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the_o same_o in_o secret_a that_o they_o be_v in_o public_a he_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o will_v not_o know_v those_o formalist_n mention_v matth._n 6.16_o this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o prove_v you_o to_o be_v but_o christian_n in_o part_n in_o that_o you_o be_v not_o christian_n in_o secret_a that_o a_o man_n be_v that_o he_o be_v when_o he_o be_v alone_o that_o which_o a_o man_n think_v of_o design_n for_o and_o delight_n in_o most_o in_o private_a that_o show_v what_o a_o man_n be_v three_o some_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o not_o among_o all_o person_n they_o will_v be_v good_a among_o the_o good_a but_o not_o among_o the_o evil_a they_o can_v swim_v down_o the_o stream_n with_o the_o godly_a but_o not_o up_o the_o stream_n like_o peter_n they_o will_v profess_v while_o they_o be_v among_o the_o disciple_n that_o they_o will_v die_v with_o christ_n but_o when_o they_o be_v among_o those_o that_o deny_v he_o they_o will_v 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convince_a preach_v among_o you._n o_o bethink_v yourselves_o of_o former_a day_n when_o you_o sit_v under_o the_o now_o despise_a ministry_n in_o tiverton_n which_o some_o of_o you_o call_v the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o yourselves_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o you_o seem_v then_o to_o have_v some_o sense_n of_o the_o quickness_n nnd_v power_n of_o the_o word_n but_o how_o be_v it_o now_o be_v thief_n time_n better_o than_o those_o to_o what_o considerable_a height_n be_v you_o grow_v in_o christianity_n since_o you_o turn_v your_o back_n upon_o those_o opportunity_n you_o once_o count_v precious_a ah_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o though_o you_o have_v desert_v i_o i_o can_v cast_v you_o out_o of_o my_o thought_n hope_n and_o prayer_n trust_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v bring_v back_o such_o as_o have_v set_v their_o face_n to_o seek_v he_o in_o truth_n as_o he_o have_v do_v foam_n already_o in_o answer_n to_o prayer_n yet_o you_o know_v that_o i_o have_v lose_v nothing_o by_o your_o leave_v of_o i_o but_o the_o opportunity_n of_o be_v further_o serviceable_a to_o your_o soul_n and_o this_o indeed_o to_o i_o be_v a_o great_a loss_n for_o if_o i_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o my_o heart_n it_o be_v this_o that_o i_o value_v my_o life_n by_o the_o advantage_n that_o i_o have_v of_o be_v helpful_a to_o poor_a soul_n in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o draw_v up_o those_o that_o have_v no_o grace_n to_o any_o form_n and_o this_o be_v a_o poor_a low_a thing_n to_o make_v our_o interest_n by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o stop_v young_a awaken_v soul_n before_o they_o come_v half_a way_n to_o christianity_n it_o be_v my_o fear_n for_o many_o
of_o you_o that_o you_o be_v arrive_v no_o further_a than_o the_o form_n and_o my_o fear_n be_v as_o great_a that_o you_o will_v hinder_v other_o from_o go_v beyond_o it_o by_o persuade_v they_o into_o a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v christian_n before_o they_o be_v or_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v such_o if_o this_o may_v prevent_v any_o of_o you_o from_o miscarry_v any_o way_n i_o shall_v hearty_o bless_v the_o lord_n and_o rejoice_v to_o be_v also_o a_o helper_n of_o your_o faith_n final_o my_o friend_n of_o all_o sort_n lay_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v or_o may_v hearread_v to_o the_o word_n &_o your_o heart_n to_o both_o and_o judge_v faithful_o in_o this_o matter_n put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n whether_o you_o be_v altogether_o christian_n or_o no_o and_o resolve_v to_o be_v such_o or_o to_o be_v nothing_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n with_o god_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n oh_o fulfil_v my_o joy_n which_o you_o can_v more_o considerable_o further_a than_o by_o a_o candid_a acceptance_n and_o conscientious_a improvement_n of_o what_o i_o here_o tender_a to_o you_o that_o it_o may_v be_v everyway_n for_o your_o good_a you_o shall_v have_v with_o it_o the_o prayer_n of_o your_o willing_a servant_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n jo._n chishull_n london_n jan._n 16._o 1656._o act_n 26.28_o almost_o thou_o persuade_v i_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n it_o be_v not_o usual_a with_o i_o to_o make_v apology_n for_o or_o introduction_n to_o my_o discourse_n but_o at_o this_o time_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a to_o speak_v something_o of_o this_o nature_n though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o i_o to_o pitch_v upon_o this_o portion_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o same_o consideration_n be_v weighty_a to_o enjoin_v your_o best_a attention_n yet_o there_o be_v something_o more_o which_o have_v sway_v with_o i_o to_o take_v these_o word_n into_o my_o serious_a