safety_n and_o security_n lie_v in_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n psal._n 73._o 27_o 28._o they_o that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v perish_v but_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god._n it_o be_v good_a indeed_o not_o only_o the_o good_a of_o comfort_n but_o the_o good_a of_o safety_n be_v in_o it_o deut._n 33._o 12._o the_o belove_a of_o the_o lord_n shall_v dwell_v in_o safety_n by_o he_o you_o know_v the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v your_o shield_n and_o safety_n and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o lord_n thus_o present_a with_o you_o in_o all_o your_o fear_n straits_n and_o danger_n see_v that_o you_o keep_v near_o to_o he_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o communion_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o whilst_o you_o be_v with_o he_o 2_o chron._n 15._o 2._o xii_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o ever_o god_n confer_v on_o any_o creature_n it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n matth._n 18._o 10._o oh_o that_o god_n shall_v admit_v poor_a dust_n and_o ash_n unto_o such_o a_o nearness_n to_o himself_o to_o walk_v with_o a_o king_n and_o have_v frequent_a converse_n with_o he_o put_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o honour_n upon_o a_o subject_a but_o the_o saint_n walk_v with_o god_n so_o do_v enoch_n so_o do_v all_o the_o saint_n 1_o john_n 1._o 3._o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n they_o have_v liberty_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v they_o the_o golden_a key_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o they_o may_v come_v into_o his_o presence_n on_o all_o occasion_n with_o the_o freedom_n of_o child_n to_o a_o father_n xiii_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o mortification_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o successful_a instrument_n for_o that_o purpose_n in_o all_o the_o world_n gal._n 5._o 16._o this_o i_o say_v then_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o walk_v in_o communion_n with_o god._n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o you_o thus_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n throughout_o the_o course_n of_o holy_a duty_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o will_v be_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n he_o do_v not_o say_v you_o shall_v not_o feel_v the_o motion_n of_o sin_n in_o you_o or_o temptation_n to_o sin_n assault_v you_o but_o he_o say_v you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o this_o will_v let_v out_o the_o life-blood_n of_o sin_n a_o temptation_n overcome_v this_o way_n be_v more_o effectual_o subdue_v than_o by_o all_o the_o vow_n resolution_n and_o external_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o candle_n that_o be_v blow_v out_o with_o a_o puff_n of_o breath_n may_v be_v rekindle_v by_o another_o puff_n but_o if_o it_o be_v quench_v in_o water_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o light_v again_o so_o it_o be_v here_o you_o never_o find_v that_o power_n or_o success_n in_o temptation_n when_o your_o heart_n be_v up_o with_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o you_o do_v when_o your_o heart_n hang_v loose_a from_o he_o and_o dead_a towards_o he_o the_o schoolman_n assign_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v impeccable_a no_o sin_n can_v fasten_v upon_o they_o because_o say_v they_o they_o there_o enjoy_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god._n this_o be_v sure_a the_o more_o communion_n any_o man_n have_v with_o god_n on_o earth_n the_o free_a he_o live_v from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o corruption_n fourteen_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o kernel_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n word_n gesture_n etc._n etc._n be_v but_o the_o integument_n husk_n and_o shell_n of_o duty_n communion_n with_o god_n be_v the_o sweet_a kernel_n the_o pleasant_a and_o nourish_a food_n which_o lie_v within_o they_o you_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v cover_v and_o defend_v by_o husk_n shell_n and_o such_o like_a integument_n within_o which_o lie_v the_o pleasant_a kernel_n and_o grain_n and_o that_o be_v the_o food_n the_o hypocrite_n who_o go_v no_o far_a than_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v therefore_o say_v to_o feed_v of_o ash_n isa._n 44._o 20._o to_o spend_v his_o money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o his_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfy_v not_o isa._n 55._o 2._o he_o feed_v but_o upon_o husk_n in_o which_o there_o be_v little_a pleasure_n or_o nourishment_n what_o a_o poor_a house_n do_v a_o hypocrite_n keep_v word_n gesture_n ceremony_n of_o religion_n will_v never_o fill_v the_o soul_n but_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v substantial_a nourishment_n my_o soul_n say_v david_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n whilst_o i_o think_v and_o meditate_v on_o thou_o psal._n 63._o 5_o 6._o it_o will_v grieve_v one_o heart_n to_o think_v what_o airy_a thing_n many_o soul_n satisfy_v themselves_o with_o feed_v like_o ephraim_n upon_o the_o wind_n well_o content_v if_o they_o can_v but_o shuffle_v over_o a_o few_o heartless_a empty_a duty_n whilst_o the_o saint_n feed_v upon_o this_o hide_a manna_n be_v feast_v as_o it_o be_v with_o angel_n food_n xv._n excellency_n it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o darkness_n and_o the_o pleasant_a light_n that_o ever_o shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v many_o a_o soul_n which_o walk_v in_o darkness_n some_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n the_o most_o dismal_a of_o all_o darkness_n except_o that_o in_o hell._n there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n in_o a_o state_n of_o reconciliation_n yet_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o outward_a affliction_n and_o inward_a desertion_n and_o temptation_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o darkness_n be_v dissipate_v and_o scatter_v it_o be_v all_o light_n within_o he_o and_o round_o about_o he_o psal._n 34._o 5._o they_o look_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v enlighten_v they_o look_v there_o be_v faith_n act_v in_o duty_n and_o be_v enlighten_v there_o be_v the_o sweet_a effect_n of_o faith._n the_o horror_n and_o trouble_n of_o gracious_a soul_n shrink_v away_o upon_o the_o rise_n of_o this_o cheerful_a light_n as_o wild_a beast_n come_v out_o of_o their_o den_n in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n and_o shrink_v back_o again_o into_o they_o when_o the_o sun_n arise_v psal._n 104._o 20_o 21_o 22._o so_o do_v the_o fear_n and_o inward_a trouble_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o this_o light_n shine_v upon_o their_o soul_n nay_o more_o this_o be_v a_o light_n which_o scatter_v the_o very_a darkness_n of_o death_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o worthy_a divine_a of_o germany_n upon_o his_o deathbed_n when_o his_o eyesight_n be_v go_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o be_v within_o why_o say_v he_o though_o all_o be_v dark_a about_o i_o yet_o point_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v