as_o you_o seem_v to_o understand_v or_o that_o none_o possible_o can_v be_v save_v herein_o whilst_o not_o so_o gross_a and_o corrupt_a as_o other_o answ_n you_o know_v what_o account_n the_o scripture_n have_v give_v of_o this_o and_o how_o exact_a a_o portraiture_n be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o state_n in_o its_o true_a shape_n and_o colour_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o credit_v their_o own_o eye_n let_v they_o but_o first_o look_v in_o on_o themselves_o and_o then_o abroad_o upon_o the_o world_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a such_o must_v see_v that_o the_o face_n do_v not_o more_o answer_v to_o its_o own_o resemblance_n in_o the_o glass_n than_o this_o deplorable_a state_n of_o nature_n without_o renovation_n by_o grace_n do_v answer_v that_o marvellous_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o write_a word_n thereof_o and_o oh_o be_v it_o not_o a_o amaze_a and_o horrid_a sight_n when_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o 1._o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v receive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2_o ver_fw-la 14._o but_o what_o ever_o use_v these_o seem_v to_o have_v of_o reason_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n both_o natural_a and_o civil_a yea_o in_o the_o theory_n of_o religious_a thing_n yet_o neither_o know_v nor_o can_v savour_v what_o spiritual_a truth_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n 2._o where_o you_o see_v so_o strange_a a_o enmity_n and_o imbred_a alienation_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n with_o a_o continue_a bias_n and_o tendency_n against_o holiness_n gal._n 4_o ver_fw-la 29._o where_o no_o private_a quarrel_n or_o personal_a interest_n give_v rise_v thereto_o yea_o thus_o how_o no_o enmity_n be_v more_o deep_a and_o fix_v against_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o follow_v a_o polish_a and_o refine_a nature_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o saint_n who_o have_v each_o a_o unregenerat_a part_n within_o but_o a_o natural_a conscience_n be_v enforce_v to_o witness_v how_o sin_n be_v attend_v with_o shame_n and_o a_o make_v themselves_o vile_a thereby_o yea_o such_o as_o none_o can_v put_v on_o their_o clothes_n in_o the_o morning_n but_o may_v have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o fall_v state_n of_o man_n 4._o from_o whence_o be_v these_o war_n &_o fight_n without_o and_o these_o impetuous_a boiling_n of_o envy_n wrath_n and_o revenge_n within_o be_v they_o not_o from_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n jam._n 4_o ver_fw-la 16._o yea_o such_o eager_a grasping_n after_o that_o bait_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n even_o whilst_o they_o know_v the_o embitter_a sting_n which_o inseparable_o follow_v thereon_o 5._o and_o what_o do_v these_o strange_a conflict_n and_o contrary_a tide_n with_o which_o man_n be_v so_o oft_o hurry_v and_o rend_v in_o piece_n as_o with_o wild_a horse_n betwixt_o their_o judgement_n and_o will_n which_o once_o be_v in_o a_o sweet_a league_n such_o as_o even_o heathen_n be_v conforce_v to_o see_v and_o confess_v that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o flagitious_a man_n be_v lay_v open_a it_o shall_v be_v see_v how_o they_o be_v cruciate_v and_o punish_v by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o as_o the_o body_n be_v rend_v and_o tear_v by_o torture_n so_o be_v the_o mind_n by_o cruelty_n envy_n lust_n and_o passion_n with_o these_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o perturbation_n within_o oh_o what_o do_v those_o mean_v if_o you_o will_v but_o come_v near_a to_o consider_v this_o so_o sad_a and_o amaze_a a_o sight_n be_v they_o not_o a_o visible_a transcript_n of_o black_a nature_n whereinto_o man_n be_v fall_v 6._o and_o what_o a_o horrid_a thing_n must_v that_o be_v that_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o contempt_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o so_o insensible_a of_o its_o own_o vileness_n and_o pollution_n yea_o such_o as_o render_v man_n under_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o all_o accomplishment_n of_o gift_n whether_o moral_a or_o natural_a yea_o the_o great_a of_o man_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o a_o renew_a state_n to_o be_v the_o vile_a &_o base_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o o_o what_o a_o dreadful_a sight_n will_v such_o once_o be_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n when_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o nakedness_n shall_v be_v then_o show_v forth_o qu._n iii_o though_o i_o be_o enforce_v to_o assent_v to_o such_o clear_a &_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o that_o deplorable_a state_n man_n be_v in_o by_o nature_n whilst_o though_o it_o can_v be_v hide_v yet_o how_o little_a be_v it_o consider_v or_o lay_v to_o heart_n but_o oh_o be_v there_o so_o indispensible_a a_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o to_o know_v the_o inward_a power_n thereof_o on_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o a_o new_a life_n beget_v in_o we_o by_o regeneration_n as_o none_o can_v be_v possible_o save_v and_o secure_v from_o everlasting_a wrath_n without_o this_o whilst_o