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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n father_n holy_a nature_n 8,877 5 5.8462 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A45370 The private Christian's witness for Christianity to the notional and erroneous apprehensions of the Arminian, Socinian, and Deist of the age : with the easy and true means leading the prophane, meer professor, and lazy Christian, to the same experience, as preservative against the infection of each, and against the ill example of the practical blemishes in lazy Christians conversation. Hamilton, David, Sir, 1663-1721. 1697 (1697) Wing H477; ESTC R9357 136,639 289

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the_o private_a christian_n witness_n for_o christianity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o notional_a and_o erroneous_a apprehension_n of_o the_o arminian_n socinian_n and_o deist_n of_o the_o age_n with_o the_o easy_a and_o true_a mean_n lead_v the_o profane_a mere_a professor_n and_o lazy_a christian_a to_o the_o same_o experience_n as_o preservative_n against_o the_o infection_n of_o each_o and_o against_o the_o ill_a example_n of_o the_o practical_a blemish_n in_o lazy_a christian_n conversation_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n cockerill_n at_o the_o three_o leg_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1697._o the_o preface_n by_o a_o friend_n of_o the_o author_n be_v since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n by_o his_o rebellious_a sin_n he_o incur_v the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o felicity_n that_o principal_o consist_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v like_o a_o seal_a fountain_n all_o comfort_a emanation_n be_v obstruct_v divine_a justice_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o all_o guilty_a and_o pollute_a creature_n the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o precious_a merit_n and_o intercession_n be_v a_o mediator_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o communion_n all_o our_o ascent_n to_o god_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o his_o descent_n to_o we_o by_o communicate_v grace_n and_o comfort_n be_v through_o christ_n he_o introduce_v our_o person_n into_o the_o divine_a presence_n he_o purify_v our_o service_n from_o their_o defilement_n and_o defect_n and_o present_v they_o with_o acceptance_n to_o his_o father_n our_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v manage_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n into_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o return_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n by_o the_o energy_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o spirit_n compose_v the_o mind_n with_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n invisible_a and_o adorable_a majesty_n he_o encourage_v our_o trust_n in_o his_o mercy_n and_o raise_v our_o affection_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o difficult_a height_n which_o the_o carnal_a nature_n can_v arrive_v to_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o daily_a revolution_n but_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v assistance_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n love_n to_o believer_n that_o can_v never_o be_v cancel_v that_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o unrenewed_a world_n and_o appropriate_v they_o to_o god_n he_o first_o work_v those_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n wherein_o the_o image_n of_o god_n consist_v and_o by_o illustrate_v they_o in_o the_o view_n of_o conscience_n witness_n that_o they_o be_v god_n child_n he_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n ratify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o those_o who_o have_v feel_v his_o sanctify_a and_o comsort_v operation_n there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o impossible_a discovery_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o when_o reveal_v be_v incomprehensible_a now_o there_o be_v such_o evidence_n beyond_o all_o exception_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o any_o doctrine_n declare_v in_o it_o though_o sublime_a and_o supernatural_a and_o contrary_a to_o our_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n just_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o it_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o testimony_n a_o object_n be_v evident_a by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o the_o impression_n it_o make_v immediate_o on_o the_o mind_n thus_o it_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n between_o what_o be_v fair_a and_o what_o be_v fraudulent_a as_o the_o eye_n see_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o day_n and_o night_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o testimony_n be_v when_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infallible_a for_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o deceive_v now_o of_o the_o gospel_n divine_a original_a there_o be_v external_a character_n and_o sign_n and_o internal_a of_o the_o external_a character_n miracle_n be_v the_o most_o conspicuous_a of_o the_o internal_a the_o sanctify_a and_o comfort_v operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v most_o sensible_a and_o convince_a for_o certain_o humane_a nature_n though_o assist_v by_o moral_a counsel_n and_o constancy_n can_v never_o produce_v such_o divine_a effect_n the_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n that_o the_o spirit_n in_o concomitancy_n with_o the_o gospel_n work_v in_o sincere_a christian_n produce_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o strong_a assurance_n of_o its_o truth_n than_o the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n for_o holiness_n be_v a_o attribute_n as_o true_o divine_a as_o power_n and_o have_v a_o near_a affinity_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a glory_n the_o cleanse_n and_o change_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n the_o calm_v of_o the_o afflict_a conscience_n be_v a_o more_o eminent_a effect_n of_o power_n than_o the_o turn_n of_o a_o wilderness_n into_o a_o paradise_n or_o the_o lay_n storm_n and_o tempest_n the_o sanctify_a and_o comfort_v virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o word_n be_v a_o more_o inward_a and_o last_a proof_n than_o miracle_n a_o miracle_n like_o a_o sudden_a flash_n of_o lightning_n astonish_v man_n at_o the_o present_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v propose_v but_o when_o the_o surprise_n be_v over_o they_o may_v neglect_v their_o duty_n but_o real_a holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n like_o the_o sun_n irradiate_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o constant_a light_n he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o inward_a experimental_a religion_n be_v perceive_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o