to_o his_o breast_n hiâ—sat_fw-la lucis_fw-la here_o be_v light_a enough_o xvi_o excellency_n it_o be_v liberty_n to_o the_o straighten_v soul_n and_o the_o most_o comfortable_a and_o excellent_a liberty_n in_o the_o whole_a world._n he_o only_o walk_v at_o liberty_n that_o walk_v with_o god_n psal._n 119._o 45._o i_o will_v walk_v at_o liberty_n for_o i_o seek_v thy_o precept_n wicked_a man_n cry_v out_o of_o band_n and_o cord_n in_o religion_n they_o look_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o goldliness_n as_o the_o great_a bondage_n and_o thraldom_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n psal._n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o q._n d._n away_o with_o this_o strictness_n and_o precisness_n it_o extinguish_v the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o life_n give_v we_o our_o cup_n instead_o of_o bibles_n our_o profane_a song_n instead_o of_o spiritual_a psalm_n our_o sport_n and_o pastime_n instead_o of_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n alas_o poor_a creature_n how_o do_v they_o dance_v in_o their_o shackle_n and_o chain_n when_o in_o reality_n the_o sweet_a liberty_n be_v enjoy_v in_o those_o duty_n at_o which_o they_o thus_o snuff_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o law_n of_o liberty_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n never_o enjoy_v more_o liberty_n than_o when_o it_o be_v bind_v with_o the_o strict_a band_n of_o duty_n to_o god._n here_o be_v liberty_n from_o enthral_a lust_n
mutual_a desire_n after_o communion_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n in_o this_o world_n then_o certain_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o real_a communion_n between_o they_o or_o else_o both_o must_v live_v a_o very_a restless_a and_o dissatisfied_a life_n six_o the_o mutual_a complaint_n that_o be_v find_v on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o interruption_n of_o communion_n evid_v plain_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n if_o god_n complain_v of_o his_o people_n for_o their_o estrangement_n from_o he_o and_o the_o saint_n complain_v to_o god_n about_o his_o silence_n to_o they_o and_o the_o hiding_n of_o his_o face_n from_o they_o sure_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o communion_n between_o they_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n of_o complaint_n for_o the_o interruption_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a god_n do_v complain_v of_o his_o people_n for_o their_o estrangment_n from_o he_o jer._n 2._o 5._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o remember_v thou_o the_o kindness_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o the_o love_n of_o thy_o espousal_n what_o iniquity_n have_v your_o father_n find_v in_o i_o that_o they_o be_v go_v far_o from_o i_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o and_o i_o have_v be_v better_o acquaint_v in_o day_n past_a what_o cause_n have_v i_o give_v for_o your_o estrangment_n from_o i_o and_o thus_o christ_n in_o like_a manner_n complain_v of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n after_o he_o have_v commend_v many_o thing_n in_o she_o yet_o one_o thing_n grieve_v and_o trouble_v he_o rev._n 2._o 4._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o the_o lord_n hid_n his_o face_n and_o seem_v to_o estrange_v himself_o from_o his_o people_n what_o sad_a lament_n and_o moan_n do_v they_o make_v about_o it_o as_o a_o affliction_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o bear_v thus_o heman_n psal._n 88_o 14._o lord_n why_o caste_v thou_o off_o my_o soul_n why_o hide_v thou_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o so_o psal._n 27._o 9_o hide_v not_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o put_v not_o thy_o servant_n away_o in_o anger_n this_o be_v what_o they_o can_v bear_v seven_o evid_v the_o reality_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v make_v visible_a to_o other_o in_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o saint_n that_o enjoy_v it_o there_o be_v visible_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o appear_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o thus_o that_o marvellous_a change_n that_o appear_v upon_o the_o very_a countenance_n of_o hannah_n after_o she_o have_v pour_v her_o heart_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v answer_v she_o it_o be_v note_v 1_o sam._n 1._o 18._o she_o go_v away_o and_o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a you_o may_v have_v read_v in_o her_o face_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v peace_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o her_o heart_n thus_o when_o the_o disciple_n have_v be_v with_o christ_n the_o mark_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o be_v visible_a to_o other_o act_v 4._o 13._o now_o when_o they_o see_v the_o boldness_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n they_o marvel_v and_o take_v knowledge_n of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v be_v with_o jesus_n it_o be_v sweet_a christian_n when_o the_o heavenly_a cheariness_n and_o spirituality_n of_o thy_o converse_v with_o man_n shall_v convince_v other_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v with_o jesus_n eight_o evid_v we_o may_v prove_v the_o reality_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o sustain_v those_o trouble_n the_o saint_n do_v without_o it_o if_o prayer_n do_v not_o go_v up_o and_o answer_n come_v down_o there_o be_v no_o live_n for_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o world._n prayer_n be_v the_o outlet_a of_o the_o saint_n sorrow_n and_o the_o inlet_n of_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n rom._n 8._o 26._o say_v not_o other_o man_n have_v their_o trouble_n as_o well_o as_o the_o saint_n and_o yet_o they_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o bear_v they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o communion_n with_o god._n it_o be_v true_a carnal_a man_n have_v their_o trouble_n and_o those_o trouble_n be_v often_o too_o heavy_a for_o they_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o world_n work_v death_n but_o carnal_a man_n have_v no_o such_o trouble_n as_o the_o saint_n have_v for_o they_o have_v their_o inward_a spiritual_a trouble_n as_o well_o as_o their_o outward_a trouble_n and_o inward_a trouble_n be_v the_o sink_a trouble_n but_o this_o way_n the_o strength_n of_o god_n come_v in_o to_o succour_v they_o and_o except_o they_o have_v a_o god_n to_o go_v to_o and_o fetch_v comfort_n from_o they_o can_v never_o bear_v they_o psal._n 27._o 13._o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o â—_o have_v believe_v paul_n have_v sink_v under_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n unless_o he_o have_v go_v once_o and_o again_o to_o his_o god_n and_o receive_v this_o answer_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 9_o nine_o we_o conclude_v the_o reality_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n evid_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o saint_n vocation_n we_o read_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n of_o effectual_a call_n now_o what_o be_v that_o to_o which_o god_n call_v his_o people_n