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
that_o our_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v and_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o progress_n in_o a_o assimulation_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n namely_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v delight_v in_o make_v christ_n their_o pattern_n in_o all_o thing_n second_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o their_o utmost_a spiritual_a improvement_n be_v the_o scripture_n and_o two_o thing_n be_v respect_v in_o they_o 1_o their_o internal_a act_n 2_o their_o exercise_n in_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v express_v of_o they_o both_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o entire_a rule_n and_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o former_a it_o give_v we_o one_o general_a law_n or_o rule_n that_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o other_o namely_o that_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n soul_n mind_n and_o strength_n the_o act_n of_o all_o our_o affection_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v require_v of_o we_o that_o in_o all_o instance_n we_o prefer_v and_o value_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o inseparable_o cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o do_v nothing_o whatever_o at_o any_o time_n that_o be_v not_o influence_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n this_o perfection_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o be_v not_o attainable_a absolute_o in_o this_o life_n but_o it_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o that_o which_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nature_n require_v and_o which_o the_o faculty_n &_o power_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v crear_v for_o and_o which_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o design_n and_o aim_v at_o but_o the_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o cleave_v unto_o god_n continual_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o prefer_v he_o above_o all_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o as_o our_o chief_a good_n when_o this_o frame_n and_o disposition_n be_v habitual_o fix_v in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v declare_v and_o act_v itself_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o duty_n on_o all_o occasion_n of_o trial_n when_o other_o thing_n put_v in_o for_o a_o predominant_a interest_n in_o our_o affection_n as_o they_o do_v every_o day_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o continual_a loss_n in_o all_o our_o way_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v we_o lifeless_a and_o heartless_a in_o duty_n careless_a in_o temptation_n or_o occasion_n of_o they_o forgetful_a of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o sin_n without_o a_o due_a remembrance_n of_o his_o holiness_n in_o brief_a the_o want_n of_o a_o predominant_a love_n unto_o god_n keep_v in_o continual_a exercise_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o that_o unprofitable_a profession_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o second_o there_o be_v outward_a way_n and_o duty_n whereby_o our_o spiritual_a affection_n be_v express_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o also_o be_v the_o scripture_n the_o way_n mark_v out_o therein_o be_v the_o only_a channel_n wherein_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o spiritual_a affection_n do_v take_v its_o course_n unto_o god_n the_o grace_n require_v therein_o be_v to_o act_v themselves_o by_o the_o duty_n it_o prescribe_v arâ—_n those_o which_o they_o stir_v up_o and_o enliven_v the_o religious_a worship_n it_o appoint_v be_v that_o wherein_o they_o have_v their_o exercise_n where_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v neglect_v man_n religious_a affection_n have_v grow_v irregular_a yea_o wild_a and_o ungovernable_a all_o the_o superstition_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o owe_v their_o original_n principal_o unto_o man_n affection_n set_v at_o loose_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o fond_a absurd_a and_o foolish_a but_o they_o have_v imbondaged_a the_o â—ouls_n of_o man_n unto_o nothing_o so_o horrid_a and_o difficult_a but_o they_o have_v engage_v they_o in_o and_o have_v once_o take_v unto_o themselves_o this_o liberty_n the_o corrupt_a mind_n of_o man_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o satisfy_v than_o in_o the_o regular_a exercise_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hence_o they_o will_v rejoice_v in_o such_o penance_n as_o be_v not_o without_o their_o austeritys_n in_o such_o outward_a duty_n of_o devotion_n as_o be_v troublesome_a and_o chargeable_a in_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n in_o will-worship_n and_o humility_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o body_n hence_o will_v all_o their_o affection_n be_v more_o sensible_o move_v by_o image_n and_o picture_n and_o a_o melt_a devotion_n be_v stir_v up_o in_o they_o than_o by_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o incentives_n which_o god_n propose_v unto_o they_o to_o draw_v their_o affection_n unto_o himself_o nothing_o be_v more_o extravagant_a than_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n tincture_v with_o some_o devotion_n if_o they_o forsake_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n three_o there_o be_v considerable_a concern_v they_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o attainment_n or_o what_o through_o due_a exercise_n and_o holy_a diligence_n they_o may_v be_v raise_v unto_o now_o this_o be_v not_o absolute_a perfection_n not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a but_o i_o follow_v after_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 3.12_o but_o there_o be_v that_o attainable_a which_o those_o who_o pretend_v high_o unto_o perfection_n seem_v to_o be_v stranger_n unto_o and_o the_o state_n of_o our_o affection_n under_o a_o due_a exercise_n on_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o in_o their_o assimulation_n unto_o they_o may_v be_v fix_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n 1_o a_o habitual_a suitableness_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o they_o the_o way_n whereby_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o our_o mind_n be_v various_a they_o be_v so_o direct_o in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n they_o be_v so_o indirect_o and_o in_o just_a consequence_n by_o all_o the_o especial_a providence_n wherein_o we_o be_v concern_v by_o our_o own_o thought_n and_o state_v meditation_n they_o be_v so_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o cause_v we_o to_o hear_v a_o â—ord_n behind_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o by_o holy_a converse_n with_o other_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o occurrence_n and_o as_o the_o way_n of_o their_o proposal_n be_v various_a so_o the_o time_n and_o season_n wherein_o a_o representation_n of_o they_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o at_o least_o be_v not_o exclusive_a of_o any_o time_n and_o season_n of_o our_o life_n be_v the_o way_n of_o their_o proposal_n what_o it_o will_v and_o when_o ever_o be_v the_o season_n of_o it_o if_o our_o affection_n be_v due_o improve_v by_o spiritual_a exercise_n they_o be_v suit_v unto_o they_o and_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n hence_o or_o for_o want_v hereof_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v â—ergiversations_n and_o shift_n in_o duty_n proneness_n to_o comply_v with_o diversion_n all_o to_o keep_v off_o the_o mind_n from_o close_v with_o and_o receive_v of_o those_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o wherefore_o as_o unto_o the_o solemn_a way_n of_o propose_v spiritual_a thing_n unto_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n when_o man_n have_v a_o prevalent_a loathness_n to_o engage_v in_o they_o or_o when_o they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o outward_a attendance_n on_o they_o but_o not_o enable_v unto_o a_o vigorous_a stir_v up_o of_o the_o inward_a man_n unto_o a_o holy_a affectionate_a converse_n with_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v carnal_a when_o man_n can_v receive_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n in_o his_o temptation_n into_o their_o bosom_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o abide_v there_o yea_o foster_n and_o cherish_v they_o in_o thought_n of_o the_o lust_n that_o they_o kindle_v but_o quick_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n stir_v they_o up_o unto_o the_o embrace_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n they_o be_v carnal_a and_o carnally-minded_n when_o providence_n of_o concernment_n in_o affliction_n trial_n deliverance_n do_v not_o engage_v the_o mind_n into_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o excite_v the_o affection_n unto_o the_o entertainment_n of_o they_o man_n be_v carnal_a and_o earthly_a when_o every_o lust_n corruption_n or_o passion_n as_o anger_n envy_n displeasure_n at_o this_o or_o that_o person_n or_o thing_n can_v divert_v the_o mind_n from_o compliance_n with_o the_o proposal_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o we_o be_v carnal_a it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o our_o affection_n be_v conform_v unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a upon_o every_o proposal_n of_o this_o the_o mind_n find_v a_o suitableness_n unto_o itself_o like_o that_o