that_o have_v it_o and_o can_v be_v so_o clear_o demonstrate_v by_o word_n who_o can_v see_v a_o taste_n from_o hence_o many_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a person_n expose_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o ignominy_n and_o contempt_n as_o the_o dotage_n of_o enthusiast_n and_o doctrinal_a professor_n who_o owe_v their_o religion_n to_o tradition_n and_o education_n and_o be_v mere_o titular_a christian_n can_v understand_v and_o believe_v what_o the_o saint_n real_o enjoy_v they_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o unbelief_n because_o many_o have_v father_v the_o bastard_n of_o their_o delude_a fancy_n upon_o the_o spirit_n but_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o pretence_n consider_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o low_a life_n of_o sense_n have_v perceptive_a faculty_n that_o live_a creature_n feel_v that_o they_o live_v and_o the_o spiritual_a life_n more_o raise_v and_o excellent_a than_o the_o rational_a shall_v not_o perceive_v itself_o be_v it_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o prodigy_n that_o the_o soul_n shall_v live_v the_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o joy_n like_o a_o plant_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o or_o because_o many_o be_v deceive_v with_o a_o false_a light_n and_o please_v with_o a_o delusion_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o have_v vital_a experience_n of_o religion_n be_v deceive_v one_o may_v dream_v that_o he_o be_v awake_a but_o a_o man_n that_o be_v awake_a know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o the_o delusion_n of_o one_o do_v not_o weaken_v the_o assurance_n of_o another_o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o genuine_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spurious_a and_o counterfeit_n a_o clear_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v discover_v and_o know_v his_o operation_n this_o be_v no_o vicious_a circle_n i_o know_v i_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o understanding_n that_o discover_v other_o object_n in_o the_o direct_a act_n be_v the_o object_n of_o itself_o in_o the_o reflective_a act_n thus_o i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o divine_a life_n act_v in_o i_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v operation_n they_o be_v all_o in_o consent_n and_o congruity_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v the_o inditer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v contradict_v himself_o they_o make_v man_n more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a and_o as_o the_o star_n direct_v the_o wiseman_n to_o christ_n the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n always_o direct_v we_o to_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v when_o the_o blessing_n they_o receive_v be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n and_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n general_a providence_n i_o shall_v only_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o their_o prayer_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v influence_n which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o
that_o duty_n the_o spirit_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o intelligencer_n of_o heaven_n he_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o most_o favourable_a season_n and_o by_o soft_a whisper_v and_o warm_a impulse_n bring_v we_o in_o god_n presence_n to_o pray_v for_o mercy_n when_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o bestow_v they_o he_o do_v with_o sensible_a enlargement_n open_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o as_o under_o the_o law_n when_o fire_n fall_v from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n acceptance_n so_o when_o a_o sacred_a fire_n kindle_v our_o affection_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n our_o request_n be_v accept_v he_o mix_v in_o our_o prayer_n reverence_n with_o filial_a confidence_n resignation_n to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o reliance_n upon_o his_o love_n and_o power_n and_o when_o a_o mercy_n be_v bestow_v the_o spirit_n convert_v our_o prayer_n into_o praise_n and_o by_o the_o mercy_n confirm_v our_o faith_n inflame_v our_o love_n and_o endear_v obedience_n to_o we_o concern_v the_o person_n of_o who_o the_o follow_a paper_n give_v a_o account_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v he_o be_v a_o christian_n inward_o who_o have_v have_v a_o state_v intercourse_n with_o heaven_n and_o have_v record_v the_o gracious_a passage_n of_o providence_n the_o rich_a return_v of_o prayer_n to_o he_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o continual_a succession_n of_o mercy_n through_o all_o the_o minute_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o can_v observe_v and_o remember_v but_o as_o there_o be_v a_o different_a glory_n in_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n one_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n another_o of_o the_o moon_n and_o another_o of_o the_o star_n so_o some_o be_v eminent_a and_o illustrious_a above_o other_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o solemnity_n of_o these_o mercy_n he_o have_v be_v deep_o sensible_a and_o can_v not_o be_v silent_a but_o open_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o experience_n and_o with_o david_n the_o great_a pattern_n of_o thankfulness_n call_v upon_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n to_o read_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o his_o soul_n his_o end_n be_v to_o glorify_v his_o bless_a benefactor_n and_o to_o invite_v other_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o mercy_n may_v his_o example_n excite_v we_o with_o diligence_n and_o delight_n to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o god_n on_o earth_n the_o sweet_a and_o sure_a anticipation_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o temple_n above_o where_o light_n and_o love_n and_o joy_n shine_v in_o their_o perfection_n for_o ever_o to_o the_o reader_n who_o among_o the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n can_v behold_v the_o abound_a vice_n of_o the_o profane_a the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n make_v a_o cloak_n for_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o the_o laziness_n of_o christian_n life_n in_o our_o day_n and_o not_o awaken_v ourselves_o to_o hear_v god_n speak_v in_o the_o same_o language_n to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n isa_n 43.10_o you_o be_v my_o witness_n be_v god_n divine_a providence_n practical_o deny_v or_o retrench_v when_o so_o much_o thereof_o be_v in_o the_o constant_a view_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n deny_v by_o a_o sectary_n of_o deist_n when_o so_o much_o thereof_o be_v feel_v as_o real_a