thought_n and_o to_o present_v the_o result_n of_o they_o to_o you_o which_o i_o hope_v when_o you_o have_v weigh_v they_o will_v seem_v as_o additional_a argument_n to_o awaken_v your_o spirit_n and_o you_o will_v account_v yourselves_o particular_o engage_v to_o hear_v what_o i_o be_o so_o deep_o engage_v to_o speak_v i_o have_v choose_v another_o subject_n to_o treat_v upon_o which_o i_o conceive_v may_v suit_v well_o with_o that_o which_o i_o so_o late_o finish_v but_o my_o resolution_n to_o prosecute_v that_o be_v change_v by_o some_o impression_n which_o the_o lord_n make_v upon_o i_o in_o my_o late_a sickness_n that_o i_o be_v visit_v with_o weakness_n be_v know_v to_o you_o all_o but_o how_o great_a it_o be_v and_o how_o near_o to_o the_o grave_n it_o bring_v i_o be_v know_v but_o to_o few_o but_o in_o this_o which_o be_v the_o soare_v which_o i_o ever_o experience_v yea_o in_o the_o very_a height_n and_o prevalency_n of_o it_o when_o my_o friend_n do_v many_o of_o they_o look_v upon_o i_o as_o under_o a_o sentence_n of_o death_n than_o be_v the_o lord_n please_v first_o to_o give_v i_o a_o particular_a assurance_n of_o my_o recovery_n from_o that_o scripture_n ps_n 118.17_o thou_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o live_v and_o declare_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n second_o a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o time_n of_o my_o recovery_n from_o hos_n 6.2_o after_o two_o day_n i_o will_v revive_v thou_o in_o the_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v thou_o up_o and_o thou_o shall_v live_v in_o my_o sight_n all_o which_o i_o find_v exact_o make_v good_a unto_o i_o to_o a_o day_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v then_o set_v upon_o my_o spirit_n three_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o assure_v i_o of_o my_o life_n but_o do_v also_o appoint_v i_o out_o my_o work_n without_o which_o i_o account_v my_o life_n of_o very_o small_a value_n at_o that_o time_n when_o i_o be_v under_o a_o strong_a fever_n and_o other_o distemper_n which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v judge_v unfit_a companion_n for_o meditation_n i_o say_v be_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o my_o grow_a disease_n my_o thought_n be_v then_o draw_v strong_o out_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o place_n and_o consider_v the_o people_n of_o it_o i_o rank_v they_o under_o three_o head_n first_a some_o that_o mind_v not_o god_n nor_o religion_n and_o that_o sit_v unshaken_a under_o the_o word_n second_o some_o that_o i_o hope_v have_v receive_v it_o and_o that_o do_v sincere_o desire_v to_o follow_v it_o three_o such_o as_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o opinion_n that_o hang_v betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o world_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o word_n and_o be_v under_o strong_a conviction_n and_o working_n of_o spirit_n but_o yet_o be_v not_o bring_v full_o to_o close_v with_o christ_n these_o be_v i_o be_o persuade_v not_o a_o few_o in_o this_o place_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o do_v most_o of_o all_o affect_v my_o soul_n with_o pity_n and_o that_o pity_v wrought_v in_o i_o strong_a and_o earnest_a desire_n it_o grieve_v i_o to_o see_v so_o many_o soul_n like_o laodicea_n rev._n 3.15_o lukewarm_a or_o like_o ephraim_n halfbaked_n hos_fw-la 7.8_o it_o do_v not_o a_o little_a trouble_n my_o spirit_n to_o see_v so_o many_o person_n carry_v their_o conviction_n about_o they_o as_o prisoner_n drag_v their_o chain_n after_o they_o i_o be_o persuade_v if_o every_o person_n that_o have_v be_v convineed_a under_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n and_o that_o have_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n to_o come_v in_o to_o christ_n and_o yet_o stand_v it_o out_o have_v but_o a_o chain_n about_o his_o leg_n we_o shall_v hear_v a_o fearful_a rattle_n of_o iron_n when_o the_o congregation_n move_v thus_o be_v my_o soul_n grieve_v for_o many_o of_o you_o but_o my_o affection_n do_v not_o spend_v themselves_o in_o pity_v but_o awaken_v my_o desire_n and_o i_o then_o cast_v about_o i_o how_o i_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o you_o with_o that_o little_a inch_n of_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v i_o even_o to_o you_o that_o seem_v at_o some_o time_n not_o to_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o if_o you_o go_v no_o far_o be_v never_o like_a to_o come_v there_o while_o my_o thought_n be_v thus_o work_v it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o set_v this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o upon_o my_o spirit_n in_o which_o i_o see_v your_o condition_n exact_o present_v in_o agrippa_n but_o this_o word_n itself_o be_v not_o bare_o bring_v home_o to_o i_o but_o the_o lord_n give_v in_o then_o to_o my_o thought_n those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v to_o deliver_v to_o you_o so_o that_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o he_o put_v