out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n but_o unto_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v faithful_a by_o who_o you_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n they_o be_v call_v you_o see_v in_o to_o a_o life_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n therefore_o certain_o there_o be_v such_o a_o communion_n else_o the_o saint_n be_v call_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o fancy_n instead_o of_o a_o privilege_n which_o be_v the_o great_a reproach_n that_o can_v be_v cast_v upon_o the_o faithful_a god_n that_o call_v they_o last_o evid_v in_o a_o word_n the_o character_n and_o description_n give_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n evident_o prove_v their_o life_n of_o communion_n with_o god._n the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v manifest_o distinguish_v from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n the_o saint_n the_o child_n of_o light_n luke_n 16._o 8._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v after_o the_o flesh_n saint_n to_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 5._o they_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n but_o the_o saint_n conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n phil._n 3._o 19_o 20._o by_o all_o which_o it_o undeniable_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o reality_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o communion_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n we_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o it_o be_v no_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n but_o a_o thing_n who_o foundation_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o its_o nature_n be_v sweet_a three_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o this_o life_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o our_o life_n the_o joy_n of_o our_o heart_n a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o twenty_o excellency_n thereof_o follow_v i._o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o assimilate_v instrument_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v mould_v and_o fashion_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god._n this_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n like_o he_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a assimilation_n or_o conformity_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o one_o perfect_a and_o complete_a the_o other_o inchoate_n and_o in_o part_n perfect_a assimilation_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o perfect_a state_n result_v from_o the_o immediate_a vision_n and_o perfect_a communion_n the_o soul_n have_v with_o god_n in_o glory_n 1_o john_n 3_o 2_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v perfect_a vision_n produce_v perfect_a assimilation_n but_o the_o soul_n assimilation_n or_o imperfect_a conformity_n to_o god_n in_o this_o world_n be_v wrought_v and_o gradual_o carry_v on_o by_o daily_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o as_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n here_o grow_v up_o more_o and_o more_o into_o spirituality_n and_o power_n so_o in_o a_o answerable_a degree_n do_v our_o conformity_n to_o he_o advance_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o but_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o sort_n of_o communion_n among_o man_n have_v a_o assimilate_v efficacy_n he_o that_o walk_v in_o vain_a company_n be_v make_v vain_a than_o he_o be_v before_o and_o he_o that_o walk_v in_o spiritual_a heavenly_a company_n will_v be_v ordinary_o more_o serious_a than_o he_o be_v before_o but_o nothing_o so_o transform_v the_o spirit_n
gracious_a heart_n that_o god_n shall_v smite_v so_o near_o and_o yet_o spare_v you_o last_o consid._n this_o be_v affect_v yea_o very_a transport_v that_o god_n have_v not_o only_o give_v you_o time_n beyond_o other_o but_o in_o that_o time_n the_o precious_a opportunity_n and_o mean_n of_o your_o salvation_n both_o external_a and_o internal_a there_o be_v the_o very_a marrow_n and_o kernel_n of_o the_o mercy_n have_v god_n lengthen_v out_o his_o patience_n for_o a_o while_n but_o give_v you_o no_o mean_n of_o salvation_n or_o afford_v you_o the_o mean_n but_o deny_v you_o the_o blessing_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o at_o the_o most_o it_o can_v have_v be_v but_o a_o reprieve_n from_o hell_n but_o for_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v you_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o gospel_n to_o send_v down_o his_o spirit_n to_o persuade_v and_o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o forbearance_n iii_o exhortation_n this_o doctrine_n 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knock_n and_o no_o open_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o common_a especial_o among_o the_o unconverted_a that_o live_v under_o a_o lively_a gospel_n rouse_a ministry_n of_o this_o christ_n complain_v matth._n 11._o 16_o 17._o whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n they_o be_v like_a unto_o child_n sit_v in_o the_o marketplace_n and_o call_v to_o their_o fellow_n say_v we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o lament_v q._n d._n neither_o the_o delicious_a air_n and_o melody_n of_o gospel_n grace_n nor_o the_o mournful_a and_o dreadful_a threat_n of_o damnation_n to_o unbeliever_n avail_v any_o thing_n to_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o embrace_v i_o no_o voice_n from_o mount_n gerezim_n or_o mount_n ebal_n will_v prevail_v with_o you_o ah_o how_o many_o sad_a witness_n unto_o this_o truth_n have_v i_o now_o before_o my_o eye_n but_o god_n forbid_v it_o shall_v be_v thus_o all_o round_a no_o 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unto_o he_o yet_o all_o in_o vain_a obstinate_a sinner_n christ_n have_v be_v knock_v and_o call_v at_o some_o of_o your_o conscience_n from_o your_o very_a childhood_n thousand_o of_o conviction_n have_v be_v try_v upon_o some_o of_o you_o and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n your_o soul_n be_v shut_v fast_o against_o he_o the_o lord_n have_v wait_v from_o year_n to_o year_n for_o your_o answer_n by_o this_o signify_v how_o loath_a he_o be_v to_o part_v with_o you_o such_o a_o time_n thou_o be_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n nigh_o unto_o death_n at_o such_o a_o time_n under_o such_o a_o sermon_n and_o then_o christ_n knock_v at_o thy_o soul_n if_o all_o this_o be_v in_o vain_a so_o many_o conviction_n as_o you_o have_v stifle_v so_o many_o faggot_n you_o carry_v with_o you_o to_o hell_n to_o increase_v your_o flame_n and_o torment_n yet_o common_o those_o quick_a repetition_n and_o redoubling_n of_o the_o stroke_n of_o conviction_n end_v well_o and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n when_o one_o conviction_n revive_v another_o and_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o soul_n still_o wake_v but_o o_o take_v heed_n and_o try_v not_o his_o patience_n too_o long_o lest_o the_o next_o stroke_n be_v more_o dreadful_a than_o all_o the_o former_a not_o to_o open_v your_o heart_n but_o smite_v dead_a your_o hope_n for_o heaven_n 5_o sometime_o christ_n knock_v intermitting_o knock_v and_o stop_v a_o call_n and_o silence_n and_o that_o at_o a_o considerable_a time_n