in_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n so_o audacious_o and_o profane_o deny_v when_o those_o who_o have_v experience_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o first_o by_o the_o powerful_a application_n of_o the_o latter_a witness_v the_o reality_n of_o both_o i_o be_o resolve_v therefore_o to_o make_v no_o other_o apology_n for_o my_o print_n the_o follow_a discourse_n than_o that_o it_o be_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o apostle_n charge_n to_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o 10_o verse_n of_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o peter_n as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n even_o so_o minister_v the_o same_o one_o to_o another_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n what_o i_o have_v impart_v i_o have_v receive_v and_o in_o these_o gradual_a step_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o first_o and_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o impart_v of_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n and_o by_o what_o mean_n i_o hope_v i_o stand_v his_o witness_n this_o day_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o approve_v myself_o a_o faithful_a steward_n in_o minister_a the_o same_o thing_n to_o other_o and_o that_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o they_o be_v receive_v there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o confederacy_n between_o satan_n and_o the_o man_n of_o this_o age_n to_o discredit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n but_o his_o word_n be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o sincere_a christian_n clear_o see_v the_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o feel_v the_o sanctify_a comfort_a efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o many_o have_v seal_v its_o truth_n with_o their_o blood_n other_o in_o their_o die_a hour_n when_o man_n speak_v with_o most_o feeling_n and_o least_o affectation_n have_v declare_v their_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o other_o in_o converse_n with_o those_o they_o most_o dear_o love_v and_o therefore_o will_v not_o deceive_v each_o christian_a therefore_o be_v under_o obligation_n to_o glorify_v god_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n of_o experience_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o divine_a truth_n all_o be_v not_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o there_o seem_v in_o our_o day_n but_o small_a opportunity_n in_o conversation_n to_o witness_v for_o christianity_n converse_v with_o the_o profane_a be_v of_o so_o dangerous_a consequence_n that_o discourse_n of_o such_o thing_n occasion_n god_n and_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v mock_v yea_o to_o my_o certain_a knowledge_n blaspheme_v converse_v with_o some_o 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perform_v a_o distinct_a worship_n of_o christ_n in_o prayer_n and_o do_v hope_n that_o i_o be_o under_o the_o instruction_n and_o inward_a power_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v shall_v guide_v we_o unto_o all_o truth_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o mean_n john_n 14.26_o what_o be_v a_o guide_n otherwise_o in_o nature_n and_o way_n of_o power_n upon_o the_o soul_n than_o that_o the_o product_v only_o of_o religious_a education_n and_o of_o the_o notional_a knowledge_n of_o christianity_n as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n with_o a_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n so_o by_o this_o very_a experience_n i_o have_v be_v wonderful_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o the_o socinianism_n falsehood_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o age_n in_o that_o duty_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o have_v often_o be_v so_o ravish_v with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n love_n in_o himself_o as_o god_n and_o man_n 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you_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n turn_v socinian_n never_o know_v christ_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o a_o notional_a knowledge_n please_v to_o its_o self_n but_o never_o feel_v that_o saving-knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n plant_v or_o water_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n john_n c._n 1._o v._n 3._o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o in_o five_o 10._o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o it_o know_v he_o not_o undoubted_o therefore_o he_o make_v up_o one_o of_o they_o gen._n 1.26_o who_o say_v let_v we_o make_v man_n one_o in_o nature_n though_o three_o person_n distinct_a be_v not_o the_o soul_n a_o man_n one_o in_o essence_n though_o different_a in_o its_o faculty_n of_o judgement_n will_n and_o affection_n colos_n ch_n 1._o v._n 14_o 15_o 16._o by_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o son_n that_o redeem_v we_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a all_o 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2d_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o 9th_o and_o 10_o verse_n who_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n and_o if_o that_o of_o his_o be_v god_n but_o now_o make_v out_o be_v not_o one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n i_o know_v not_o how_o we_o shall_v understand_v his_o satisfaction_n of_o god_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o his_o word_n in_o the_o 10_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v if_o any_o deceiver_n come_v unto_o you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v they_o not_o in_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v they_o speed_n both_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o familiarity_n but_o just_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v such_o discouragement_n to_o deceiver_n that_o if_o by_o they_o can_v be_v divert_v splenetic_a vapour_n by_o acuteness_n of_o their_o wit_n and_o divert_v conversation_n they_o shall_v have_v as_o great_a if_o not_o great_a room_n in_o their_o society_n or_o house_n as_o those_o who_o delight_n be_v to_o 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his_o own_o strength_n can_v afford_v yet_o he_o shall_v not_o attain_v that_o height_n of_o free_a utterance_n so_o heavenly_a a_o style_n or_o so_o familiar_a and_o near_o a_o approach_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n as_o sometime_o sudden_o in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n he_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o and_o that_o by_o the_o blowing_n afresh_o of_o christ_n divine_a influence_n i_o have_v myself_o while_o under_o no_o other_o power_n than_o that_o of_o education_n stand_v in_o a_o maze_n to_o hear_v minister_n express_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o duty_n the_o influence_n of_o christ_n spirit_n and_o the_o like_a imagine_v these_o as_o word_n