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
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
and_o motive_n unto_o it_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o you_o can_v judge_v yourselves_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v if_o any_o therefore_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o will_v abound_v more_o in_o spiritual_a thought_n only_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o fix_v they_o upon_o i_o propose_v this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o that_o which_o will_v lead_v they_o unto_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o present_a duty_n second_o the_o special_a trial_n and_o temptation_n of_o man_n call_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o bodily_a disease_n pain_n or_o distemper_n it_o will_v cause_v he_o to_o think_v much_o of_o it_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o at_o least_o if_o he_o be_v wise_a he_o will_v so_o do_v nor_o will_v he_o always_o be_v complain_v of_o their_o smart_n but_o inquire_v into_o their_o cause_n and_o seek_v their_o removal_n yet_o be_v there_o some_o distemper_n as_o lethargy_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n take_v away_o all_o sense_n and_o thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o some_o be_v of_o such_o a_o slow_a secret_a progress_n as_o hectic_a fever_n that_o they_o be_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o both_o these_o be_v mortal_a and_o shall_v man_n be_v more_o negligent_a about_o the_o spiritual_a distemper_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o as_o to_o have_v multiply_v temptation_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o spiritual_a disease_n and_o take_v no_o thought_n about_o they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o where_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v such_o as_o either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n have_v deprive_v they_o of_o spiritual_a sense_n or_o by_o their_o deceitfulness_n be_v lead_v on_o insensible_o unto_o death_n eternal_a not_o to_o have_v our_o mind_n exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v stupid_o secure_a prov._n 23.34_o 35._o there_o be_v i_o confess_v some_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n how_o to_o exercise_v our_o thought_n aright_o about_o our_o temptation_n for_o the_o great_a way_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n be_v by_o stir_v up_o multiply_v thought_n about_o their_o object_n or_o what_o they_o do_v lead_v unto_o and_o this_o be_v do_v or_o occasion_v several_a way_n 1._o from_o the_o previous_a power_n of_o lust_n in_o the_o affection_n this_o will_v fill_v the_o mind_n with_o thought_n the_o heart_n will_v coin_v imagination_n in_o compliance_n therewith_o they_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o lust_n draw_v away_o the_o heart_n from_o duty_n and_o entice_v unto_o sin_n jam._n 1.14_o the_o mean_n at_o least_o whereby_o man_n come_v to_o have_v eye_n full_a of_o adultery_n 2_o pet._n 2.14_o or_o live_v in_o constant_a contemplation_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n 2._o they_o arise_v and_o be_v occasion_v by_o renew_a representation_n of_o the_o object_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v twofold_a 1._o that_o which_o be_v real_a as_o achan_n see_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o covet_v it_o josh._n 7.21_o prov._n 23.31_o against_o this_o be_v that_o prayer_n of_o the_o psalmist_n turn_v away_o my_o eye_n from_o behold_v vanity_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o job_n chap._n 31.1_o 2._o imaginary_a when_o the_o imagination_n be_v taint_v or_o infect_v by_o lust_n continual_o represent_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o act_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n herein_o do_v man_n make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o rom._n 13.14_o 3._o from_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n who_o use_v all_o his_o wiles_n and_o artifices_fw-la to_o stir_v up_o thought_n about_o that_o sin_n whereunto_o the_o temptation_n lead_v and_o temptation_n seldom_o fail_v of_o its_o end_n when_o it_o can_v stir_v up_o a_o multitude_n of_o unprofitable_a thought_n about_o its_o object_n for_o when_o temptation_n do_v multiply_v thought_n about_o sin_n proceed_v from_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o cause_n and_o the_o mind_n have_v wont_a itself_o to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n those_o in_o who_o they_o be_v do_v want_v nothing_o but_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n take_v off_o the_o power_n of_o outward_a restraint_n for_o the_o commission_n of_o actual_a sin_n when_o man_n have_v so_o devise_v mischief_n they_o practise_v it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o hand_n mic._n 2.1_o it_o be_v no_o way_n safe_a to_o advise_v such_o person_n to_o have_v many_o thought_n about_o their_o temptation_n they_o will_v all_o turn_v to_o their_o disadvantage_n i_o speak_v unto_o they_o only_o unto_o who_o their_o temptation_n be_v their_o affliction_n and_o their_o burden_n and_o such_o person_n also_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a how_o they_o suffer_v their_o thought_n to_o be_v exercise_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o temptation_n lest_o it_o be_v a_o snare_n and_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o man_n may_v begin_v their_o thought_n of_o any_o object_n with_o abhorrency_n and_o detestation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o temptation_n end_v they_o in_o complacency_n and_o approbation_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n lay_v hold_v on_o something_o or_o other_o that_o lust_n in_o the_o mind_n stay_v upon_o with_o delectation_n and_o so_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o begin_v the_o duty_n there_o have_v be_v instance_n wherein_o person_n have_v enter_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o punish_v sin_n and_o have_v be_v ensnare_v by_o the_o occasion_n unto_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o sin_n they_o think_v to_o punish_v wherefore_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o one_o exercise_v with_o a_o actual_a temptation_n be_v able_a safe_o to_o conflict_n with_o it_o if_o it_o entertain_v abide_v thought_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o sin_n whereunto_o it_o lead_v for_o sin_n have_v mille_fw-la nocendi_fw-la art_fw-la and_o be_v able_a to_o transfuse_v its_o poison_n into_o the_o affection_n from_o every_o thing_n it_o have_v once_o make_v a_o bait_n of_o especial_o if_o it_o have_v already_o defile_v the_o mind_n with_o please_a contemplation_n of_o it_o yea_o oftentimes_o a_o man_n that_o have_v some_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o therein_o engage_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o temptation_n be_v so_o present_v unto_o he_o as_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o thought_n in_o a_o moment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v as_o they_o say_v medusa_n head_n he_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o stone_n his_o spirit_n be_v all_o freeze_a his_o strength_n be_v go_v all_o act_n of_o grace_n do_v cease_v his_o armour_n fall_v from_o he_o and_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o a_o prey_n to_o his_o temptation_n it_o must_v be_v a_o new_a supply_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v give_v he_o any_o deliverance_n wherefore_o whilst_o person_n be_v exercise_v with_o any_o temptation_n i_o do_v not_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o their_o thought_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o for_o sometime_o remembrance_n of_o former_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n sometime_o present_a surprisal_n with_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o unto_o corruption_n not_o yet_o mortify_v sometime_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n fix_v their_o imagination_n on_o it_o will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o and_o carry_v they_o unto_o a_o fresh_a compliance_n with_o that_o sin_n which_o they_o will_v be_v deliver_v from_o but_o this_o season_n call_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n about_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o deliverance_n from_o the_o snare_n wherein_o they_o be_v take_v or_o the_o danger_n they_o find_v themselves_o expose_v unto_o think_v of_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v be_v humble_v think_v of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v seek_v strength_n against_o it_o think_v not_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o sin_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n suit_v unto_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n lest_o you_o be_v more_o and_o more_o entangle_v but_o the_o present_a direction_n be_v think_v much_o of_o the_o way_n of_o relief_n from_o the_o power_n of_o your_o own_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o sin_n but_o this_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o come_v unto_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o that_o love_v their_o shackle_n that_o glory_n in_o their_o yoke_n that_o like_o their_o temptation_n well_o enough_o as_o those_o which_o give_v the_o most_o satisfactory_a entertainment_n unto_o their_o mind_n such_o man_n know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o do_v unless_o they_o may_v in_o their_o mind_n converse_v with_o the_o object_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o do_v multiply_v thought_n about_o they_o continual_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n