the_o word_n into_o my_o mouth_n for_o what_o i_o have_v now_o to_o deliver_v both_o for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o all_o the_o particular_n relate_v to_o explain_v and_o confirm_v it_o be_v pen_v when_o i_o be_v unable_a to_o govern_v a_o pen_n they_o be_v frame_v in_o my_o great_a weakness_n &_o take_v from_o my_o mouth_n by_o a_o friend_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v i_o these_o thing_n i_o mention_v to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v persuade_v first_o to_o pass_v by_o any_o thing_n of_o weakness_n in_o this_o discourse_n know_v it_o be_v compose_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o weakness_n and_o that_o i_o aim_v not_o to_o commend_v myself_o to_o you_o but_o to_o present_v your_o condition_n before_o you_o and_o that_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o plainess_n second_o that_o if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n useful_a &_o seasonable_a you_o will_v gâ—ve_v the_o glory_n to_o god_n if_o the_o word_n meâ—t_v with_o any_o of_o your_o soul_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v meet_v with_o i_o this_o day_n if_o it_o hit_v as_o right_a as_o david_n stone_n do_v and_o stick_v in_o your_o forehead_n know_v i_o throw_v it_o as_o he_o do_v not_o by_o skill_n but_o by_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o guide_v my_o hand_n if_o any_o say_v can_v all_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v in_o several_a sermon_n be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o few_o hour_n meditation_n i_o answer_v that_o i_o can_v say_v without_o feign_v what_o jacob_n offer_v to_o excuse_v his_o hasty_a dinner_n for_o his_o father_n gen._n 27_o 20._o the_o lord_n bring_v it_o unto_o my_o hâ—nd_n three_o to_o show_v you_o what_o special_a and_o peculiar_a reason_n some_o of_o you_o have_v to_o attend_v diligent_o to_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v o_o you_o can_v but_o see_v a_o finger_n in_o the_o margin_n bid_v you_o observe_v and_o
shine_v so_o glorious_o in_o the_o apostle_n narrative_a these_o thing_n the_o connexion_n of_o the_o text_n with_o its_o dependence_n upon_o paul_n speech_n afford_v we_o we_o may_v consider_v it_o also_o as_o relate_v something_o to_o festus_n his_o censure_n upon_o paul_n discourse_n then_o say_v agrippa_n viz._n when_o festus_n have_v but_o now_o calumniate_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o and_o have_v judge_v paul_n doctrine_n and_o relation_n to_o be_v but_o a_o learned_a madness_n than_o agrippa_n stand_v up_o to_o wipe_v off_o the_o reproach_n which_o he_o cast_v upon_o the_o truth_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o with_o these_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v censure_v so_o late_o by_o a_o potent_a man_n and_o a_o ruler_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o apostle_n accuser_n and_o strong_a enemy_n of_o the_o word_n he_o have_v deliver_v then_o and_o there_o for_z agrippa_z to_o make_v such_o a_o declaration_n as_o this_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v much_o consider_v it_o thus_o we_o may_v observe_v observation_n first_o the_o lord_n do_v oftentimes_o provide_v some_o to_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o in_o great_a strait_n who_o yet_o never_o receive_v it_o themselves_o second_o we_o may_v here_o see_v what_o great_a conviction_n do_v fall_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o some_o man_n who_o yet_o be_v never_o saving_o wrought_v upon_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o impression_n be_v strong_a upon_o agrippa_n spirit_n that_o they_o extort_a from_o he_o such_o a_o open_a profession_n as_o this_o be_v at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o place_n but_o this_o truth_n will_v come_v more_o full_o under_o our_o consideration_n from_o the_o word_n themselves_o only_o this_o circumstance_n may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o that_o which_o lie_v so_o open_a in_o the_o text_n itself_o chap._n ii_o the_o doctrine_n propound_v with_o the_o general_a proof_n of_o it_o we_o have_v then_o in_o the_o word_n three_o thing_n first_o the_o impression_n which_o paul_n doctrine_n make_v upon_o agrippa_n it_o wrought_v by_o way_n of_o persuasion_n thou_o persuade_v i_o second_o the_o object_n of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o be_v embracing_z and_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n three_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o persuasion_n almost_o almost_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o parvo_fw-la in_o a_o little_a or_o something_o i_o shall_v be_v a_o christian_n with_o thou_o paul_n seem_v to_o take_v he_o in_o this_o sense_n when_o he_o wish_n that_o he_o be_v as_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o in_o little_a but_o in_o much_o not_o only_o in_o some_o thing_n but_o in_o all_o some_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o they_o understand_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v