choose_v to_o set_v off_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o amiable_a to_o soul_n till_o experience_n discover_v the_o reality_n thereof_o and_o since_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o to_o myself_o i_o have_v often_o with_o great_a concern_v of_o soul_n hear_v christ_n spirit_n mock_v at_o emanation_n and_o influence_n from_o he_o so_o ridicule_v that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o exercise_v compassion_n compare_v their_o word_n to_o my_o own_o thought_n while_o under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o ignorance_n of_o experimental_a religion_n and_o the_o inward_a power_n of_o christianity_n no_o less_o instruction_n be_v capable_a of_o illuminate_v such_o dark_a mind_n than_o what_o be_v a_o emanation_n and_o influence_n of_o that_o spirit_n so_o revile_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o in_o their_o thought_n such_o a_o one_o and_o the_o creature_n set_v christ_n in_o his_o divine_a nature_n at_o nought_o i_o place_n in_o the_o same_o categorical_a line_n to_o this_o five_o experience_n i_o subjoin_v the_o follow_a instance_n of_o a_o undertake_n where_o the_o eye_n hand_n and_o wish_n of_o many_o be_v against_o i_o and_o no_o probable_a hope_n of_o success_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n but_o what_o i_o have_v from_o the_o marvellous_a frame_n of_o soul_n and_o near_a access_n to_o god_n concern_v it_o and_o like_o a_o 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the_o soul_n against_o mistake_v god_n or_o themselves_o when_o his_o way_n run_v not_o in_o the_o same_o stream_n towards_o they_o their_o advancement_n in_o strength_n be_v gradual_a and_o many_o time_n according_a to_o the_o different_a step_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n so_o god_n walk_v in_o different_a step_n round_o they_o require_v a_o constant_a observation_n of_o his_o way_n admire_v their_o variety_n and_o bring_v forth_o suitable_a improvement_n of_o knowledge_n of_o god_n love_v to_o he_o and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o how_o infinite_a therefore_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o bless_a god_n who_o know_v the_o various_a constitution_n and_o the_o thing_n their_o thought_n be_v most_o fix_v to_o that_o his_o breathe_a divine_a influence_n thereupon_o may_v be_v his_o ready_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o serious_a discovery_n of_o god_n and_o their selve_o thereby_o how_o infinite_a be_v the_o wisdom_n love_n and_o tenderness_n of_o our_o bless_a husbandman_n in_o the_o gradual_a growth_n of_o all_o the_o young_a tender_a branch_n in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o in_o train_v up_o his_o babe_n in_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o he_o feed_v the_o one_o with_o milk_n and_o the_o other_o with_o meat_n know_v well_o what_o each_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o and_o can_v bear_v either_o of_o his_o smile_n or_o correct_v stripe_n order_v each_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o perfect_a of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o meet_v for_o eternal_a glory_n the_o experience_n whereof_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o some_o serious_a christian_n but_o not_o exact_a observer_n who_o will_v reply_v upon_o impart_v a_o particular_a method_n of_o god_n with_o a_o soul_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n you_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o depend_v upon_o that_o particular_a way_n god_n act_n with_o you_o in_o lest_o satan_n make_v it_o a_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n and_o yourselves_o when_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o walk_v in_o another_o road_n with_o your_o soul_n but_o general_a and_o strict_a observer_n find_v god_n way_n to_o be_v thus_o that_o according_a to_o the_o infancy_n or_o manhood_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o christianity_n or_o according_a to_o the_o different_a step_n of_o advance_v the_o soul_n towards_o this_o manhood_n so_o god_n way_n to_o be_v various_a and_o according_a to_o his_o different_a end_n so_o his_o course_n lead_v thereto_o usual_o to_o be_v different_a marvellous_a argument_n indeed_o of_o infinite_a wisdom_n love_n and_o compassion_n in_o our_o great_a god_n instruction_n enough_o to_o make_v we_o stand_v off_o from_o prescribe_v method_n according_a to_o our_o inclination_n or_o expectation_n but_o instruction_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o close_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o way_n in_o continual_a prayer_n for_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o design_n and_o the_o obtain_v the_o establishment_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o method_n of_o god_n be_v never_o so_o various_a with_o we_o hereto_o relate_v my_o experience_n of_o god_n with_o my_o own_o soul_n that_o according_a to_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o my_o faith_n of_o reliance_n so_o god_n method_n have_v vary_v for_o while_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o trust_n to_o god_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v that_o never_o a_o prayer_n spiritual_o perform_v want_v its_o return_n immediate_o and_o that_o exact_o suitable_a to_o my_o word_n in_o prayer_n but_o upon_o further_a strength_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o reliance_n upon_o god_n i_o have_v find_v the_o return_n of_o my_o prayer_n long_o defer_v yea_o sometime_o to_o the_o last_o pinch_n of_o extremity_n but_o still_o answerable_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o soul_n and_o word_n utter_v in_o prayer_n when_o this_o frame_n and_o utterance_n be_v above_o my_o own_o strength_n through_o divine_a influence_n argument_n enough_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n adapt_a his_o various_a way_n to_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o his_o child_n weakness_n and_o strength_n of_o divine_a love_n establish_v their_o trust_n to_o himself_o and_o try_v their_o reliance_n upon_o he_o as_o a_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o that_o strength_n of_o grace_n and_o thereby_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o continual_a praise_n admiration_n and_o love_n to_o he_o how_o different_a be_v christ_n carriage_n to_o the_o leper_n from_o his_o act_n with_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n who_o faith_n far_o exceed_v the_o other_o the_o leper_n much_o weak_a in_o faith_n have_v the_o return_n of_o his_o prayer_n immediate_o but_o she_o much_o strong_a in_o faith_n have_v the_o return_n great_o defer_v with_o the_o intermixture_n of_o many_o try_v passage_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o own_o silence_n to_o her_o own_o petition_n and_o with_o his_o call_v she_o a_o dog_n as_o if_o she_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o much_o less_o to_o receive_v of_o