and_o distance_n a_o conviction_n this_o day_n and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o another_o in_o many_o month_n there_o be_v some_o age_a sinner_n that_o have_v not_o have_v more_o than_o one_o or_o two_o remarkable_a rouzing_n of_o conscience_n in_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n time_n and_o then_o no_o more_o doubt_v think_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v his_o spirit_n always_o strive_v with_o man_n gen_n 6._o 3._o no_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o god_n say_v to_o the_o word_n convict_v the_o conscience_n of_o that_o man_n or_o 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arm_v keep_v his_o palace_n his_o good_n be_v in_o peace_n but_o when_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o shall_v come_v upon_o he_o and_o overcome_v he_o he_o take_v from_o he_o all_o his_o armour_n wherein_o he_o trust_v the_o armour_n which_o satan_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o sinner_n to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o convictive_a stroke_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o general_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n partial_a reformation_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o christ_n come_v by_o effectual_a conviction_n he_o disarm_v the_o sinner_n of_o all_o these_o plea_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n see_v what_o break_a reed_n it_o lean_v upon_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v say_v paul_n sin_v revive_v and_o i_o die_v rom._n 7._o 9_o i_o e._n all_o my_o vain_a hope_n expire_v no_o artifice_n of_o satan_n can_v any_o long_o quiet_v the_o sinner_n conscience_n he_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n meditate_v a_o escape_n farewell_o now_o to_o sound_v and_o quiet_a sleep_n no_o peace_n till_o out_o of_o danger_n 8_o every_o effectual_a knock_n of_o christ_n give_v a_o alarm_n to_o hell_n and_o put_v satan_n to_o all_o his_o shift_n and_o art_n to_o secure_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o convince_a sinner_n the_o devil_n be_v a_o jealous_a spirit_n and_o when_o his_o interest_n be_v in_o danger_n he_o bestir_v himself_o to_o purpose_n the_o time_n of_o conviction_n be_v a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n we_o wrestle_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n say_v the_o apostle_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n or_o wicked_a spirit_n in_o high-place_n or_o about_o heavenly_n eph._n 6._o 12._o the_o strife_n betwixt_o satan_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v
the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v from_o hence_o the_o eight_o observation_n will_v be_v this_o viii_o doct._n that_o no_o man_n will_n save_o and_o effectual_o open_v to_o receive_v christ_n doct._n till_o the_o spiritual_a quicken_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v first_o hear_v by_o the_o soul._n now_o touch_v this_o almighty_a spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n be_v effectual_o open_v six_o thing_n must_v be_v open_v in_o order_n 1._o the_o divers_a sort_n and_o kind_n of_o christ_n voice_n 2._o the_o general_a nature_n of_o this_o internal_a voice_n 3._o the_o innate_a character_n and_o special_a property_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o object_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v 5._o the_o motive_n induce_v christ_n to_o speak_v to_o one_o and_o not_o to_o another_o 6._o the_o special_a effect_n wrought_v and_o seal_v by_o it_o upon_o every_o soul_n that_o hear_v it_o first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o divers_a sort_n and_o kind_n of_o christ_n voice_n i_o be_o here_o only_o concern_v about_o two_o viz._n 1._o his_o external_n 2._o his_o internal_a voice_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o external_n voice_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o may_v call_v his_o ministerial_a voice_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n and_o minister_n his_o mouth_n jer._n 15._o 19_o he_o that_o hear_v they_o hear_v christ._n 2_o there_o be_v also_o a_o internal_a energetical_a voice_n of_o christ_n consist_v not_o in_o sound_n but_o power_n and_o betwixt_o these_o two_o there_o be_v two_o remarkable_a difference_n 1._o the_o external_n or_o ministerial_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o organ_n or_o instrument_n of_o convey_v his_o internal_a and_o efficacious_a voice_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o former_a he_o speak_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o in_o or_o by_o that_o â—ound_n convey_v his_o spiritual_a voice_n to_o the_o heart_n 2_o the_o external_n voice_n be_v evermore_o ineffectual_a and_o successless_a when_o it_o be_v not_o animate_v by_o this_o internal_a spiritual_a voice_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o see_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n at_o the_o sound_n of_o rams-horn_n there_o be_v certain_o more_o than_o the_o force_n of_o a_o external_a blast_n to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n but_o more_o marvellous_a it_o be_v to_o see_v at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o the_o weapon_n of_o iniquity_n fall_v out_o of_o sinner_n hand_n but_o the_o very_a enmity_n itself_o out_o of_o their_o heart_n here_o you_o see_v be_v a_o voice_n in_o a_o voice_n a_o internal_a efficacy_n in_o the_o external_n sound_n without_o which_o the_o gospel_n make_v no_o save_v impression_n second_o this_o spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o general_a nature_n which_o imply_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o 1._o almighty_a efficacy_n 2._o great_a facilty_n i._o almighty_a efficacy_n to_o quicken_v and_o open_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o word_n o_o what_o manner_n of_o voice_n be_v this_o which_o carry_v such_o a_o vital_a power_n along_o with_o it_o in_o all_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o christ_n his_o power_n be_v still_o put_v forth_o in_o some_o voice_n as_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o lazarus_n john_n 11._o 43._o he_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lazarus_n come_v forth_o and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a come_v forth_o so_o in_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o deaf_a man_n mark_v 7._o 34._o he_o say_v unto_o he_o ephphathai_n and_o straight_o way_n his_o ear_n be_v open_v thus_o in_o the_o exert_n of_o his_o almighty_a glorious_a power_n in_o quicken_a a_o soul_n spiritual_o dead_a and_o open_v the_o heart_n that_o be_v lock_v up_o by_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n a_o internal_a almighty_a efficacy_n pass_v from_o christ_n along_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o effect_v this_o glorious_a work_n upon_o the_o soul_n a_o emblem_n where_o of_o we_o have_v in_o ezek._n 37._o 9_o 10._o then_o say_v he_o unto_o i_o prophesy_v unto_o the_o wind_n prophesy_v son_n of_o man_n to_o the_o wind_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n come_v from_o the_o four_o wind_n o_o breath_n and_o breath_n upon_o these_o slay_v that_o they_o may_v live_v so_o i_o prophesy_v as_o he_o command_v i_o and_o the_o breath_n