thou_o have_v persuade_v i_o in_o a_o little_a time_n or_o by_o a_o short_a speech_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n some_o translator_n render_v it_o by_o propemodum_fw-la and_o we_o follow_v they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o safe_a almost_o or_o within_o a_o little_a thou_o persuade_v i_o persuade_v i_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o signify_v both_o suadere_fw-la &_o persuadere_fw-la either_o to_o use_v mean_n to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o our_o opinion_n or_o practice_n by_o argument_n and_o exhortation_n or_o else_o to_o prevail_v upon_o the_o party_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o what_o we_o desire_v first_o sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o exhort_v and_o reason_v only_o act_v 18.4_o he_o reason_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n and_o persuade_v the_o jew_n and_o the_o greek_n this_o be_v conantis_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la efficientis_fw-la he_o endeavour_v what_o he_o do_v not_o effect_v but_o this_o can_v not_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o agrippa_n here_o for_o paul_n have_v use_v no_o particular_a exhortation_n to_o he_o second_o it_o signify_v to_o prevail_v upon_o and_o to_o bring'a_fw-fr person_n to_o rest_v in_o what_o we_o say_v and_o so_o be_v take_v here_o for_o it_o must_v needs_o note_v the_o influence_n that_o paul_n discourse_n have_v upon_o agrippa_n insomuch_o that_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o assent_v unto_o what_o he_o say_v and_o to_o profess_v himself_o even_o almost_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v to_o become_v a_o disciple_n and_o follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o shall_v present_v you_o with_o my_o thought_n of_o these_o word_n as_o they_o be_v present_v to_o i_o in_o our_o translation_n and_o as_o we_o read_v they_o they_o afford_v this_o observation_n observe_v that_o man_n may_v be_v almost_o christian_n and_o yet_o never_o true_a christian_n they_o may_v be_v almost_o such_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o persuasion_n who_o will_v never_o be_v such_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o performance_n in_o handle_v the_o doctrinal_a observation_n which_o i_o have_v propound_v i_o shall_v first_o lay_v down_o something_o for_o the_o general_a proof_n of_o this_o second_o i_o shall_v particular_o open_v and_o illustrate_v it_o three_o i_o shall_v apply_v it_o that_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n be_v clear_a from_o many_o instance_n and_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n how_o far_o do_v saul_n go_v the_o first_o king_n of_o israel_n i_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v the_o last_o example_n of_o this_o truth_n he_o bid_v fair_a for_o heaven_n then_o many_o do_v that_o have_v strong_a confidence_n of_o it_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a among_o good_a man_n 1_o sam._n 10.10_o he_o prophesy_v among_o the_o prophet_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a by_o way_n of_o singularity_n he_o oppose_v sin_n when_o the_o whole_a stream_n run_v against_o he_o and_o seem_v exceed_o tender_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o 1_o sam._n 14.33_o 34._o yea_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o zealous_a against_o sin_n that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v his_o dear_a jonathan_n 1_o sam._n 14.44_o there_o be_v 1_o sam._n 10.6_o such_o a_o change_n upon_o he_o as_o be_v visible_a and_o make_v he_o another_o man_n yea_o this_o change_n be_v so_o deep_a that_o it_o reach_v to_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o sam._n 10.9_o god_n give_v he_o another_o heart_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o thorough_a change_n he_o have_v not_o a_o new_a heart_n though_o another_o heart_n neither_o be_v saul_n a_o new_a man_n though_o another_o man_n the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v bring_v as_o a_o clear_a &_o pregnant_a testimony_n of_o this_o truth_n mat._n 19.20_o see_v how_o far_o he_o go_v he_o observe_v all_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o not_o willing_a to_o stop_v here_o he_o profess_v his_o desire_n to_o know_v and_o do_v more_o yet_o what_o lack_v i_o yet_o this_o man_n go_v so_o far_o that_o christ_n himself_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n yet_o so_o near_o a_o she_o come_v to_o it_o he_o never_o reach_v it_o to_o this_o you_o may_v add_v the_o three_o sort_n of_o bad_a hearer_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o bad_a ground_n luke_n 8.12_o 13_o 14._o the_o worst_a of_o the_o three_o do_v more_o then_o bare_o hear_v the_o word_n they_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o that_o into_o their_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o stony_a ground_n which_o be_v worst_a of_o the_o three_o that_o the_o devil_n take_v the_o word_n not_o before_o it_o come_v