his_o child_n food_n mercy_n in_o answer_n to_o prayer_n the_o lord_n know_v her_o strength_n and_o adapt_v his_o way_n of_o trial_n thereto_o which_o issue_v in_o honour_n to_o he_o and_o evidence_n to_o herself_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o her_o faith_n when_o christ_n see_v peter_n faith_n as_o a_o rock_n to_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o he_o than_o tell_v he_o of_o the_o suffering_n to_o attend_v he_o and_o all_o that_o will_v follow_v after_o christ_n his_o faith_n be_v gradual_o bring_v up_o to_o such_o a_o strength_n enable_v he_o to_o bear_v this_o report_n which_o perhaps_o in_o the_o beginning_n may_v have_v discourage_v he_o to_o follow_v christ_n or_o his_o rule_n when_o therefore_o we_o be_v as_o moses_n we_o may_v be_v keep_v six_o day_n on_o the_o mount_n before_o the_o answer_n of_o prayer_n come_v gen._n c._n 24._o let_v we_o therefore_o admire_v god_n wisdom_n and_o love_n in_o first_o plant_v or_o further_a carry_v on_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n let_v we_o be_v instruct_v not_o to_o limit_v god_n to_o any_o one_o way_n in_o convert_v or_o further_a perfect_a a_o gracious_a soul_n but_o let_v we_o keep_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o god_n mean_n with_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o various_a way_n of_o providence_n and_o spirit_n establish_v upon_o his_o divine_a word_n and_o experience_n in_o our_o soul_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o depth_n the_o length_n and_o height_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o only_o by_o a_o faith_n wrought_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o by_o a_o evident_a sense_n thereof_o experimental_o feel_v not_o yield_v to_o that_o lazy_a excuse_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o fathom_v he_o though_o we_o can_v find_v god_n out_o to_o perfection_n yet_o we_o may_v comprehend_v much_o more_o of_o his_o way_n than_o we_o do_v to_o keep_v we_o in_o continual_a admiration_n and_o praise_n of_o his_o love_n make_v our_o life_n the_o near_a to_o resemble_v the_o work_n of_o saint_n above_o not_o suffer_v his_o way_n to_o lie_v still_o in_o the_o depth_n without_o record_n thereof_o or_o reflection_n thereupon_o a_o method_n which_o may_v great_o prevent_v the_o many_o fear_n that_o many_o gracious_a soul_n meet_v with_o in_o their_o way_n and_o by_o which_o they_o dishonour_v god_n before_o the_o wicked_a that_o by_o know_v their_o own_o want_n and_o god_n method_n of_o supply_v they_o may_v be_v remedy_v a_o six_o experience_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n breathe_v upon_o the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n and_o of_o its_o correspondency_n to_o the_o certain_a return_n thereof_o be_v that_o according_a to_o my_o morning_n frame_n in_o give_v up_o myself_o so_o have_v my_o frame_n continue_v through_o the_o day_n but_o most_o remarkable_o thus_o on_o a_o sabbath-day_n wherein_o i_o have_v find_v that_o my_o frame_n in_o hear_v a_o sermon_n have_v great_o answer_v to_o the_o frame_n of_o my_o morning_n be_v private_a address_n to_o heaven_n with_o that_o exactness_n that_o i_o can_v never_o observe_v or_o set_v it_o upon_o record_n without_o great_a amazement_n herein_o mistake_v i_o not_o as_o if_o i_o pass_v my_o day_n without_o any_o other_o address_v rest_v upon_o the_o comfortable_a experience_n of_o good_a frame_n in_o my_o morning_n prayer_n but_o upon_o all_o occurrence_n throughout_o the_o day_n my_o supplication_n have_v be_v repeat_v my_o method_n be_v never_o to_o attempt_v any_o service_n civil_a or_o spiritual_a without_o address_n to_o god_n for_o conduct_v therein_o and_o when_o opportunity_n of_o set_a prayer_n be_v deny_v the_o same_o spirituality_n in_o ejaculation_n and_o that_o correspondent_a to_o return_v be_v experience_v confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n acceptance_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v help_v the_o soul_n to_o groan_n not_o to_o be_v utter_v when_o the_o soul_n in_o meditation_n be_v under_o such_o a_o heavenly_a thoughtfulness_n to_o god_n as_o be_v impossible_a for_o it_o to_o utter_v i_o can_v set_v down_o numerous_a instance_n of_o god_n acceptance_n of_o prayer_n put_v up_o before_o enter_v into_o company_n with_o freedom_n from_o quarrel_n or_o disquiet_v and_o when_o disquiet_a of_o any_o kind_n have_v accompany_v i_o i_o have_v find_v it_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o my_o soul_n have_v be_v out_o of_o frame_n or_o my_o address_n to_o god_n before_o my_o enter_v the_o society_n have_v be_v neglect_v who_o will_v not_o therefore_o advise_v i_o to_o rest_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o petition_v he_o for_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n convey_v to_o i_o with_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n in_o it_o and_o as_o a_o return_n to_o prayer_n for_o it_o that_o when_o my_o passage_n through_o this_o wilderness_n be_v at_o end_n i_o may_v not_o enter_v unto_o a_o unknown_a god_n who_o have_v be_v a_o father_n by_o his_o special_a conduct_n of_o providence_n a_o husbandman_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o divine_a spirit_n my_o alone_a friend_n to_o who_o i_o have_v put_v up_o all_o my_o request_n and_o from_o who_o i_o have_v receive_v all_o the_o supply_n of_o want_n and_o that_o in_o a_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o neither_o to_o a_o unknown_a work_n but_o that_o of_o which_o i_o have_v have_v some_o foretaste_n in_o the_o use_n of_o observation_n prayer_n solemn_a and_o ejaculatory_a and_o meditation_n admire_v of_o god_n manifest_v and_o praise_v his_o name_n for_o the_o experience_a discovery_n of_o himself_o a_o seven_o experience_n of_o christ_n spirit_n exciting_a to_o prayer_n and_o intercede_v with_o we_o in_o prayer_n with_o the_o certain_a correspondency_n thereof_o by_o a_o return_n of_o that_o prayer_n thus_o perform_v to_o god_n have_v be_v by_o put_v word_n in_o my_o mouth_n as_o well_o as_o spirituality_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o that_o sudden_o unpremeditated_a yea_o sometime_o contrary_a to_o matter_n and_o word_n design_v to_o clear_v this_o experience_n i_o will_v give_v you_o among_o many_o instance_n the_o follow_v one_o concern_v a_o friend_n distraction_n in_o a_o fever_n for_o who_o my_o design_n be_v to_o petition_n god_n for_o his_o recovery_n but_o be_v carry_v out_o in_o prayer_n and_o that_o powerful_o too_o altogether_o for_o the_o return_n of_o their_o reason_n without_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o ask_v one_o petition_n for_o the_o abatement_n and_o removal_n of_o their_o fever_n upon_o inquiry_n i_o find_v their_o distraction_n go_v off_o but_o the_o fever_n remain_v the_o same_o the_o return_n of_o their_o reason_n exact_o answer_v the_o time_n of_o the_o supplication_n for_o it_o