come_v into_o they_o and_o they_o live_v and_o stand_v up_o upon_o their_o foot_n a_o exceed_a great_a army_n the_o animate_v vital_a breath_n which_o quicken_v the_o dead_a come_v in_o or_o with_o the_o four_o wind_n of_o heaven_n as_o this_o almighty_a power_n of_o christ_n do_v with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o before_o it_o the_o heart_n open_v the_o will_n bow_v psal._n 110._o 3._o man_n can_v no_o long_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o god_n man_n and_o man_n stand_v upon_o equal_a ground_n the_o power_n of_o man_n can_v repel_v the_o power_n of_o a_o fellow_n creature_n but_o when_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n come_v along_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o more_o power_n to_o resist_v semper_fw-la this_o voice_n of_o christ_n then_o of_o which_o the_o text_n speak_v loc_n be_v a_o almighty_a impression_n make_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o heaven_n which_o be_v to_o that_o soul_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o voice_n and_o as_o full_o expressive_a of_o god_n mind_n concern_v it_o as_o any_o articulate_v voice_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v it_o be_v a_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o plain_o and_o evident_o discover_v both_o its_o danger_n and_o duty_n as_o if_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n have_v declare_v they_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v isa._n 8._o 11._o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o isaiah_n with_o a_o strong_a hand_n that_o be_v by_o a_o mighty_a impression_n upon_o the_o prophet_n spirit_n which_o be_v as_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o thus_o here_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o direct_v a_o suitable_a word_n to_o a_o sinner_n condition_n but_o also_o impress_n it_o with_o such_o a_o strong_a hand_n upon_o his_o heart_n as_o leave_v no_o doubt_n behind_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n himself_o that_o speak_v to_o his_o soul_n this_o be_v christ_n way_n of_o speak_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o inner_a spiritual_a ear_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o oraculous_a voice_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v but_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o overtroubled_a fancy_n but_o by_o a_o efficacious_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n as_o to_o oraculous_a voice_n we_o may_v soon_o meet_v satanical_a delusion_n than_o divine_a illumination_n in_o that_o way_n the_o learned_a gerson_n speak_v of_o a_o good_a man_n who_o be_v in_o prayer_n seem_v to_o hear_v such_o a_o voice_n as_o this_o i_o be_o come_v in_o person_n to_o visit_v thou_o for_o thou_o be_v worthy_a but_o he_o just_o suspect_v a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n shut_v his_o eye_n and_o say_v nolo_fw-la hic_fw-la videre_fw-la christum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o will_v not_o see_v christ_n here_o it_o shall_v suffice_v i_o to_o see_v he_o in_o glory_n i_o be_o sure_a christ_n voice_n in_o the_o write_a word_n be_v more_o sure_a than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pet._n l._n 1._o 9_o this_o inward_a spiritual_a impression_n be_v christ_n effectual_a call_n from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v a_o voice_n sine_fw-la strepitu_fw-la syllabarum_fw-la without_o sound_n or_o syllable_n ii_o as_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n imply_v almighty_a efficacy_n so_o it_o imply_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o facility_n of_o conversion_n unto_o christ_n he_o can_v do_v it_o easy_o with_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n as_o in_o the_o bodily_a cure_n perform_v by_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n how_o sudden_o and_o easy_o do_v christ_n effect_v they_o speak_v the_o word_n only_o say_v the_o centurion_n and_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v thus_o let_v the_o spirit_n but_o speak_v internal_o to_o the_o dead_a soul_n and_o it_o live_v elijah_n do_v but_o cast_v his_o mantle_n upon_o elisha_n as_o he_o be_v plough_v in_o the_o field_n and_o he_o present_o entreat_v the_o prophet_n to_o give_v he_o leave_v to_o go_v home_o and_o bid_v his_o friend_n farewell_o and_o he_o will_v follow_v he_o thus_o it_o be_v here_o let_v a_o beam_n of_o save_a light_n shine_v from_o the_o spirit_n into_o a_o man_n heart_n let_v a_o effectual_a impression_n be_v make_v upon_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o be_v present_o make_v willing_a to_o quit_v and_o give_v up_o his_o dear_a lust_n and_o interest_n and_o to_o embrace_v christ_n upon_o the_o severe_a term_n of_o the_o gospel_n conversion_n be_v too_o difficult_a a_o work_n for_o angel_n or_o man_n to_o effect_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o christ_n can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o
will_v trust_v my_o father_n care_n and_o love_n here_o now_o be_v sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n under_o pinch_a want_n the_o want_n of_o the_o body_n enrich_v the_o soul_n outward_a straightning_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o inward_a enlargment_n o_o see_v from_o hence_o how_o good_a it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o god_n as_o a_o father_n whatever_o change_v of_o providence_n may_v come_v upon_o you_o three_o there_o be_v season_n wherein_o the_o lord_n expose_v his_o people_n to_o eminent_a and_o visible_a danger_n when_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o escape_n now_o when_o this_o produce_v trust_n in_o god_n and_o resignation_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n here_o be_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o time_n of_o distress_n and_o difficulty_n thus_o david_n psal._n 56._o 3._o at_o what_o time_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o will_v trust_v in_o thou_o q._n d._n father_n i_o see_v a_o storm_n rise_v thy_o poor_a child_n come_v under_o his_o father_n roof_n for_o sheâ—â—er_n for_o whether_o shall_v a_o distress_a child_n go_v but_o to_o his_o father_n and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o doubtful_a providence_n when_o the_o soul_n resign_v and_o leave_v itself_o to_o the_o wise_a disposal_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o david_n in_o 2_o sam._n 15._o 25_o 26._o here_o be_o i_o let_v he_o do_v with_o i_o as_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o sight_n this_o be_v real_a and_o sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o communion_n with_o god._n second_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v evidence_n the_o reality_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v no_o fancy_n i_o confess_v it_o grieve_v i_o to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o the_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o many_o man_n will_v allow_v nothing_o for_o certain_a but_o what_o fall_v under_o the_o cognisance_n of_o â—ense_n and_o oh_o that_o they_o have_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v than_o they_o will_v sensible_o discern_v the_o reality_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o question_n i_o shall_v evidence_n