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
make_v unto_o atheism_n with_o argument_n for_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n take_v from_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n in_o this_o and_o other_o age_n have_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o cast_v contempt_n on_o the_o pretence_n of_o evil_a man_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o folly_n but_o that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o as_o change_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o i_o much_o doubt_n no_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o atheistical_a thought_n or_o can_v be_v so_o long_o but_o he_o that_o be_v ensnare_v into_o they_o by_o his_o desire_n to_o live_v secure_o and_o uncontrollable_o in_o sin_n such_o person_n know_v it_o to_o be_v their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v shelter_n under_o the_o bold_a expression_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o who_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n have_v harden_v and_o blind_v their_o mind_n into_o such_o foolish_a thought_n but_o the_o most_o rational_a argument_n for_o the_o be_v of_o the_o deity_n will_v never_o prove_v a_o effectual_a cure_n unto_o a_o predominant_a love_n of_o and_o habitual_a course_n in_o sin_n in_o they_o who_o have_v resist_v and_o reject_v the_o mean_n and_o motive_n unto_o that_o end_v declare_v in_o divine_a revelation_n and_o unless_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n be_v cure_v in_o the_o heart_n thought_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o mind_n 2._o there_o be_v those_o of_o who_o also_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thaught_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v his_o essence_n and_o be_v for_o they_o be_v not_o practical_o influence_v in_o any_o thing_n by_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o he_o such_o be_v the_o person_n of_o who_o this_o be_v affirm_v psal._n 10.4_o he_o be_v one_o who_o through_o pride_n and_o profligacy_n with_o hardness_n in_o sin_n regard_v not_o god_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 11_o 13._o such_o be_v the_o world_n fill_v withal_o at_o this_o day_n as_o they_o be_v describe_v tit._n 1.16_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o their_o work_n deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a and_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_n they_o think_v they_o live_v they_o act_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o least_o as_o if_o they_o never_o think_v of_o he_o with_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o need_v not_o seek_v far_o for_o evidence_n of_o their_o disregard_n of_o god_n the_o pride_n of_o their_o countenance_n testify_v against_o they_o psal._n 10.4_o and_o if_o they_o be_v follow_v further_o curse_a oath_n licentiousness_n of_o life_n and_o hatred_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a will_v confirm_v and_o evidence_n the_o same_o such_o as_o these_o may_v own_o god_n in_o word_n may_v be_v afraid_a of_o he_o in_o danger_n may_v attend_v outward_o on_o his_o worship_n but_o they_o think_v not_o of_o god_n at_o all_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n he_o be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n 3._o there_o be_v yet_o less_o degree_n of_o this_o disregard_n of_o god_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o he_o some_o be_v so_o fill_v with_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v think_v of_o god_n as_o they_o ought_v for_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n in_o prevalent_a degree_n be_v inconsistent_a for_o if_o a_o man_n love_v this_o world_n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o so_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o like_a degree_n be_v inconsistent_a this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o many_o who_o yet_o will_v be_v esteem_v spiritual_o mind_v they_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o their_o mind_n about_o earthly_a thing_n some_o thing_n impose_v themselves_o on_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o duty_n they_o belong_v unto_o their_o calling_n they_o must_v be_v attend_v unto_o some_o be_v suggest_v unto_o their_o mind_n from_o daily_a occasion_n and_o occurrence_n common_a converse_n in_o the_o world_n engage_v man_n into_o no_o other_o but_o worldly_a thought_n love_n and_o desire_v of_o earthly_a thing_n their_o enjoyment_n and_o increase_n exhaust_v the_o vigour_n of_o their_o spirit_n all_o the_o day_n long_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o thought_n arise_v from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a occasion_n whilst_o their_o heart_n and_o head_n be_v reak_a with_o the_o steam_n of_o they_o many_o fall_n immediate_o in_o their_o season_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n those_o time_n must_v suffice_v for_o thought_n of_o god_n but_o notwithstanding_o such_o duty_n what_o through_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o what_o through_o the_o fullness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n with_o other_o thing_n and_o what_o through_o a_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v grace_n in_o they_o it_o may_v be_v say_v comparative_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n i_o pray_v god_n that_o this_o at_o least_o as_o unto_o some_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o many_o among_o we_o i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o man_n who_o visible_o and_o open_o live_v in_o sin_n profane_a in_o their_o principle_n and_o profligate_v in_o their_o life_n the_o prayer_n of_o such_o person_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n neither_o have_v they_o ever_o any_o thought_n of_o he_o which_o he_o do_v accept_v but_o i_o speak_v of_o they_o who_o be_v sober_a in_o their_o life_n industrious_a in_o their_o calling_n and_o not_o open_o negligent_a about_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n such_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o approve_v of_o themselves_o and_o other_o also_o to_o speak_v well_o of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a but_o if_o they_o be_v trace_v home_o it_o will_v be_v find_v as_o to_o many_o of_o they_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v their_o earthly_a conversation_n their_o vain_a communication_n with_o their_o foolish_a design_n do_v all_o manifest_a that_o the_o vigour_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o most_o intense_a contrivance_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v engage_v into_o thing_n below_o some_o refuse_n transient_a unmanaged_a thought_n be_v sometime_o cast_v away_o on_o god_n which_o he_o despise_v 4._o where_o person_n do_v cherish_v secret_a predominant_a lust_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n god_n be_v not_o in_o their_o thought_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v he_o may_v be_v he_o often_o be_v much_o in_o the_o word_n of_o such_o person_n but_o in_o their_o thought_n he_o be_v not_o he_o can_v be_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o such_o person_n no_o doubt_n there_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o we_o hear_v of_o one_o and_o another_o who_o secret_a lust_n break_v forth_o into_o a_o discovery_n they_o flatter_v themselves_o for_o a_o season_n but_o god_n oft_o time_n so_o order_n thing_n in_o his_o holy_a providence_n that_o their_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v find_v out_o to_o be_v hateful_a some_o hateful_a lust_n discover_v itself_o to_o be_v predominant_a in_o they_o one_o be_v drunken_a another_o unclean_a a_o three_o a_o oppressor_n such_o there_o be_v ever_o find_v among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o the_o best_a of_o time_n among_o the_o apostle_n one_o be_v a_o traitor_n a_o devil_n of_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v those_o who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n phil._n 3.18_o 19_o some_o may_v take_v advantage_n at_o this_o acknowledgement_n that_o there_o be_v such_o evil_n among_o such_o as_o be_v call_v professor_n and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v hereby_o unto_o the_o world_n cast_v both_o they_o that_o give_v it_o and_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v under_o a_o most_o dreadful_a woe_n but_o we_o must_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v of_o old_a and_o commit_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o watchful_a care_n of_o god_n however_o it_o be_v good_a in_o such_o a_o season_n to_o be_v jealous_a over_o ourselves_o and_o other_o to_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n see_v heb._n 12.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o because_o those_o with_o who_o it_o be_v thus_o can_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v yet_o be_v there_o some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n as_o unto_o the_o predominancy_n of_o a_o secret_a lust_n or_o sin_n i_o shall_v consider_v it_o somewhat_o more_o distinct_o 1._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o time_n of_o