at_o their_o heart_n but_o out_o of_o their_o heart_n he_o do_v not_o take_v their_o heart_n away_o so_o that_o they_o mind_v not_o what_o be_v speak_v as_o he_o do_v many_o man_n and_o woman_n but_o he_o take_v it_o away_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o both_o the_o other_o go_v thus_o far_o and_o somewhat_o far_o for_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n be_v note_v with_o some_o additional_a circumstance_n as_o the_o second_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o do_v not_o lose_v it_o present_o till_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n care_n and_o pleasure_n choke_v it_o the_o three_o yet_o exceed_v both_o these_o for_o it_o receive_v keep_v &_o improve_v the_o word_n inbr_v forth_o some_o fruit_n only_o it_o be_v not_o to_o perfection_n if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o ground_n enough_o to_o build_v this_o conclusion_n upon_o look_v to_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n and_o see_v how_o far_o they_o go_v in_o this_o point_n and_o how_o like_a they_o be_v to_o the_o wise_a mat._n 25.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n first_o as_o for_o their_o profession_n it_o be_v visible_a they_o have_v lamp_n in_o their_o hand_n second_o this_o be_v not_o a_o ignorant_a profession_n neither_o for_o they_o have_v oil_n
and_o offer_v very_o fair_a at_o heaven_n see_v doubtless_o a_o great_a good_a in_o salvation_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o go_v not_o through_o with_o his_o purchase_n be_v this_o he_o see_v not_o the_o supreme_a good_a in_o it_o though_o he_o apprehend_v it_o a_o good_a thing_n to_o inheriteternal_a life_n yet_o he_o see_v something_o which_o to_o he_o be_v better_a have_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a in_o his_o account_n it_o will_v have_v be_v his_o chief_a desire_n and_o doubtless_o see_v all_o have_v the_o same_o stock_n of_o these_o first_o principle_n to_o trade_n upon_o by_o live_v under_o the_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v so_o heighten_v that_o they_o may_v see_v what_o he_o do_v a_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o do_v even_o as_o he_o do_v have_v a_o proportionable_a measure_n of_o persuasion_n to_o embrace_v those_o thing_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o they_o these_o be_v persuasion_n or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o be_v move_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n they_o be_v not_o full_a persuasion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v stick_v at_o nothing_o but_o they_o be_v imperfect_a &_o be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o those_o apprehension_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o way_n of_o which_o the_o natural_a man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o superadd_v light_n of_o the_o word_n may_v have_v a_o weak_a sight_n but_o without_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n can_v have_v a_o true_a sight_n such_o as_o shall_v draw_v he_o out_o to_o seek_v after_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n yet_o though_o he_o see_v not_o all_o he_o see_v much_o and_o though_o he_o will_v not_o do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v command_v yet_o he_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n for_o though_o a_o carnal_a man_n can_v apprehend_v any_o good_a in_o the_o strict_a profession_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o great_a self_n denial_n and_o expose_v man_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n yet_o he_o do_v oft_o apprehend_v much_o good_a in_o partial_a compliance_n with_o religion_n for_o this_o he_o suppose_v may_v not_o spoil_v his_o particular_a interest_n and_o yet_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n which_o be_v true_a happiness_n upon_o this_o account_n most_o man_n have_v their_o measure_n of_o persuasion_n some_o be_v great_a &_o some_o less_o but_o some_o do_v border_n upon_o a_o full_a persuasion_n they_o be_v almost_o persuade_v or_o persuade_v to_o be_v almost_o christian_n 2_o these_o persuasion_n do_v arise_v from_o good_a education_n in_o many_o good_a counsel_n &_o instruction_n be_v wrought_v wise_o into_o they_o by_o the_o skill_n and_o industry_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o friend_n &_o these_o be_v back_v with_o good_a example_n &_o fence_v by_o discipline_n many_o have_v be_v draw_v by_o love_n to_o entreat_v or_o drive_v by_o fear_n into_o a_o profession_n of_o what_o be_v good_a &_o by_o long_a custom_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v get_v a_o nature_n and_o they_o act_v in_o a_o profession_n as_o if_o they_o be_v dispose_v to_o it_o by_o grace_n &_o whiâ—es_o they_o want_v the_o temptation_n which_o other_o have_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o when_o friend_n or_o parent_n be_v take_v away_o who_o be_v as_o a_o hedge_n about_o they_o and_o keep_v many_o temptation_n from_o approach_v near_o they_o or_o when_o they_o be_v take_v