_o love_v he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n 1._o his_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n abide_v christ_n once_o in_o we_o and_o ever_o in_o we_o be_v a_o truth_n to_o which_o we_o must_v adhere_v that_o corruption_n which_o can_v not_o at_o first_o prevent_v it_o shall_v never_o he_o of_o force_n to_o dissolve_v it_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o union_n may_v fail_v the_o indwelling_a spirit_n shall_v not_o be_v disseise_v but_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o comforter_n may_v fail_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n when_o will_v thou_o comfort_v i_o say_v the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n beside_o that_o our_o state_n of_o justification_n be_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o justify_v soul_n that_o do_v not_o earnest_o desire_v its_o own_o continuance_n in_o that_o state_n 2._o his_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n abide_v too_o the_o promise_n must_v stand_v good_a i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o so_o noble_a and_o virtual_a a_o head_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o any_o member_n of_o his_o spiritual_a body_n without_o a_o proportionable_a influence_n upon_o it_o or_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v whole_o inactive_a but_o spiritual_a desire_n be_v also_o the_o sacred_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o these_o 3._o but_o gradual_a abiding_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n may_v fail_v he_o may_v not_o abide_v with_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o proportion_n of_o spiritual_a influence_n at_o all_o time_n now_o the_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a influence_n from_o christ_n be_v high_o desirable_a to_o a_o gracious_a soul_n but_o i_o have_v speak_v enough_o to_o the_o explication_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o point_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o application_n 1_o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o from_o this_o try_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a spouse_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o our_o beloved_a yea_o or_o no_o can_v we_o say_v and_o say_v it_o cordial_o he_o shall_v lodge_v betwixt_o our_o breast_n 1._o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v he_o shall_v sit_v upon_o my_o tongue_n i_o will_v talk_v to_o christ_n and_o take_v his_o name_n into_o my_o mouth_n concern_v who_o we_o may_v say_v as_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o far_o from_o their_o reins_o the_o woman_n dandle_v many_o a_o child_n in_o her_o arm_n that_o never_o lodge_v betwixt_o her_o breast_n in_o the_o night_n she_o talk_v of_o many_o a_o man_n in_o the_o day_n time_n who_o she_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o lodge_v in_o her_o bosom_n at_o night_n there_o be_v many_o a_o wretch_n that_o talk_v of_o christ_n that_o yet_o will_v not_o let_v he_o come_v ●igh_a his_o heart_n 2._o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v they_o shall_v lodge_v to_o eternity_n betwixt_o his_o breast_n that_o yet_o can_v will_v not_o say_v this_o go_v to_o heaven_n be_v grow_v market_n talk_v and_o every_o one_o be_v a_o pretender_n to_o that_o journey_n end_n that_o yet_o will_v not_o set_v one_o foot_n before_o another_o in_o the_o way_n balaam_n wish_v vain_o and_o many_o a_o one_o conclude_v as_o vain_o that_o he_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o latter_a end_n shall_v be_v like_o he_o those_o mention_v mat._n 7._o 24._o say_v they_o shall_v lodge_v the_o long_a night_n of_o eternity_n betwixt_o christ_n breast_n but_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o there_o be_v too_o many_o that_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o dream_n of_o golden_a mountain_n but_o every_o one_o be_v not_o wife_n to_o another_o that_o say_v she_o shall_v one_o day_n have_v he_o nor_o be_v every_o soul_n a_o spouse_n to_o christ_n that_o promise_v to_o itself_o eternal_a content_n in_o he_o 3._o a_o man_n may_v say_v oh_o that_o christ_n will_v come_v betwixt_o my_o breast_n that_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v scarce_o a_o wretch_n live_v but_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o wish_v christ_n will_v speak_v to_o his_o soul_n pardon_n and_o peace_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o woman_n to_o desire_v the_o physician_n may_v make_v application_n to_o her_o breast_n when_o full_a of_o pain_n that_o yet_o will_v not_o say_v he_o shall_v lodge_v betwixt_o her_o breast_n you_o see_v there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a many_o mistake_v in_o this_o point_n but_o plain_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o two_o or_o three_o question_n 1._o be_v you_o willing_a to_o open_v the_o secret_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v many_o a_o one_o be_v willing_a that_o christ_n shall_v come_v so_o near_o he_o as_o his_o ear_n but_o not_o into_o his_o heart_n can_v thou_o say_v that_o thy_o soul_n cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o thou_o desire_v he_o shall_v enter_v into_o its_o secret_n not_o only_o to_o tip_v thy_o tongue_n regulate_v thy_o countenance_n but_o to_o command_v in_o thy_o heart_n 2._o be_v thou_o willing_a that_o christ_n shall_v lodge_v all_o night_n with_o thy_o soul_n not_o serve_v thou_o only_o by_o fit_n to_o cure_v thy_o heart_n aking_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v lodge_v and_o dwell_v with_o thou_o make_v a_o abode_n with_o thy_o soul_n 3._o be_v thou_o willing_a that_o a_o perfect_a christ_n shall_v lodge_v with_o thou_o not_o only_o christ_n as_o a_o highpriest_n to_o expiate_v for_o thou_o and_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o thy_o sin_n but_o as_o a_o prophet_n to_o guide_v &_o instruct_v thou_o as_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v over_o thou_o and_o govern_v thou_o the_o wife_n desire_v not_o a_o husband_n only_o as_o her_o companion_n but_o as_o her_o head_n by_o this_o o_o christian_n i_o shall_v thou_o know_v if_o indeed_o thou_o be_v the_o spouse_n