be_v content_a to_o loose_v their_o spiritual_a affection_n act_v themselves_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n embrace_v in_o their_o stead_n a_o carnal_a imaginary_a devotion_n hence_o two_o person_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n attend_v unto_o the_o same_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o equal_a delight_n on_o very_o distinct_a principle_n as_o if_o two_o man_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o same_o garden_n plant_v and_o adorn_v with_o all_o variety_n of_o herb_n and_o flower_n one_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o the_o other_o a_o skilful_a herbalist_n both_o may_v be_v equal_o delight_v the_o one_o with_o the_o colour_n and_o smell_v of_o the_o flower_n the_o other_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o various_a nature_n their_o use_n in_o pyhsical_a remedy_n or_o the_o like_a so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n for_o instance_n one_o may_v be_v delight_v with_o the_o outward_a administration_n another_o with_o its_o spiritual_a efficacy_n at_o the_o same_o time_n hence_o austin_n tell_v we_o that_o sing_v in_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v aside_o by_o athanasius_n at_o alexandria_n not_o the_o people_n sing_v of_o psalm_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o sing_v in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o some_o office_n of_o worship_n which_o begin_v then_o to_o be_v introduce_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v why_o he_o do_v it_o be_v that_o the_o modulation_n of_o the_o voice_n and_o musical_a june_n may_v not_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o that_o spiritual_a affection_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o sacred_a duty_n what_o there_o be_v of_o real_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v that_o order_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o be_v suit_v and_o useful_a unto_o spiritual_a affection_n because_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v internal_o renew_v behold_v your_o order_n col._n 2.5_o every_o thing_n of_o god_n appointment_n be_v both_o helpful_a and_o delightful_a unto_o they_o none_o can_v say_v with_o high_a rapture_n of_o admiration_n how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n o_o lord_n psal._n 84.1_o 2._o then_o they_o who_o affection_n be_v renew_v yet_o be_v not_o their_o delight_n terminate_v on_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o second_o man_n may_v be_v delight_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o in_o they_o they_o comply_v with_o and_o give_v some_o kind_n of_o satisfaction_n unto_o their_o conviction_n when_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v unto_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o duty_n namely_o of_o those_o wherein_o divine_a worship_n do_v consist_v it_o will_v give_v the_o mind_n no_o rest_n or_o peace_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o let_v they_o be_v attend_v unto_o in_o the_o season_n which_o light_n conviction_n and_o custom_n call_v for_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v as_o that_o the_o mind_n shall_v find_v present_a ease_n and_o refreshment_n in_o it_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v wont_v unto_o this_o relief_n it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n it_o will_v not_o only_o not_o omit_v they_o but_o it_o will_v delight_v in_o they_o as_o those_o which_o bring_v they_o in_o great_a advantage_n hence_o many_o will_v not_o omit_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n every_o morning_n who_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v resolve_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o sedulous_o endeavour_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o way_n answerable_a unto_o their_o own_o prayer_n yet_o all_o that_o be_v in_o our_o prayer_n beyond_o our_o endeavour_n to_o answer_v it_o in_o a_o conformity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o gift_n in_o answer_n to_o conviction_n other_o find_v they_o a_o allay_v of_o trouble_n in_o they_o like_o that_o which_o sick_a person_n may_v find_v by_o drink_v cold_a water_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o flame_n be_v assuage_v for_o a_o season_n by_o it_o they_o make_v they_o as_o a_o antidote_n against_o the_o poison_n and_o sting_n of_o sin_n which_o alay_v its_o rage_n but_o can_v expel_v its_o venom_n or_o these_o duty_n be_v unto_o they_o like_o the_o sacifice_n for_o sin_n under_o the_o law_n they_o give_v a_o guilty_a person_n present_a ease_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v they_o make_v not_o man_n perfect_a they_o take_v not_o away_o utter_o a_o conscience_n condemn_v for_o sin_n present_o on_o the_o first_o omission_n of_o duty_n a_o sense_n of_o sin_n again_o return_v on_o they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o the_o fact_n but_o as_o the_o person_n himself_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n then_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v repeat_v for_o a_o renew_a propitiation_n this_o give_v that_o carnal_a people_n such_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o sacrifice_n that_o they_o trust_v unto_o they_o for_o righteousness_n life_n and_o salvation_n so_o it_o be_v with_o person_n who_o be_v constant_a in_o spiritual_a duty_n mere_o from_o conviction_n the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n give_v they_o a_o present_a relief_n and_o ease_n though_o it_o heal_v not_o their_o wound_n it_o assuage_v their_o pain_n and_o dispel_v their_o present_a fear_n hence_o be_v they_o frequent_v in_o they_o and_o that_o oft_o time_n not_o without_o delight_n because_o they_o find_v ease_v thereby_o and_o their_o condition_n be_v somewhat_o dangerous_a who_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o sin_n do_v betake_v themselves_o for_o relief_n unto_o their_o prayer_n which_o have_v discharge_v they_o be_v much_o at_o ease_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n although_o they_o have_v obtain_v no_o real_a sense_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n nor_o any_o strength_n against_o it_o it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o all_o man_n the_o best_a of_o man_n perform_v all_o spiritual_a duty_n out_o of_o a_o conviction_n of_o their_o necessity_n do_v they_o not_o know_v it_o will_v be_v their_o sin_n to_o omit_v they_o and_o so_o find_v satisfaction_n in_o their_o mind_n upon_o their_o performance_n i_o say_v they_o do_v but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o perform_v a_o duty_n out_o of_o conviction_n of_o a_o necessity_n as_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o conviction_n respect_v only_o the_o duty_n itself_o another_o thing_n to_o perform_v it_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o conviction_n of_o other_o sin_n or_o to_o quiet_a conscience_n under_o its_o trouble_n about_o they_o which_o latter_a we_o speak_v unto_o this_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o self_n self-satisfaction_n be_v the_o sole_a design_n of_o it_o by_o it_o man_n aim_v at_o some_o rest_n and_o quietness_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v attain_v but_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n in_o faith_n from_o a_o conviction_n of_o their_o necessity_n as_o god_n ordinance_n and_o their_o use_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o soul_n begin_v and_o end_v in_o god_n it_o seek_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o they_o nor_o find_v it_o from_o they_o but_o in_o and_o from_o god_n alone_o by_o they_o three_o the_o principal_a reason_n why_o man_n who_o affection_n be_v only_o change_v not_o spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n in_o holy_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v because_o they_o place_v their_o righteousness_n before_o god_n in_o they_o whereon_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o they_o know_v not_o they_o seek_v not_o after_o any_o other_o righteousness_n but_o what_o be_v of_o their_o own_o work_n out_o whatever_o notion_n they_o may_v have_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o they_o practical_o trust_v unto_o be_v their_o own_o and_o it_o discover_v itself_o so_o to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n on_o every_o trial_n that_o befall_v they_o yea_o when_o they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o pretend_v unto_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o quick_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o their_o principal_a trust_n be_v resolve_v into_o themselves_o now_o in_o all_o that_o they_o can_v plead_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n or_o obedience_n nothing_o carry_v a_o fair_a pretence_n unto_o a_o righteousness_n than_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n towards_o he_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o expect_v at_o their_o hand_n what_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n the_o best_a that_o they_o can_v do_v to_o please_v he_o which_o therefore_o they_o must_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o or_o nothing_o they_o secret_o suppose_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o righteousness_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v answer_v for_o itself_o