the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o saint_n communion_n with_o god_n divers_a way_n first_o evid_v from_o the_o saint_n union_n with_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v a_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n then_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o communion_n between_o they_o also_o now_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n which_o you_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o your_o faith_n plain_o assert_n this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n a_o union_n like_o that_o betwixt_o the_o branch_n and_o the_o root_n john_n 15._o 4_o 5._o or_o that_o betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n eph_n 4._o 16._o now_o if_o christ_n be_v to_o believer_n as_o the_o root_n to_o the_o branch_n and_o as_o the_o head_n to_o the_o member_n then_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o communion_n between_o they_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o communion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o communication_n and_o if_o no_o communication_n no_o life_n for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o vital_a fap_a and_o spirit_n from_o the_o root_n and_o from_o the_o head_n that_o the_o branch_n and_o member_n subsist_v and_o live_v second_o evid_v there_o be_v a_o cohabitation_n of_o christ_n with_o believer_n he_o dwell_v with_o they_o yea_o he_o dwell_v in_o theâ—â—_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 16._o i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o theâ—â—_n the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o christ_n yea_o his_o live_a temple_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o and_o if_o christ_n dwell_v with_o they_o yea_o if_o he_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o then_o certain_o there_o must_v be_v communion_n betwixt_o he_o and_o they_o if_o they_o live_v together_o they_o must_v converse_v together_o a_o man_n indeed_o may_v dwell_v in_o his_o house_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o it_o but_o the_o saint_n be_v a_o live_a house_n they_o be_v the_o live_n temple_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o can_v dwell_v in_o such_o temple_n capable_a of_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o they_o three_o evid_v the_o reality_n of_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o saint_n be_v undeniable_o evince_v from_o all_o the_o spiritual_a relation_n into_o which_o god_n have_v take_v they_o every_o believer_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ._n god_n be_v the_o believer_n father_n and_o the_o church_n be_v the_o lamb_n wife_n christ_n call_v the_o believer_n not_o only_o his_o servant_n but_o friend_n hence_o forth_o i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n but_o friend_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o god_n be_v the_o believer_n father_n and_o the_o believer_n be_v god_n own_o child_n certain_o there_o must_v be_v communion_n between_o they_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o believer_n husband_n and_o the_o believer_n be_v christ_n spouse_n there_o must_v be_v communion_n between_o he_o and_o they_o what_o no_o communion_n between_o the_o father_n and_o his_o child_n the_o husband_n and_o the_o wife_n we_o must_v either_o renounce_v and_o deny_v all_o such_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o therein_o renounce_v our_o bibles_n or_o else_o yield_v the_o conclusion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a communion_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n four_o the_o reality_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n evident_o appear_v from_o the_o institution_n evid_v and_o appointment_n of_o so_o many_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n on_o purpose_n to_o maintain_v daily_a communion_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n as_o to_o instance_n but_o in_o that_o one_o institution_n of_o prayer_n a_o duty_n appoint_v on_o purpose_n for_o the_o soul_n meet_v with_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o james_n 4._o 8._o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n and_o he_o will_v draw_v nigh_o to_o you_o now_o to_o what_o purpose_n can_v it_o be_v conceive_v such_o a_o ordinance_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o soul_n draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o communion_n to_o be_v enjoy_v with_o he_o if_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a phantom_n as_o the_o carnal_a world_n think_v it_o to_o be_v what_o encouragement_n have_v the_o saint_n to_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o access_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n ephes._n 3._o 12._o in_o who_o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidencâ—_n access_n to_o what_o if_o god_n be_v not_o there_o and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n with_o he_o what_o mean_v that_o access_n i_o will_v meet_v you_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v commune_v with_o you_o in_o every_o place_n where_o i_o record_v my_o name_n exod._n 25._o 22._o certain_o duty_n have_v never_o be_v appoint_v but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n commune_v with_o we_o and_o we_o with_o he_o five_o this_o be_v yet_o further_o evidence_v from_o the_o mutual_a desire_n both_o of_o christ_n evid_v and_o his_o people_n to_o be_v in_o sweet_a and_o intimate_a communion_n one_o with_o the_o other_o the_o scripture_n speak_v much_o of_o the_o saint_n vehement_a desire_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o of_o christ_n desire_n after_o communion_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o both_o joint_o the_o saint_n desire_n after_o communion_n with_o he_o be_v frequent_a in_o all_o the_o scripture_n see_v psal._n 63._o 1_o 2_o 3._o psal._n 42._o 1._o psal._n 119._o 20._o and_o the_o like_a throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o christ_n be_v no_o less_o desirous_a yea_o he_o be_v much_o more_o desirous_a of_o communion_n with_o we_o than_o we_o be_v with_o he_o consider_v that_o expression_n of_o he_o to_o the_o spouse_n in_o cant._n 8._o 13._o o_o thou_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o garden_n the_o companion_n hâ—rken_v to_o thy_o voice_n cause_v i_o to_o hear_v it_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v o_o my_o people_n you_o frequent_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o you_o talk_v daily_o together_o why_o shall_v not_o you_o and_o i_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o you_o speak_v often_o to_o man_n o_o that_o you_o will_v speak_v more_o frequent_o to_o i_o let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o thy_o voice_n be_v sweet_a and_o thy_o countenance_n comely_a and_o then_o these_o desire_n be_v mutual_o express_v one_o to_o another_o rev._n 22._o 20._o sure_o say_v christ_n i_o come_v quick_o amen_o even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n say_v the_o church_n now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o vehement_a