from_o their_o friend_n and_o call_v to_o live_v upon_o their_o own_o stock_n in_o some_o place_n where_o they_o see_v other_o example_n &_o meet_v with_o temptation_n of_o all_o sort_n they_o soon_o show_v what_o and_o whence_o their_o former_a persuasion_n be_v they_o show_v that_o ignorance_n of_o evil_n or_o want_v of_o temptation_n to_o it_o only_o make_v they_o seem_v good_a but_o without_o doubt_n next_o unto_o grace_n good_a education_n do_v most_o of_o all_o work_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n yea_o it_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o renew_v the_o heart_n we_o â—ee_o how_o child_n suck_v in_o the_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o ordinary_o they_o do_v more_o zealous_o defend_v what_o come_v from_o they_o by_o tradition_n then_o what_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n afford_v they_o nay_o it_o be_v no_o very_o difficult_a thing_n for_o parent_n to_o draw_v their_o child_n to_o imitate_v the_o for_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o we_o love_v persuade_v to_o that_o which_o for_o itself_o we_o do_v not_o love_v yea_o and_o be_v draw_v once_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o imitation_n of_o anotâ—e_n who_o we_o honour_v we_o continue_v in_o it_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o our_o copy_n and_o thus_o by_o continuance_n we_o come_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o what_o we_o do_v and_o arise_v so_o high_a in_o notion_n and_o external_a profession_n that_o nothing_o be_v want_v but_o the_o power_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o we_o assent_v unto_o and_o spirituality_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o perform_v thus_o the_o parent_n or_o the_o master_n make_v his_o child_n or_o servant_n almost_o a_o christian_n but_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n only_o can_v make_v he_o altogether_o such_o 3._o conviction_n and_o persuasion_n rise_v high_a by_o some_o special_a providence_n god_n knock_v so_o hard_a at_o the_o door_n of_o natural_a man_n conscience_n by_o some_o affliction_n or_o eminent_a danger_n of_o death_n that_o although_o he_o do_v not_o open_v the_o heart_n as_o he_o do_v lydias_n yet_o he_o make_v a_o breach_n at_o which_o some_o truth_n enter_v which_o come_v in_o with_o such_o conviction_n and_o power_n for_o the_o present_a yea_o and_o perhaps_o for_o the_o future_a make_v some_o change_n in_o the_o man_n apprehension_n and_o resolution_n thus_o pharaoh_n himself_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n under_o affliction_n who_o he_o will_v not_o know_v in_o prosperity_n when_o god_n providence_n be_v calm_a he_o thunder_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o great_a than_o he_o but_o when_o god_n thunder_v he_o be_v calm_a and_o be_v bring_v by_o degree_n as_o the_o storm_n do_v increase_v to_o consent_v to_o moses_n demand_v though_o never_o full_o and_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n ahab_n when_o he_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o sharp_a message_n of_o elisha_n how_o do_v he_o seem_v as_o a_o man_n change_v 1_o king_n 21.27_o he_o put_v ash_n upon_o his_o head_n gird_v he_o with_o sackcloth_n as_o a_o man_n mortify_v and_o dead_a to_o this_o world_n yet_o who_o that_o read_v the_o story_n of_o ahabs_n life_n judge_n this_o to_o be_v any_o more_o than_o the_o lightning_n which_o shine_v in_o his_o conscience_n while_o the_o prophet_n thunder_v thus_o we_o see_v man_n upon_o a_o sickbed_n while_o they_o be_v under_o strong_a apprehension_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n yea_o and_o of_o hell_n too_o promise_v much_o to_o other_o and_o resolve_n much_o with_o themselves_o yea_o and_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n and_o engage_v if_o god_n spare_v they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v altogether_o christian_n and_o give_v great_a hope_n to_o other_o while_o the_o least_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v almost_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o evil_a that_o conscience_n convince_v they_o of_o or_o any_o friend_n can_v mind_v they_o of_o in_o their_o former_a life_n but_o they_o will_v confess_v lament_v and_o covenant_n against_o no_o duty_n then_o discover_v but_o they_o will_v assent_v unto_o and_o ngage_v to_o take_v up_o if_o god_n will_v try_v they_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v so_o dreadful_a that_o they_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n rarhe_a than_o go_v to_o hell_n thus_o francis_n spira_n who_o deliberate_o and_o in_o cold_a blood_n deny_v the_o truth_n yet_o when_o he_o lie_v in_o his_o bitter_a agony_n he_o say_v if_o he_o may_v be_v but_o free_v from_o they_o he_o will_v despise_v all_o the_o tyrant_n in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v never_o be_v afraid_a to_o profess_v the_o truth_n with_o the_o great_a hazard_n when_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n be_v alarm_a with_o the_o noise_n of_o that_o dreadful_a cry_n at_o midnight_n behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v they_o then_o begin_v to_o look_v to_o their_o lamp_n and_o they_o begin_v to_o cry_v for_o oil_n a_o thing_n which_o they_o never_o seek_v for_o before_o when_o they_o be_v awaken_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n approach_v than_o they_o run_v too_o and_o fro_o from_o one_o to_o another_o cry_v give_v i_o a_o little_a of_o your_o oil_n nothing_o less_o inquire_v for_o before_o nothing_o ask_v for_o else_o now_o though_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o the_o judge_n stand_v before_o