another_o instance_n of_o this_o experience_n be_v concern_v another_o friend_n for_o who_o health_n i_o have_v design_v to_o petition_n god_n but_o find_v my_o word_n in_o my_o address_n to_o god_n strong_o divert_v from_o petition_n to_o praise_n bless_v his_o name_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o that_o without_o any_o foreknowledge_n of_o amendment_n or_o probable_a reason_n to_o expect_v it_o but_o what_o i_o have_v from_o this_o powerful_a sudden_a and_o undesign_v utterance_n in_o prayer_n another_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n i_o very_o late_o have_v concern_v a_o friend_n belove_a and_o only_a child_n for_o who_o i_o find_v in_o myself_o great_a and_o amaze_a freedom_n of_o utterance_n and_o that_o by_o way_n of_o praise_n though_o my_o design_n be_v to_o petition_n god_n concern_v it_o have_v all_o humane_a probability_n to_o expect_v its_o death_n after_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o utterance_n in_o prayer_n i_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o dark_a till_o at_o least_o ten_o day_n and_o then_o have_v the_o account_n of_o its_o recovery_n yea_o of_o its_o great_a amendment_n answerable_a to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o utterance_n of_o praise_v be_v strict_o curious_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n that_o none_o of_o these_o marvellous_a experience_n may_v afford_v the_o least_o doubt_v in_o their_o enjoyment_n but_o obtain_v a_o clear_a reception_n 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a_o christian_a under_o the_o same_o special_a conduct_n of_o god_n care_n but_o without_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o step_n of_o god_n providence_n have_v neither_o the_o knowledge_n nor_o the_o strength_n that_o the_o observe_a christian_n have_v convey_v to_o his_o soul_n as_o the_o true_a effect_n of_o so_o desirable_a a_o duty_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o droop_v in_o his_o spirit_n when_o afflict_v not_o know_v god_n design_n in_o particular_a though_o rely_v on_o that_o bless_a word_n that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n yet_o miss_v god_n particular_a design_n in_o the_o present_a want_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o present_a mercy_n thereby_o to_o be_v bestow_v he_o become_v in_o danger_n of_o satan_n tempt_v he_o to_o despondency_n of_o a_o melancholy_a carriage_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o pass_v his_o pilgrimage_n state_n under_o cloud_n second_o that_o since_o god_n own_o child_n be_v under_o the_o 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of_o a_o bless_a issue_n if_o christian_n be_v serious_a in_o search_v out_o their_o sin_n before_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o how_o defective_a they_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v be_v assure_v not_o only_o from_o divine_a revelation_n but_o from_o their_o happy_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o all_o that_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n will_v outweigh_v all_o their_o suffering_n and_o sorrow_n a_o five_o method_n of_o god_n to_o advance_v reliance_n upon_o himself_o be_v by_o immediate_a specialty_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n in_o passage_n of_o providence_n in_o lay_v matter_n of_o great_a success_n in_o my_o way_n and_o that_o in_o the_o follow_a instance_n first_o by_o bring_v they_o about_o without_o the_o operation_n of_o second_o cause_n common_o make_v use_n of_o have_v in_o many_o instance_n experience_v such_o thing_n lay_v in_o my_o way_n wherein_o i_o have_v hardly_o be_v
mean_n by_o which_o much_o of_o god_n spirit_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o their_o soul_n and_o thereby_o god_n word_n experience_v as_o certain_a and_o their_o reliance_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n evident_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o bring_v forth_o such_o i_o say_v seem_v more_o necessary_a than_o the_o sermon_n or_o book_n enlarge_n upon_o a_o divine_a truth_n with_o such_o fine_a oratorical_a and_o philosophical_a style_n as_o may_v itch_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o christian_a with_o establishment_n of_o its_o own_o notion_n in_o religious_a theory_n and_o of_o the_o illiterate_a with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o preacher_n or_o writer_n great_a and_o learned_a gift_n endanger_n both_o through_z obtain_v applause_n not_o only_o of_o pride_n but_o of_o keep_v reason_n out_o of_o its_o due_a place_n and_o if_o this_o have_v not_o bring_v forth_o many_o unneccessary_a heat_n at_o this_o day_n i_o be_o great_o mistake_v reason_n be_v that_o noble_a 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corruption_n and_o misery_n to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o glory_n above_o the_o prospect_n whereof_o we_o only_o now_o enjoy_v dark_o through_o a_o glass_n and_o yet_o the_o view_v thereof_o that_o upon_o this_o earth_n we_o sometime_o experimental_o have_v be_v know_v by_o all_o experience_a christian_n both_o to_o be_v mysterious_a far_o above_o nature_n foresight_n or_o enjoyment_n through_o itself_o and_o render_v the_o creature_n unexpressible_a astonishment_n in_o its_o approach_n upon_o the_o soul_n though_o the_o protestant_a nation_n abound_v with_o such_o error_n yet_o they_o neither_o derogate_v from_o god_n and_o his_o word_n or_o afford_v darkness_n to_o christian_a professor_n who_o have_v experience_v the_o reality_n of_o both_o upon_o their_o soul_n but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o they_o as_o christian_n certain_o ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n whatever_o fine_a notional_a flourish_v in_o print_n or_o discourse_n they_o express_v and_o also_o 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find_v the_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n he_o shall_v then_o make_v the_o current_n of_o his_o zeal_n run_v towards_o further_a evidence_n of_o its_o reality_n and_o further_a growth_n in_o it_o advise_v other_o not_o to_o debate_v whether_o justification_n or_o sanctification_n precede_v whether_o certain_a condition_n must_v precede_v qualify_a to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o any_o thing_n of_o holiness_n in_o our_o nature_n appear_v but_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o use_n of_o god_n mean_n and_o in_o they_o to_o obtain_v the_o application_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o privilege_n by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n and_o so_o both_o condition_n themselves_o and_o a_o renew_v state_n by_o your_o union_n to_o christ_n may_v sensible_o appear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o mean_n thus_o bless_v and_o the_o step_n of_o advancement_n in_o this_o newness_n of_o nature_n be_v bring_v forth_o not_o only_a 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his_o