because_o this_o be_v a_o enquiry_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o be_v state_v in_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o that_o before_o we_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o it_o by_o itself_o in_o the_o ensue_a chapter_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v the_o more_o distinct_o comprehend_v it_o both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v it_o and_o in_o the_o place_n it_o hold_v in_o our_o present_a discourse_n chap._n xv._n delight_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n thereof_o the_o evidence_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n thereby_o etc._n etc._n that_o all_o true_a believer_n who_o mind_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v have_v a_o singular_a delight_n in_o all_o the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v full_o evident_a both_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n which_o they_o will_v never_o forego_v for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o their_o suffer_a persecution_n and_o martydom_n itself_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o pagan_a emperor_n or_o the_o witness_n for_o christ_n under_o the_o antichristian_a apostasy_n will_v or_o can_v have_v omit_v the_o observance_n if_o they_o according_a to_o the_o advice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o gnostic_n they_o may_v have_v escape_v the_o rage_n of_o their_o adversary_n but_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n in_o comparison_n unto_o that_o delight_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n david_n give_v we_o frequent_o a_o instance_n hereof_o in_o himself_o psal._n 42.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n my_o tear_n have_v be_v my_o meat_n day_n and_o night_n while_o they_o continual_o say_v unto_o i_o where_o be_v thy_o god_n when_o i_o remember_v these_o thing_n i_o pour_v out_o my_o soul_n in_o i_o for_o i_o have_v go_v with_o the_o multitude_n i_o go_v with_o they_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n with_o a_o multitude_n that_o keep_v holiday_n psal._n 63.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o o_o god_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o thou_o my_o flesh_n long_v for_o thou_o in_o a_o dry_a and_o thirsty_a land_n where_o no_o water_n be_v to_o see_v thy_o power_n and_o thy_o glory_n so_o as_o i_o have_v see_v thou_o in_o thy_o sanctuary_n because_o thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n my_o lip_n shall_v praise_v thou_o thus_o will_v i_o bless_v thou_o while_o i_o live_v i_o will_v lift_v up_o my_o hand_n in_o thy_o name_n my_o soul_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n and_o my_o mouth_n shall_v praise_v thou_o with_o joyful_a li_n psal._n 84.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n o_o lord_n of_o host_n my_o soul_n long_v yea_o even_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n my_o heart_n cry_v out_o for_o the_o live_n god_n yea_o the_o sparrow_n have_v find_v a_o house_n and_o the_o swallow_v a_o nest_n for_o herself_o where_o she_o may_v lay_v her_o young_a even_o thy_o altar_n o_o lord_n of_o host_n my_o king_n and_o my_o god_n blessed_n be_v they_o that_o dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n they_o will_v be_v still_o praise_v thou_o selah_n but_o a_o great_a than_o david_n be_v here_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o do_v upon_o all_o occasion_n declare_v his_o delight_n in_o and_o zeal_n for_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v then_o in_o force_n by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o command_n for_o although_o he_o severe_o reprove_v and_o reject_v whatever_o man_n have_v add_v thereunto_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o supererogate_a strictness_n or_o outward_a order_n lay_v it_o all_o under_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n every_o plant_n which_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v shall_v be_v pluck_v up_o and_o so_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n yet_o as_o unto_o what_o be_v of_o divine_a appoinment_n his_o delight_n therein_o be_v singular_a and_o exemplary_a unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n with_o respect_n hereunto_o be_v it_o say_v of_o he_o that_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n have_v eat_v he_o up_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o affliction_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o spirit_n to_o see_v the_o worship_n of_o it_o neglect_v pollute_a and_o despise_v this_o cause_v he_o to_o cleanse_v the_o temple_n the_o seat_n of_o divine_a worship_n from_o the_o pollutor_n and_o pollution_n of_o it_o not_o long_o before_o his_o suffering_n in_o the_o face_n and_o unto_o the_o high_a provocation_n of_o all_o his_o adversary_n so_o with_o earnest_a desire_n he_o long_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o last_o passeover_n luk._n 22.15_o with_o desire_n have_v i_o desire_v to_o eat_v this_o passeover_n with_o you_o before_o i_o suffer_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o disciple_n afterward_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n by_o his_o appointment_n that_o the_o apostle_n give_v it_o as_o a_o assure_a token_n of_o a_o unsound_a condition_n and_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o final_a curse_a apostasy_n when_o any_o fall_n into_o a_o neglect_n of_o they_o heb._n 10.25_o 26_o 27._o these_o thing_n be_v manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a but_o our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v only_o what_o it_o be_v which_o believer_n do_v so_o delight_v in_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o divine_a gospel_n worship_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o engage_v their_o heart_n and_o mind_n into_o a_o diligent_a observance_n of_o they_o as_o also_o how_o and_o wherein_o they_o do_v exercise_v their_o love_n and_o delight_n and_o i_o say_v in_o general_a that_o their_o delight_n in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o testimony_n before_o produce_v be_v in_o christ_n himself_o or_o god_n in_o christ._n this_o alone_o be_v that_o which_o they_o seek_v after_o cleave_v unto_o and_o be_v satisfy_v withal_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o stream_n but_o only_o as_o mean_n of_o communication_n from_o the_o spring_n when_o man_n be_v real_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n it_o be_v so_o their_o regard_n unto_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v as_o they_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n a_o bless_a mean_n of_o communion_n and_o intercourse_n between_o himself_o in_o christ_n and_o their_o soul_n by_o they_o do_v christ_n communicate_v of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n unto_o we_o in_o and_o by_o they_o do_v we_o act_v faith_n and_o love_n on_o he_o it_o be_v the_o treasure_n hide_v in_o the_o field_n which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o purchase_v the_o whole_a field_n but_o it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o treasure_n which_o be_v hide_v therein_o mat._n 13.14_o this_o field_n be_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o it_o this_o man_n do_v purchase_v sometime_o at_o a_o dear_a rate_n even_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o they_o enjoy_v but_o yet_o if_o they_o obtain_v nothing_o but_o the_o field_n they_o will_v have_v little_a cause_n to_o rejoice_v in_o their_o bargain_n it_o be_v christ_n the_o treasure_n alone_o that_o pearl_n of_o price_n that_o will_v eternal_o enrich_v the_o soul_n the_o field_n be_v to_o be_v use_v only_o as_o to_o find_v and_o dig_v up_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o it_o it_o be_v i_o say_v christ_n alone_o that_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n renew_v affection_n do_v cleave_v unto_o as_o the_o treasure_n and_o unto_o all_o other_o thing_n according_a as_o their_o relation_n be_v unto_o he_o or_o they_o have_v a_o participation_n of_o he_o wherefore_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n their_o enquiry_n be_v after_o he_o who_o their_o soul_n do_v love_n cant._n 1.7_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v treat_v more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o of_o these_o thing_n those_o who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v love_n adhere_v unto_o and_o delight_n in_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n ensue_v first_o in_o general_n they_o do_v so_o as_o they_o find_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n excite_v and_o act_v in_o and_o by_o they_o this_o be_v their_o first_o and_o immediate_a end_n in_o their_o institution_n it_o be_v a_o pernicious_a