exclusion_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o will_v suffer_v in_o some_o proportion_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o damn_a what_o then_o will_v be_v their_o misery_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v throw_v among_o the_o damn_a and_o cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n oh_o my_o friend_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n and_o take_v heed_n that_o this_o be_v not_o your_o case_n i_o fear_v it_o will_v be_v thus_o with_o some_o of_o you_o that_o be_v here_o that_o some_o of_o you_o will_v be_v find_v dead_a like_o the_o levite_n concubine_n with_o your_o hand_n upon_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o house_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n some_o of_o you_o that_o have_v have_v great_a conviction_n make_v great_a promise_n make_v some_o attempt_n upon_o reformation_n take_v up_o a_o profession_n and_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o give_v some_o hope_n to_o other_o perhaps_o much_o more_o to_o yourselves_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o do_v not_o fall_v from_o this_o hope_n if_o you_o do_v it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o they_o of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n then_o for_o you_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o glance_n of_o the_o sad_a and_o woeful_a estate_n of_o such_o as_o be_v almost_o christian_n and_o though_o what_o i_o have_v say_v may_v convince_v you_o that_o such_o as_o these_o be_v in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n yet_o word_n be_v too_o weak_a and_o our_o conception_n be_v all_o too_o shallow_a to_o express_v or_o take_v in_o the_o inexpressible_a and_o inconceivable_a wretchedness_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o rank_n and_o order_n in_o the_o world_n that_o which_o francis_n spira_n breathe_v out_o in_o agony_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o feel_v a_o hell_n kindle_v in_o his_o conscience_n these_o man_n will_v breathe_v out_o at_o last_o in_o hell_n oh_o what_o a_o fearful_a thing_n it_o be_v say_v he_o to_o be_v almost_o a_o christian_n conclusion_n some_o direction_n how_o to_o avoid_v this_o evil_a temper_n but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o avoid_v this_o evil_a frame_n and_o temper_n which_o you_o have_v discover_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v half_a christian_n i_o shall_v shut_v up_o the_o application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n with_o a_o few_o direction_n to_o you_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o 1._o direct_v if_o thou_o will_v be_v altogether_o a_o christian_n then_o labour_v to_o be_v very_o exact_a in_o thy_o first_o work_n of_o christianity_n if_o thou_o will_v build_v high_a be_v sure_a to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n well_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n if_o ever_o thou_o will_v see_v a_o good_a end_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n advice_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n rev._n 2.5_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_o give_v do_v thy_o first_o work_n labour_v to_o revive_v the_o sense_n of_o sin_n which_o thou_o have_v at_o first_o and_o call_v to_o mind_n how_o apprehensive_a thou_o be_v of_o thy_o need_n of_o christ_n renew_v thy_o close_n with_o christ_n and_o choose_v he_o afresh_o as_o if_o thou_o have_v never_o choose_v he_o be_v often_o in_o these_o first_o work_n for_o though_o half_a christian_n be_v defective_a in_o many_o thing_n yet_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o their_o defect_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v never_o right_a and_o sound_a in_o the_o beginning_n their_o first_o work_n of_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o humble_v their_o soul_n for_o sin_n be_v never_o true_o perform_v yet_o and_o whatever_o be_v build_v where_o the_o foundation_n be_v weak_a will_v fall_v 2._o direct_v study_v gospel_n perfection_n for_o know_v god_n require_v a_o perfection_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v under_o the_o law_n though_o that_o perfection_n which_o the_o law_n require_v can_v be_v attain_v now_o by_o any_o yet_o there_o be_v another_o perfection_n suit_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o thy_o state_n and_o condition_n require_v