return_n of_o such_o prayer_n be_v great_o defer_v and_o as_o a_o condescend_v help_n to_o prevent_v despond_v anxiety_n quiet_a of_o mind_n concern_v the_o return_n to_o be_v defer_v always_o accompany_v my_o supplication_n and_o the_o lord_n leave_v i_o not_o to_o the_o dominion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n or_o of_o satan_n suggestion_n or_o if_o either_o have_v assault_v i_o the_o divine_a strength_n raise_v i_o to_o a_o actual_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n at_o the_o time_n fortify_v i_o against_o they_o again_o a_o observe_v christian_n see_v so_o much_o of_o the_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n in_o god_n way_n concern_v they_o that_o it_o must_v be_v strange_a if_o he_o presume_v to_o confine_v god_n to_o one_o method_n when_o the_o variousness_n yea_o the_o contrariness_n of_o method_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o same_o end_n be_v one_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o wisdom_n a_o observe_a believer_n know_v that_o god_n try_v the_o strength_n of_o 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of_o this_o trust_n psal_n 37.5_o commit_v thy_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v the_o habit_n of_o resignation_n may_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n by_o the_o renew_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n three_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o your_o soul_n in_o address_v god_n by_o prayer_n by_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n that_o bring_v about_o the_o return_n of_o this_o prayer_n in_o the_o observation_n whereof_o the_o speciality_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n in_o the_o providence_n bring_v the_o return_n about_o be_v as_o discoverable_a as_o immediateness_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n influence_v the_o soul_n to_o ask_v with_o calm_a and_o resign_v submission_n as_o to_o the_o event_n the_o observe_a christian_n do_v often_o see_v these_o two_o join_v together_o and_o each_o illustrate_v one_o another_o where_o other_o do_v not_o or_o hardly_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o observe_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o what_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o first_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 116th_o psal_n in_o the_o five_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 118th_o psalm_n and_o in_o the_o 121st_o psalm_n find_v that_o prayer_n return_v observe_v and_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n discover_v or_o bring_v it_o about_o be_v powerful_a in_o bring_v his_o soul_n to_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o love_n to_o reliance_n upon_o admiration_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n i_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v my_o supplication_n i_o call_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o hear_v i_o therefore_o shall_v i_o see_v my_o desire_n and_o he_o be_v now_o my_o strength_n and_o my_o song_n i_o will_v praise_v thou_o for_o thou_o have_v hear_v i_o and_o be_v become_v my_o salvation_n the_o unobserve_a christian_a therefore_o of_o prayer_n return_v and_o of_o
god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n when_o such_o a_o view_n of_o he_o will_v force_v their_o remembrance_n of_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n the_o adoration_n due_a to_o he_o as_o god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n though_o he_o humble_v himself_o that_o we_o may_v be_v exalt_v and_o may_v in_o heaven_n see_v his_o glory_n and_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o glorious_a likeness_n it_o will_v be_v righteous_a that_o those_o who_o vilify_v the_o redeemer_n shall_v not_o reign_v with_o he_o and_o since_o they_o deny_v that_o he_o wash_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n with_o his_o blood_n it_o be_v righteous_a that_o their_o guilt_n shall_v remain_v on_o they_o for_o ever_o he_o that_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n strengthen_v he_o will_v notwithstanding_o the_o subtle_a cavil_n of_o other_o glorify_v he_o as_o the_o incarnate_a son_n of_o god_n who_o purchase_v grace_n and_o glory_n for_o he_o by_o his_o humiliation_n and_o confer_v it_o in_o his_o exaltation_n as_o for_o deist_n who_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n their_o error_n be_v bring_v for_o the_o support_n of_o socinianism_n for_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v so_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o eternal_a deity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n supernatural_a and_o incomprehensible_a by_o our_o narrow_a mind_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o return_v to_o heathenism_n than_o receive_v the_o gospel_n beside_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o command_n they_o will_v not_o obey_v and_o therefore_o will_v only_o follow_v the_o dim_a light_n of_o nature_n that_o discover_v not_o many_o sin_n which_o they_o love_v nor_o some_o duty_n from_o which_o they_o be_v averse_a you_o therefore_o under_o this_o character_n let_v i_o invite_v you_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o god_n word_n and_o if_o you_o find_v in_o your_o experience_n any_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o 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and_o prayer_n we_o must_v fix_v it_o in_o our_o thought_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o particular_o observe_v what_o may_v be_v directive_n in_o those_o duty_n that_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o may_v serve_v for_o comfort_n in_o disquiet_v affliction_n to_o which_o we_o may_v be_v expose_v mr._n pool_n annotation_n be_v useful_a in_o our_o read_n this_o method_n be_v marvellous_o bless_v to_o i_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o with_o observation_n and_o prayer_n i_o soon_o see_v the_o worth_n of_o god_n word_n the_o benefit_n of_o use_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n and_o my_o soul_n be_v ardent_o and_o constant_o desirous_a of_o divine_a grace_n to_o conform_v i_o entire_o to_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o holiness_n set_v down_o in_o it_o the_o method_n i_o use_v at_o first_o be_v to_o read_v a_o chapter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o psalm_n and_o a_o chapter_n of_o the_o new_a with_o pool_n annotation_n upon_o each_o and_o this_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o 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not_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o those_o only_o in_o young_a year_n but_o necessary_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o person_n of_o more_o mature_a age._n first_o i_o advise_v the_o young_a that_o they_o will_v not_o rest_v satisfy_v to_o answer_v their_o parent_n instruction_n or_o in_o the_o customary_a method_n of_o read_v so_o many_o chapter_n a_o day_n and_o that_o at_o their_o usual_a time_n but_o to_o consider_v what_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o conformity_n to_o it_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o by_o it_o that_o by_o right_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a will_n they_o be_v preserve_v from_o youthful_a lust_n from_o the_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o vicious_a and_o contagious_a example_n of_o other_o let_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o way_n be_v deep_o set_v in_o they_o before_o they_o read_v controversy_n in_o