and_o a_o great_a valuation_n of_o earthly_a thing_n with_o their_o care_n about_o they_o and_o converse_v in_o they_o they_o abate_v and_o decay_v in_o their_o spiritual_a affection_n every_o day_n they_o will_v abide_v in_o their_o profession_n but_o have_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n and_o folly_n unutterable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o any_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o religion_n wherein_o there_o be_v so_o many_o incomparable_a excellency_n to_o endear_v and_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o more_o and_o more_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o hide_v what_o experience_n make_v manifest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o what_o multitude_n proclaim_v concern_v themselves_o wherefore_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a evidence_n if_o not_o absolute_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n yet_o of_o the_o life_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o when_o man_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o in_o age_n do_v grow_v in_o a_o undervaluation_n of_o present_a thing_n in_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n in_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o bounty_n and_o decay_v not_o in_o any_o of_o they_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v usual_a that_o the_o entrance_n of_o man_n profession_n of_o religion_n and_o conversation_n unto_o god_n be_v attend_v with_o vigorous_a active_a affection_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o they_o who_o real_o and_o sincere_o believe_v it_o be_v say_v that_o on_o their_o believe_v they_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o of_o those_o who_o only_o have_v a_o work_n of_o conviction_n on_o they_o improve_v by_o temporary_a faith_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o in_o this_o state_n do_v many_o abide_v and_o thrive_v until_o their_o affection_n be_v whole_o transform_v into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o thing_n above_o but_o with_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n it_o be_v not_o so_o they_o fall_v into_o woeful_a decay_n as_o unto_o their_o affection_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o consequent_o in_o their_o whole_a profession_n and_o conversation_n their_o moisture_n become_v as_o the_o drought_n in_o summer_n they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o the_o life_n and_o act_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o nor_o any_o comfort_n or_o refreshment_n from_o they_o they_o honour_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o any_o fruit_n of_o love_n zeal_n or_o delight_n nor_o be_v useful_a any_o way_n unto_o other_o by_o their_o example_n some_o of_o they_o have_v have_v seem_v recovery_n and_o be_v yet_o again_o take_v into_o a_o lifeless_a frame_n warning_n afliction_n sickness_n the_o word_n have_v awaken_v they_o but_o they_o be_v fall_v again_o into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n so_o as_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v tree_n who_o fruit_n wither_v without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n some_o thing_n must_v be_v speak_v unto_o this_o woeful_a condition_n in_o general_n as_o that_o which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a unto_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a and_o contrary_a unto_o and_o obstructive_a of_o the_o growth_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n in_o a_o assimulation_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v may_v be_v apply_v unto_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o these_o decay_n though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o alike_o dangerous_a or_o perilous_a first_o there_o may_v be_v a_o time_n of_o temptation_n wherein_o a_o soul_n may_v apprehend_v in_o itself_o not_o only_o a_o decay_n in_o but_o a_o utter_a loss_n of_o all_o spiritual_a affection_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o believer_n may_v apprehend_v and_o judge_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v and_o forget_v they_o when_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o isaiah_n 49.14_o 15._o so_o they_o may_v under_o their_o temptation_n apprehend_v that_o they_o have_v forsake_v god_n when_o they_o have_v not_o do_v so_o as_o a_o man_n in_o the_o night_n may_v apprehend_v he_o have_v lose_v his_o way_n and_o be_v in_o great_a distress_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o proper_a road._n for_o temptation_n bring_v darkness_n and_o amazement_n and_o lead_v into_o mistake_v and_o a_o false_a judgement_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o find_v not_o it_o may_v be_v grace_n work_v in_o love_n joy_n and_o delight_n as_o former_o nor_o that_o activity_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o holy_a duty_n which_o spiritual_a affection_n give_v unto_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o grace_n work_v in_o godly_a sorrow_n by_o mourn_v humiliation_n and_o self-abasement_n no_o less_o effectual_o nor_o less_o acceptable_o unto_o god_n such_o as_o these_o i_o separate_v from_o the_o present_a consideration_n second_o there_o may_v be_v a_o decay_n in_o affection_n themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o act_n towards_o any_o object_n whatever_o at_o least_o as_o unto_o the_o outward_a symptom_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o on_o this_o ground_n their_o opperation_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n may_v be_v less_o sensible_a so_o man_n in_o their_o young_a day_n may_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o express_v their_o sorrow_n by_o tear_n and_o their_o joy_n by_o sensible_a exaltation_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o spirit_n than_o in_o ripe_a year_n and_o this_o may_v be_v so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o decay_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o affection_n as_o renew_v but_o 1_o when_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v they_o can_v but_o mourn_v and_o have_v a_o godly-jealousy_n over_o themselves_o lest_o the_o decay_v they_o find_v shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o outward_a but_o the_o inward_a not_o in_o the_o natural_a but_o the_o spiritual_a man._n and_o they_o will_v labour_v that_o in_o all_o duty_n and_o at_o all_o time_n it_o may_v be_v with_o they_o as_o in_o day_n of_o old_a although_o they_o can_v attain_v strength_n in_o they_o that_o vigour_n of_o spirit_n that_o life_n joy_n peace_n and_o comfort_n which_o any_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o second_o there_o will_v be_v in_o such_o person_n no_o decay_n in_o holiness_n of_o life_n nor_o as_o unto_o diligence_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n if_o the_o decay_n be_v real_o of_o grace_n in_o the_o affection_n it_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o proportionable_a decay_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v but_o if_o it_o be_v only_o as_o unto_o the_o sensible_a act_n of_o natural_a affection_n no_o such_o decay_n will_v ensue_v three_o grace_n will_v in_o this_o case_n more_o vigorous_o act_v itself_o in_o the_o other_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o judgement_n and_o the_o will_n in_o their_o approbation_n of_o and_o firm_a adherence_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o four_o when_o man_n find_v or_o may_v find_v their_o affection_n yet_o quick_a active_a and_o intent_n on_o other_o thing_n as_o the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o relieve_v themselves_o that_o the_o decay_v they_o find_v be_v in_o their_o affection_n as_o natural_a and_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v gracious_a if_o we_o see_v a_o man_n in_o his_o old_a age_n grow_v more_o in_o love_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o less_o in_o love_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o nature_n but_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n on_o these_o and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o other_o the_o like_a occasion_n there_o may_v be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o decay_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n when_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o at_o least_o not_o unto_o the_o degree_n that_o be_v apprehend_v but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o real_o as_o it_o be_v evident_o with_o many_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v with_o the_o most_o in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v a_o woeful_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o never_o enough_o to_o be_v lament_v it_o be_v that_o which_o lie_v in_o direct_a contradiction_n unto_o that_o spiritual-mindedness_a which_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n it_o be_v a_o consumption_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o threaten_v it_o with_o death_n every_o day_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o my_o design_n to_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o particular_a yet_o i_o can_v let_v it_o pass_v without_o some_o remark_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a almost_o epidemical_a among_o professor_n and_o prevalent_a in_o some_o unto_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o forsake_v of_o all_o power_n of_o spiritual_a life_n now_o beside_o all_o that_o folly_n and_o sin_n which_o we_o before_o discover_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o spirituality_n and_o heavenliness_n which_o in_o this_o case_n of_o their_o decay_n be_v more_o abominable_a there_o be_v a_o multiplication_n of_o evil_n wherewith_o this_o state_n of_o heart_n and_o