satan_n stand_v at_o his_o right-hand_a to_o resist_v he_o it_o be_v well_o for_o thou_o christian_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o advocate_n stand_v at_o god_n right-hand_a to_o resist_v and_o frustrate_v his_o attempt_n upon_o thou_o otherwise_o satan_n will_v this_o way_n destroy_v your_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v now_o your_o delight_n to_o be_v your_o terror_n many_o way_n do_v the_o devil_n oppose_v the_o saint_n communion_n with_o god._n sometime_o he_o labour_v to_o divert_v they_o from_o it_o this_o business_n shall_v fall_v in_o or_o that_o occasion_n fall_v out_o on_o purpose_n to_o divert_v thy_o soul_n approach_v to_o god_n but_o if_o he_o can_v prevail_v there_o than_o he_o labour_v to_o distract_v your_o thought_n and_o break_v they_o into_o a_o thousand_o vanity_n or_o if_o he_o succeed_v not_o there_o than_o he_o attack_n you_o in_o your_o return_n from_o duty_n with_o spiritual_a pride_n security_n etc._n etc._n these_o fierce_a opposition_n 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for_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v see_v thy_o beauty_n and_o thy_o glory_n so_o as_o i_o have_v see_v thou_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n psal._n 63._o 1_o 2._o magnificent_a structure_n artificial_a ornament_n of_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n be_v of_o little_a account_n with_o a_o gracious_a soul._n it_o be_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o be_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n the_o saint_n desire_v to_o behold_v viii_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o interest_n in_o he_o all_o union_n with_o christ_n must_v evidence_n its_o self_n by_o a_o life_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o or_o our_o pretension_n to_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o groundless_a there_o be_v many_o of_o you_o i_o wish_v there_o be_v more_o inquire_v after_o evidence_n and_o sign_n of_o your_o union_n with_o christ_n why_o here_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o can_v never_o fail_v you_o do_v you_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o he_o may_v your_o life_n be_v call_v a_o walk_n with_o god_n as_o enoch_n be_v then_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a you_o have_v union_n with_o he_o and_o this_o be_v so_o sure_a a_o sign_n as_o death_n itself_o which_o use_v to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o false_a sign_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v 2_o king_n 20._o 2_o 3._o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n say_v hezechiah_n that_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o in_o a_o perfect_a heart_n o_o professor_n it_o will_v be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n whatever_o ungrounded_a hope_n and_o false_a comfort_n you_o now_o have_v to_o find_v they_o shrink_v away_o from_o you_o as_o certain_o they_o will_v do_v at_o death_n and_o all_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o knowledge_n i_o have_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o my_o heart_n be_v not_o in_o they_o i_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n in_o they_o and_o now_o god_n be_v a_o terror_n to_o my_o soul._n i_o be_o go_v to_o his_o awful_a bar_n and_o have_v not_o one_o sound_a evidence_n to_o carry_v a_o long_a with_o i_o that_o be_v a_o remarkable_a place_n gal._n 5._o 25._o if_o we_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n let_v we_o also_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v let_v we_o evidence_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o by_o exercise_v that_o grace_n in_o a_o life_n of_o communion_n with_o god._n when_o all_o be_v say_v this_o be_v the_o sure_a evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o no_o gift_n or_o performance_n whatsoever_o can_v amount_v to_o a_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n without_o it_o ix_o excellency_n it_o be_v ease_n in_o all_o pain_n sweet_a and_o sensible_a ease_n to_o a_o trouble_a soul._n look_v as_o the_o breathe_n of_o a_o vein_n cool_v ease_v and_o refresh_v a_o severish_a body_n so_o the_o open_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n give_v sensible_a ease_n to_o a_o burden_a soul_n grief_n be_v ease_v by_o groan_n heaven-ward_n many_o soul_n be_v deep_o lade_v with_o their_o own_o fear_n care_n and_o distress_n no_o refreshment_n for_o such_o a_o soul_n no_o such_o anodine_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v psal._n 32._o 1_o 2_o 3._o how_o do_v trouble_n boil_v in_o david_n soul_n night_n and_o day_n god_n hand_n be_v heavy_a on_o he_o his_o soul_n as_o elihu_n speak_v be_v like_o bottle_n full_a of_o new_a wine_n he_o must_v speak_v to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v refresh_v and_o so_o he_o do_v and_o be_v refresh_v by_o it_o i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n it_o will_v grieve_v one_o to_o see_v how_o many_o poor_a distress_a soul_n carry_v their_o trouble_n up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n make_v their_o complaint_n to_o one_o and_o another_o but_o no_o ease_n away_o to_o thy_o god_n poor_a christian_a get_v thou_o into_o thy_o closet_n pour_v out_o thy_o soul_n before_o he_o and_o that_o ease_n which_o thou_o seek_v in_o vain_a elsewhere_o will_v there_o be_v find_v or_o nowhere_o x._o excellency_n it_o be_v food_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o most_o delicious_a pleasant_a proper_a and_o satisfy_a food_n that_o ever_o it_o taste_v it_o be_v hide_v manna_n rev._n 2._o 17._o by_o these_o thing_n o_o lord_n do_v man_n live_v and_o in_o they_o be_v the_o life_n of_o their_o soul_n isa._n 38._o 16._o a_o regenerate_a soul_n can_v live_v without_o it_o their_o body_n can_v live_v as_o well_o without_o bread_n or_o breath_n as_o their_o soul_n without_o communion_n with_o god_n it_o be_v more_o than_o their_o necessary_a food_n here_o they_o find_v what_o they_o true_o call_v marrow_n and_o fatness_n psal._n 63._o 5_o 6._o o_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o support_n they_o suck_v out_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n by_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o they_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n rom._n 8._o 6._o the_o delicate_n upon_o prince_n table_n be_v husk_n and_o chaff_n to_o this_o crow_n and_o vulture_n can_v live_v upon_o the_o carrion_n of_o this_o world_n but_o a_o renew_a soul_n can_v subsist_v long_o without_o god._n let_v such_o a_o soul_n be_v divert_v for_o a_o time_n from_o its_o usual_a refreshment_n this_o way_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v something_o within_o pain_n he_o like_o the_o suck_a and_o draw_v of_o a_o empty_a stomach_n it_o be_v angel_n food_n it_o be_v that_o your_o soul_n must_v live_v upon_o throughout_o eternity_n and_o most_o happy_o too_o xi_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o guard_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o the_o assault_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v like_o a_o shield_n advance_v against_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o your_o