it_o be_v entertain_v very_o cold_o or_o with_o contempt_n and_o derision_n as_o to_o recreation_n doubtful_a among_o christian_n play_v at_o card_n and_o the_o like_a whether_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a i_o think_v it_o be_v best_o to_o keep_v the_o judgement_n free_a from_o entangle_v scruple_n but_o to_o restrain_v our_o practice_n and_o according_o i_o desire_v to_o order_v my_o conversation_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o since_o nothing_o in_o christ_n command_n or_o example_n or_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v express_v herein_o i_o judge_v it_o best_o to_o regulate_v my_o practice_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a christian_n who_o i_o know_v have_v abstain_v from_o recreation_n of_o a_o suspect_a nature_n a_o second_o reason_n to_o i_o be_v that_o recreation_n though_o seem_v innocent_a have_v often_o be_v and_o be_v dangerous_a snare_n to_o man_n how_o many_o have_v resolve_v to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o a_o recreation_n 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christian_n shall_v be_v very_o diligent_a to_o prevent_v a_o take_a occasion_n and_o encouragement_n from_o their_o example_n to_o licentiousness_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n they_o have_v the_o best_a opportunity_n to_o spiritualise_v conversation_n with_o their_o people_n and_o improve_n time_n to_o the_o most_o excellent_a advantage_n that_o be_v to_o increase_v their_o knowledge_n holiness_n and_o comfort_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o paul_n who_o be_v so_o great_a a_o lover_n of_o christ_n and_o soul_n this_o practice_n will_v refel_v the_o double_a accusation_n of_o minister_n in_o our_o day_n first_o that_o they_o be_v so_o much_o see_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v so_o little_a at_o home_n converse_v with_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o seldom_o with_o their_o people_n unless_o in_o outward_a enjoyment_n and_o without_o spiritual_a profit_n to_o they_o second_o the_o other_o accusation_n be_v their_o ignorance_n of_o their_o people_n spiritual_a state_n and_o their_o more_o apply_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v the_o character_n of_o their_o party_n than_o to_o preach_v truth_n suitable_a to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o congregation_n some_o preacher_n be_v call_v legal_a other_o evangelical_n and_o according_a to_o the_o different_a opinion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v censure_v or_o commend_v but_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n defame_v and_o pollute_v his_o profession_n who_o do_v not_o make_v it_o his_o sole_a end_n to_o glorify_v christ_n and_o save_v soul_n and_o for_o that_o end_n the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v discover_v the_o undo_v condition_n of_o sinner_n that_o they_o may_v come_v weary_a and_o heavy-laden_a to_o our_o compassionate_a saviour_n make_v he_o appear_v the_o more_o lovely_a to_o their_o view_n that_o they_o may_v with_o unfeigned_a willingness_n walk_v in_o those_o mean_n wherein_o his_o spirit_n may_v be_v find_v to_o apply_v christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o the_o needy_a soul_n i_o can_v but_o mention_v what_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o myself_o that_o upon_o any_o stir_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n tend_v to_o puff_n i_o up_o after_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n or_o leave_v a_o kind_n of_o security_n in_o the_o follow_a duty_n what_o need_v i_o have_v have_v of_o reflect_v upon_o the_o law_n show_v thereby_o to_o myself_o how_o insufficient_a i_o be_v to_o give_v full_a obedience_n thereto_o or_o to_o perform_v any_o one_o part_n thereof_o aright_o unless_o by_o the_o continue_a assistance_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n to_o be_v obtain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v duty_n to_o be_v in_o the_o close_a work_n of_o use_v mean_n and_o to_o ascribe_v benefit_n obtain_v therein_o to_o the_o free_a and_o powerful_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o any_o disposition_n or_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o therefore_o the_o meditation_n of_o law_n and_o grace_n must_v be_v join_v the_o first_o lead_v to_o the_o other_o and_o great_o discover_v the_o efficacy_n thereof_o yea_o more_o than_o that_o contemplate_v alone_o shall_v i_o see_v the_o precious_a excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o see_v my_o lose_a corrupt_a deprave_a state_n shall_v i_o see_v the_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o work_v and_o plant_v grace_n not_o see_v my_o own_o insufficiency_n to_o act_v without_o it_o again_o before_o the_o close_a of_o the_o same_o evening_n i_o have_v be_v bring_v under_o such_o concern_n for_o one_o failure_n or_o other_o that_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n have_v convince_o and_o comfortable_o by_o serious_a reflection_n want_v to_o have_v be_v apply_v to_o my_o soul_n shall_v therefore_o one_o christian_a need_n the_o bear_n home_o of_o both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o one_o day_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v a_o congregation_n make_v up_o of_o christian_n whereof_o some_o be_v secure_a and_o other_o tender_a and_o self-condemning_a stand_v in_o need_n of_o sermon_n of_o both_o sort_n or_o of_o a_o sermon_n make_v up_o of_o both_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o minister_n to_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o by_o divine_a influence_n they_o may_v be_v direct_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o fit_a subject_n and_o assist_v in_o their_o preparatory_a study_n and_o in_o their_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o not_o with_o entice_a word_n only_o of_o man_n wisdom_n that_o it_o may_v be_v beneficial_a and_o save_v to_o their_o hearer_n the_o neglect_n of_o this_o method_n may_v occasion_v the_o choice_n of_o a_o unsuitable_a subject_n and_o its_o delivery_n to_o be_v unsavoury_a unless_o to_o the_o mere_a notional_a christian_a a_o minister_n of_o eminent_a holiness_n tell_v i_o that_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v his_o