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
in_o any_o place_n it_o behove_v they_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n and_o regard_n unto_o all_o their_o enemy_n and_o their_o attempt_n against_o they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v vigilant_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o oppositition_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v without_o that_o visible_o contend_v with_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n neglect_v such_o as_o traitorous_o act_v within_o among_o themselves_o betray_v their_o counsel_n and_o weaken_v their_o strength_n they_o will_v be_v undoubted_o ruin_v wise_a man_n do_v first_o take_v care_n of_o what_o be_v within_o as_o know_v if_o they_o be_v there_o betray_v all_o they_o do_v against_o their_o open_a enemy_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n in_o the_o warfare_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v we_o have_v enemy_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o open_o and_o visible_o in_o various_a temptation_n fight_v against_o our_o soul_n these_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o watch_v against_o to_o conflict_n with_o and_o to_o seek_v a_o conquest_n over_o but_o it_o be_v this_o internal_a vanity_n of_o mind_n that_o endeavour_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o betray_v we_o to_o weaken_v we_o in_o all_o our_o grace_n or_o to_o hinder_v their_o due_a operation_n and_o to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n unto_o our_o curse_a enemy_n if_o our_o principal_a endeavour_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v suppress_v and_o destroy_v this_o traitor_n we_o shall_v not_o succeed_v in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o disabilty_a of_o mind_n as_o unto_o steadiness_n in_o holy_a thought_n and_o meditation_n whereof_o you_o do_v complain_v when_o you_o be_v affect_v therewith_o turn_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o from_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v labour_v to_o be_v humble_v great_o and_o to_o walk_v humble_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o vanity_n of_o mind_n so_o some_o wholesome_a fruit_n may_v be_v take_v from_o this_o bitter_a root_n and_o meat_n may_v come_v out_o of_o this_o eater_n if_o when_o you_o can_v abide_v in_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o your_o relation_n unto_o he_o you_o reflect_v on_o this_o cause_n of_o it_o to_o your_o further_a humiliation_n and_o self-abasement_n your_o good_a design_n and_o purpose_n be_v not_o lose_v let_v such_o a_o one_o say_v i_o begin_v to_o think_v of_o god_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n of_o my_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o where_o now_o in_o a_o few_o minute_n do_v i_o find_v myself_o i_o be_o get_v into_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n into_o thing_n useless_a and_o earthly_a or_o be_o at_o such_o a_o loss_n as_o that_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o proceed_v in_o the_o work_n wherein_o i_o be_v engage_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o what_o a_o curse_a enemy_n have_v i_o within_o i_o i_o be_o ashamed_a of_o myself_o weary_a of_o myself_o loathe_v myself_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n such_o thought_n may_v be_v as_o useful_a unto_o he_o as_o those_o which_o he_o first_o design_v true_a it_o be_v we_o can_v never_o be_v free_v absolute_o from_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o vanity_n and_o instability_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n vnchangeable_n cleave_v unto_o god_n always_o in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n but_o yet_o great_a degree_n may_v be_v attain_v in_o the_o conquest_n and_o expulsion_n of_o it_o such_o as_o i_o fear_v few_o have_v experience_n of_o yet_o ought_v all_o to_o the_o labour_n after_o if_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o labour_v diligent_o to_o abide_v and_o abound_v in_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o in_o love_n to_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o if_o we_o watch_v against_o the_o entertainment_n and_o approbation_n of_o such_o thought_n and_o thing_n in_o our_o mind_n as_o whereby_o this_o vain_a frame_n be_v please_v and_o confirm_v there_o be_v though_o not_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n yet_o a_o bless_a degree_n of_o heavenly_a mindedness_n to_o be_v attain_v and_o therein_o the_o near_a approach_n unto_o glory_n that_o in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o if_o a_o man_n can_v attain_v a_o athletic_a constitution_n of_o health_n or_o a_o strength_n like_o that_o of_o samson_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v wise_a he_o will_v not_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v make_v he_o to_o be_v useful_a in_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o life_n and_o although_o we_o can_v attain_v perfection_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o yet_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v continual_o press_v after_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v wise_a will_v be_v endeavour_v such_o a_o cure_n of_o this_o spiritual_a distemper_n as_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discharge_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n but_o if_o man_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n feed_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n if_o they_o permit_v they_o to_o rove_v continual_o after_o thing_n foolish_a sensual_a and_o earthly_a if_o they_o wilful_o supply_v they_o with_o object_n unto_o that_o end_n and_o labour_v not_o by_o all_o mean_n for_o the_o mortification_n of_o this_o evil_a frame_n in_o vain_a shall_v they_o desire_v or_o expect_v to_o bring_v they_o at_o any_o time_n on_o any_o occasion_n to_o be_v steady_a in_o the_o thought_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o any_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v it_o be_v with_o many_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mind_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n make_v the_o tree_n good_a and_o then_o the_o fruit_n will_v be_v good_a and_o not_o before_o when_o the_o power_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n have_v make_v the_o mind_n habitual_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thought_n of_o such_o thing_n will_v be_v natural_a unto_o it_o and_o accompany_v with_o delight_n but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o until_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n have_v sanctify_v we_o in_o our_o whole_a spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o be_v always_o sensible_a of_o your_o own_o insufficincy_n to_o raise_v in_o your_o mind_n or_o to_o manage_v spiritual_a thought_n or_o thought_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a in_o a_o due_a manner_n but_o in_o this_o case_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o suppose_v that_o as_o they_o may_v so_o they_o can_v think_v of_o what_o they_o please_v thought_n be_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o be_v they_o of_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v they_o need_v no_o assistance_n for_o they_o they_o can_v think_v as_o they_o ought_v they_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o nothing_o will_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n until_o they_o be_v burden_v with_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o contrary_a as_o unto_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o the_o advice_n give_v be_v express_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 3.5_o not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n he_o speak_v principal_o of_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o of_o such_o as_o be_v most_o eminent_o furnish_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n as_o he_o declare_v v_o 6._o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o with_o other_o who_o have_v not_o their_o grace_n nor_o their_o office_n wherefore_o if_o man_n without_o regard_n unto_o the_o present_a actual_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n do_v suppose_v that_o they_o can_v of_o themselves_o exercise_v their_o mind_n in_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o so_o only_o fret_v at_o themselves_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o disappointment_n not_o know_v what_o be_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o they_o will_v live_v in_o a_o lifeless_a barren_a frame_n all_o their_o day_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o natural_a ability_n man_n may_v frame_v thought_n of_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o their_o mind_n according_a unto_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o they_o they_o may_v methodize_v they_o by_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o express_v they_o elegant_o unto_o other_o but_o even_o while_o they_o do_v so_o they_o may_v be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v for_o there_o may_v be_v in_o their_o thought_n no_o act_n of_o faith_n love_n or_o holy_a delight_n in_o god_n or_o any_o grace_n at_o all_o but_o such_o alone_o be_v thing_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o they_o be_v such_o only_a as_o wherein_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n