viz._n first_o a_o perfection_n of_o desire_n second_o of_o design_n it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a desire_n but_o of_o desire_n combine_v and_o strong_o contrive_v to_o attain_v the_o end_n three_o of_o endeavour_n these_o design_n be_v not_o the_o bare_a secret_a working_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o idle_a thought_n of_o the_o sluggard_n who_o will_v have_v his_o work_n do_v if_o it_o can_v be_v do_v with_o think_v while_o he_o lie_v and_o stretch_v himself_o upon_o his_o bed_n but_o these_o design_n must_v be_v bring_v forth_o into_o act_n and_o back_v with_o all_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o may_v further_o and_o facilitate_v such_o a_o work_n four_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o self_n resignation_n though_o thou_o can_v not_o serve_v the_o lord_n perfect_o with_o any_o member_n of_o the_o body_n or_o any_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o thou_o must_v resign_v all_o these_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o labour_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n both_o active_o and_o pasve_o by_o and_o with_o all_o these_o 3._o direct_v keep_v a_o deep_a and_o tender_a sense_n of_o thy_o own_o fail_n to_o humble_v thou_o and_o to_o quicken_v thou_o to_o look_v after_o this_o perfection_n for_o nothing_o make_v man_n sit_v down_o short_a of_o this_o but_o pride_n of_o spirit_n and_o want_v of_o a_o due_a search_n and_o inquiry_n into_o their_o own_o defection_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v paul_n press_v forward_o phil._n 3.12_o 13_o 14._o i_o count_v not_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o apprehend_v and_o sure_o thou_o will_v so_o account_v of_o thyself_o if_o thou_o do_v but_o take_v a_o account_n of_o thy_o daily_a fail_n but_o pride_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o oversight_n of_o our_o own_o spiritual_a want_n and_o weakness_n make_v we_o sit_v down_o short_a of_o the_o mark_n as_o high_a conceit_a laodicea_n do_v rev._n 3.17_o 4._o direct_v be_v much_o in_o eye_v of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v thy_o true_a pattern_n by_o who_o thou_o be_v to_o walk_v and_o to_o who_o thou_o ought_v to_o be_v conform_v 1_o jo._n 2.6_o he_o that_o say_v that_o he_o abide_v in_o christ_n aught_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o christ_n walk_v nothing_o do_v so_o much_o stint_v and_o straighten_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n as_o the_o look_v too_o low_o and_o mean_a example_n of_o holiness_n but_o sure_o if_o we_o do_v look_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o life_n be_v lay_v before_o we_o so_o eminent_o in_o the_o word_n we_o shall_v see_v cause_n enough_o to_o be_v humble_v when_o we_o be_v at_o high_a and_o not_o sit_v down_o under_o any_o attainment_n see_v we_o fall_v short_a so_o far_o of_o he_o who_o be_v our_o pattern_n 5._o direct_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o hide_a part_n of_o duty_n make_v conscience_n of_o that_o which_o no_o eye_n see_v but_o the_o lord_n man_n may_v see_v the_o outward_a act_n and_o the_o external_a ornament_n as_o flourish_n of_o gift_n and_o part_n but_o have_v thou_o a_o chief_a care_n to_o exercise_v grace_n in_o every_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v thou_o pass_v for_o a_o christian_a before_o god_n whatever_o make_v thou_o seem_v such_o before_o man_n if_o thou_o do_v thus_o thy_o vessel_n shall_v not_o be_v find_v empty_a at_o last_o nor_o thou_o be_v condemn_v for_o a_o empty_a outside_n professor_n 6._o direct_v never_o think_v thyself_o enough_o a_o christian_n so_o long_o as_o thou_o find_v any_o so_o much_o a_o christian_n as_o thyself_o you_o know_v when_o man_n run_v in_o a_o race_n together_o a_o man_n do_v not_o content_v himself_o to_o run_v as_o fast_o as_o other_o but_o if_o any_o come_v up_o with_o he_o or_o near_o he_o it_o make_v he_o strive_v and_o put_v forth_o all_o his_o strength_n in_o run_v that_o he_o may_v keep_v still_o in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o company_n and_o lead_v the_o way_n to_o all_o he_o fear_v if_o any_o one_o shall_v come_v up_o with_o he_o that_o he_o will_v take_v the_o prize_n from_o he_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o a_o christian_a who_o shall_v thus_o run_v if_o he_o will_v obtain_v 1_o cor._n 9.24_o not_o as_o it_o be_v to_o get_v a_o prize_n with_o other_o but_o a_o price_n from_o all_o other_o last_o whatever_o thy_o condition_n be_v or_o how_o great_a soever_o thy_o attainment_n be_v yet_o labour_v to_o be_v much_o more_o a_o christian_n then_o thou_o be_v if_o thou_o shall_v excel_v all_o other_o yet_o then_o make_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o excel_v thyself_o so_o shall_v thou_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o fall_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o heavy_a word_n which_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o those_o who_o be_v but_o almost_o christian_n finis_fw-la