treasure_n psal._n 119._o 14._o i_o have_v rejoice_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n as_o much_o as_o in_o all_o riches_n ii_o it_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o passive_a obedience_n make_v a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v in_o his_o suffering_n col._n 1._o 24._o it_o will_v make_v a_o christian_a stand_n as_o porter_n in_o london_n do_v at_o the_o merchant_n door_n to_o receive_v any_o burden_n or_o load_n they_o have_v to_o lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o thank_v they_o to_o be_v so_o employ_v this_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o strength_n neh._n 8._o 10._o a_o christian_a under_o the_o cheerful_a influence_n of_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n can_v with_o more_o cheerfulness_n lie_v down_o his_o neck_n for_o christ_n than_o other_o man_n can_v lay_v out_o a_o shilling_n for_o he_o in_o all_o these_o twenty_o particular_n you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o privilege_n but_o oh_o how_o short_a a_o account_n have_v i_o give_v of_o it_o what_o remain_v be_v the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n in_o a_o double_a use_n 1._o of_o information_n 2._o of_o exhortation_n first_o for_o information_n in_o the_o follow_a inference_n i._o inference_n how_o sure_a and_o certain_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o sanctify_a soul_n these_o thing_n be_v undeniable_a god_n have_v set_v they_o before_o our_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o sense_n beside_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o single_o make_v it_o infallible_a the_o lord_n for_o our_o abundant_a satisfaction_n have_v bring_v these_o thing_n down_o to_o the_o touch_n and_o test_n of_o our_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o experience_n you_o that_o have_v have_v so_o many_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n so_o many_o sweet_a taste_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n o_o what_o a_o confirmation_n and_o â—eal_n have_v you_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o invisible_a thing_n you_o may_v say_v of_o heaven_n and_o the_o joy_n above_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o he_o that_o purchase_v it_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o that_o which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o our_o ear_n have_v hear_v and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v etc._n etc._n for_o god_n have_v set_v these_o thing_n in_o some_o degree_n before_o your_o very_a eye_n and_o put_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o into_o your_o own_o hand_n the_o sweet_a relish_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o the_o very_a palate_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o this_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o blieve_a hebrew_n the_o apostle_n appeal_v heb._n 10._o 34._o when_o he_o say_v you_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o your_o good_n know_v in_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n this_o know_v in_o ourselves_o be_v more_o certain_a and_o sweet_a than_o all_o the_o traditional_a knowledge_n we_o get_v from_o the_o report_n of_o other_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o who_o 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much_o to_o do_v on_o earth_n that_o they_o have_v little_a time_n for_o heavenly_a employment_n oh_o what_o a_o noise_n and_o din_n do_v the_o trifle_n of_o this_o world_n make_v in_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o christian_n how_o dear_o do_v we_o pay_v for_o such_o trifle_n as_o these_o 2._o a_o spirit_n of_o formality_n creep_v in_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n impoverish_v the_o vital_a spirit_n thereof_o like_o the_o wanton_a embrace_n of_o the_o ivy_n which_o bind_v and_o starve_v the_o tree_n it_o clasp_v about_o religion_n can_v thrive_v under_o formality_n and_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o keep_v out_o formality_n in_o a_o settle_a course_n of_o duty_n and_o much_o more_o when_o duty_n be_v intermit_v 3._o the_o business_n of_o temptation_n pester_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o christian_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v of_o melancholy_n constitution_n how_o importunate_a and_o restless_a be_v these_o temptation_n with_o some_o christian_n they_o can_v make_v little_a comfort_n or_o advantage_n out_o of_o duty_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o 4._o heart-apostacy_n inward_a decay_n of_o our_o first_o love_n be_v another_o reason_n why_o our_o duty_n prosper_v so_o little_a rev._n 2._o 4._o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n you_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o serve_v god_n with_o such_o coldness_n 5._o in_o a_o word_n spiritual_a pride_n impoverish_v our_o comfort_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n like_o brisk_a wine_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o our_o weak_a head_n for_o these_o cause_v many_o christian_n be_v keep_v low_o in_o spiritual_a comfort_n iii_o inference_n how_o sweet_a and_o desirable_a be_v the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v desirable_a to_o walk_v with_o they_o who_o walk_v with_o god_n 1_o john_n 1._o 3._o no_o such_o companion_n as_o the_o saint_n what_o benefit_n or_o pleasure_n can_v we_o find_v in_o converse_v with_o sensual_a worldling_n all_o we_o can_v carry_v away_o out_o of_o such_o company_n be_v guilt_n or_o grief_n all_o my_o delight_n say_v david_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n which_o excel_v in_o virtue_n psal._n 16._o 3._o and_o their_o society_n will_v certain_o be_v much_o more_o sweet_a and_o desirable_a than_o it_o be_v do_v they_o live_v more_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o they_o do_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v exceed_v lovely_a mal._n 3._o 16._o act_n 2._o 46_o 47._o the_o lord_n restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a glory_n and_o sweetness_n iv._o inference_n what_o a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n be_v conversion_n which_o let_v the_o soul_n into_o such_o a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n here_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o your_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n the_o first_o taste_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n of_o which_o there_o shall_v never_o be_v a_o end_n all_o the_o time_n man_n have_v spend_v in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o unconverted_a state_n have_v be_v a_o time_n of_o estrangement_n and_o alienation_n from_o god_n when_o the_o lord_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o chris_n in_o the_o way_n of_o conversion_n he_o than_o begin_v his_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n job_n 22._o 21._o acquaint_v now_o thyself_o with_o he_o and_o â—e_z at_o peace_n thereby_o good_a shall_v come_v unto_o thou_o this_o be_v your_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n which_o will_v be_v a_o grow_a thing_n every_o visit_v you_o give_v he_o in_o prayer_n increase_v your_o acquaintance_n and_o beget_v more_o intimacy_n and_o humble_a holy_a familiarity_n betwixt_o he_o and_o you_o and_o oh_o what_o a_o paradise_n of_o pleasure_n do_v this_o let_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n abound_v with_o pleasure_n psal._n 16._o 11._o all_o his_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o