be_v in_o their_o proper_a exercise_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o we_o have_v no_o sufficiency_n in_o ourselves_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n must_v be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o person_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n more_o general_o grant_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o than_o this_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o none_o more_o neglect_v in_o daily_a practice_n man_n profess_v they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o and_o yet_o go_v about_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 3._o remember_v that_o i_o have_v not_o at_o present_a treat_v of_o solemn_a state_v meditation_n concern_v which_o other_o rule_n and_o instruction_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v by_o solemn_a or_o state_v meditation_n i_o intend_v the_o thought_n of_o some_o subject_a spiritual_a and_o divine_a with_o the_o fix_v force_v and_o order_v our_o thought_n about_o it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o affect_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o by_o this_o design_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o our_o principal_a aim_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o declare_v it_o unto_o other_o and_o so_o also_o from_o prayer_n whereof_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a object_n but_o in_o meditation_n it_o be_v the_o affect_v of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o mind_n with_o love_n delight_n and_o humiliation_n at_o present_a i_o have_v only_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o that_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o our_o thought_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o habitual_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n or_o of_o what_o sort_n the_o constant_a course_n of_o our_o thought_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n this_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n for_o who_o be_v yet_o unskilful_a in_o and_o unable_a for_o state_v meditation_n for_o there_o be_v require_v thereunto_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o ability_n as_o some_o through_o their_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v incapable_a of_o but_o as_o unto_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o insist_v on_o it_o be_v not_o unattainable_a by_o any_o in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o it_o be_v but_o the_o frequent_a act_n of_o they_o that_o i_o intend_v wherefore_o do_v your_o heart_n and_o affection_n lead_v you_o unto_o many_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v they_o spring_v up_o in_o you_o as_o water_n in_o a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n be_v you_o ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o entertain_v such_o thought_n and_o to_o be_v conversant_a with_o they_o as_o opportunity_n do_v offer_v itself_o do_v you_o labour_v to_o have_v in_o a_o readiness_n what_o be_v useful_a for_o you_o with_o respect_n unto_o temptation_n and_o duty_n be_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o ordinary_a retreat_n of_o your_o soul_n though_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o orderly_o state_v meditation_n in_o your_o mind_n yet_o you_o may_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v a_o capacity_n and_o ability_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o great_a trade_n of_o merchandise_n in_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o commodity_n and_o season_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nation_n of_o it_o with_o those_o contrivance_n and_o account_n which_o belong_v unto_o such_o trade_n may_v be_v above_o his_o comprehension_n and_o he_o may_v quick_o ruin_v himself_o in_o undertake_v such_o a_o employment_n yet_o may_v the_o ability_n of_o this_o man_n serve_v he_o well_o enough_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o retail_n trade_n in_o a_o private_a shop_n wherein_o perhaps_o he_o may_v thrive_v as_o well_o and_o get_v as_o good_a a_o estate_n as_o any_o of_o those_o who_o great_a capacity_n lead_v they_o forth_o unto_o more_o large_a and_o hazardous_a employment_n so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o in_o this_o case_n the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o enable_v they_o unto_o state_v meditation_n they_o can_v cast_v thing_n into_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o nor_o frame_v the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n into_o word_n significant_a and_o expressive_a yet_o as_o unto_o frequency_n of_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n thereunto_o they_o may_v thrive_v and_o be_v skilful_a beyond_o most_o other_o of_o great_a natural_a ability_n howbeit_o because_o even_o state_v meditation_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n yea_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n do_v profitable_o act_v themselves_o i_o shall_v have_v regard_n thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a direction_n wherefore_o 4._o whatever_o principle_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o a_o ready_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n or_o otherwise_o without_o great_a diligence_n nor_o without_o great_a difficulty_n it_o be_v show_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o this_o grace_n between_o the_o essence_n substance_n or_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o we_o will_v not_o exclude_v man_n from_o under_o many_o fail_n or_o infirmity_n and_o the_o useful_a degree_n of_o it_o wherein_o it_o have_v its_o principal_a exercise_n as_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o life_n natural_a and_o its_o act_n in_o a_o weak_a disease_v sickly_a body_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o good_a constitution_n and_o in_o a_o vigorous_a health_n suppose_v the_o first_o the_o reality_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o or_o implant_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o new_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n yet_o unto_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o as_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n our_o own_o diligent_a care_n watchfulness_n and_o spiritual_a strive_v in_o all_o holy_a duty_n be_v require_v unless_o the_o most_o fruitful_a ground_n be_v manure_v it_o will_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o useful_a crop_n let_v not_o any_o think_v that_o this_o frame_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n unto_o and_o a_o readiness_n for_o all_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n will_v befall_v he_o and_o continue_v with_o he_o he_o know_v not_o how_o as_o good_a it_o be_v for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n without_o industry_n or_o a_o weak_a man_n to_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a without_o food_n and_o exercise_n as_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v without_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n after_o it_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o be_v requisite_a thereunto_o and_o we_o may_v name_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n without_o which_o such_o a_o holy_a frame_n will_v not_o be_v attain_v as_o 1._o a_o continual_a watch_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o and_o on_o the_o soul_n against_o the_o incursion_n of_o vain_a thought_n and_o imagination_n especial_o in_o such_o season_n wherein_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o obtain_v advantage_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o make_v a_o inroad_n into_o the_o mind_n if_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n if_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o lodge_v within_o in_o vain_a shall_v we_o hope_v or_o desire_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v herein_o consist_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o frequent_o so_o emphatical_o charge_v on_o we_o all_o namely_o to_o watch_n mark_v 3.37_o unless_o we_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n herein_o we_o shall_v be_v betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o all_o such_o thought_n be_v but_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v its_o desire_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o however_o they_o may_v be_v disappoint_v as_o unto_o actual_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v we_o in_o charge_n prov._n 4.23_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n 2._o careful_a avoidance_n of_o all_o society_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v apt_a under_o various_a pretence_n to_o draw_v and_o seduce_v the_o mind_n unto_o a_o earthly_a or_o sensual_a frame_n if_o man_n will_v venture_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n or_o may_v find_v by_o observation_n that_o they_o seduce_v and_o draw_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o and_o will_v not_o watch_v unto_o