there_o be_v such_o abound_a light_n in_o these_o time_n yea_o a_o visible_a adherence_n and_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o many_o who_o may_v be_v stranger_n to_o this_o answ_n i_o shall_v but_o offer_v some_o ground_n to_o clear_v the_o absolute_a and_o peremptor_n necessity_n of_o this_o you_o seem_v to_o question_v and_o then_o leave_v you_o to_o judge_v thereanent_a when_o you_o have_v once_o bring_v they_o near_o your_o thought_n 1._o though_o our_o right_n and_o claim_v to_o a_o eternal_a glory_n must_v alone_o be_v by_o the_o righteousnese_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o found_v on_o holiness_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a we_o have_v none_o without_o it_o for_o without_o this_o have_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n by_o his_o word_n and_o faithfulness_n insure_v that_o none_o shall_v see_v his_o face_n hebr._n 12_o ver_fw-la 14._o nor_o without_o the_o new_a birth_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n joh._n 3_o ver_fw-la 3._o 2._o it_o be_v sure_a without_o this_o man_n hope_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v to_o come_v can_v lean_v upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o that_o the_o holy_a god_n must_v cease_v to_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a and_o rescind_v his_o everlasting_a decree_n and_o purpose_n for_o comply_v with_o their_o sin_n eph._n 1_o ver_fw-la 4._o who_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a before_o he_o in_o love_n 3._o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reconcile_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n then_o without_o this_o can_v none_o enter_v into_o that_o bless_a state_n where_o be_v the_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n since_o there_o be_v a_o amaze_a inconsistence_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o how_o such_o can_v possible_o dwell_v there_o who_o be_v never_o make_v meet_v to_o he_o partaker_n of_o that_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n by_o a_o new_a nature_n coloss_n 1_o ver_fw-la 12._o 4._o and_o what_o a_o strange_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n be_v this_o for_o to_o think_v they_o be_v approach_v to_o glory_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o way_n to_o grace_n or_o that_o such_o can_v love_v that_o in_o another_o world_n which_o they_o now_o so_o visible_o hate_v or_o can_v thus_o own_o any_o true_a desire_n or_o hope_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n who_o have_v such_o a_o natural_a and_o imbred_a aversion_n to_o the_o begin_v enjoy_v of_o it_o here_o in_o the_o life_n and_o work_n of_o sanctification_n 5._o it_o be_v sure_a that_o our_o eternal_a life_n in_o glory_n must_v be_v begin_v in_o that_o new_a life_n which_o be_v by_o grace_n form_v here_o in_o the_o soul_n nor_o can_v such_o ever_o possible_o expect_v to_o enter_v that_o kingdom_n which_o be_v above_o where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n be_v not_o know_v within_o here_o which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14_o ver_fw-la 17._o though_o it_o be_v sure_a also_o that_o grace_n and_o grace_n alone_o must_v sum_n and_o close_v all_o our_o account_n yea_o that_o the_o whole_a of_o practical_a godliness_n must_v resolve_v there_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o galat._n 2_o ver_fw-la 20._o qu._n iu._n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a except_o man_n turn_v resolute_o atheist_n to_o debate_v this_o truth_n but_o oh_o what_o shall_v it_o mean_v that_o so_o few_o can_v be_v see_v in_o earnest_n in_o such_o a_o throng_n of_o profess_a christian_n with_o that_o excellent_a study_n of_o holiness_n who_o yet_o come_v the_o further_a length_n in_o a_o assent_n thereto_o and_o what_o may_v most_o help_v
to_o such_o a_o master_n shall_v ever_o be_v lose_v or_o want_v of_o have_v more_o give_v in_o to_o such_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o little_a have_v not_o thus_o also_o the_o mean_a christian_a some_o call_n from_o the_o company_n he_o may_v be_v cast_v in_o when_o atheism_n be_v at_o such_o a_o height_n and_o a_o generation_n of_o mocker_n almost_o every_o where_o abound_v to_o confess_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o truth_n before_o man_n by_o some_o grave_n and_o convince_a witness_n thereto_o as_o well_o as_o when_o he_o be_v call_v before_o ruler_n since_o to_o such_o a_o occasional_a call_n that_o scripture_n have_v a_o respect_n likewise_o aswell_o as_o to_o a_o more_o solemn_a and_o public_a appearance_n matth._n 10_o 32._o he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n and_o his_o angel_n oh_o what_o it_o be_v to_o know_v psal_n 42_o 4._o it_o be_v as_o a_o sword_n in_o my_o bone_n when_o they_o say_v unto_o i_o continual_o where_o be_v thy_o god_n 4._o can_v a_o christian_n lot_n be_v too_o low_a for_o follow_v so_o great_a a_o service_n to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n by_o prayer_n and_o wrestle_n in_o secret_a when_o there_o be_v no_o witness_n from_o without_o but_o he_o who_o see_v in_o secret_a will_v not_o let_v this_o want_n a_o open_a reward_n and_o if_o not_o here_o yet_o at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n qu._n viii_o but_o shall_v not_o thus_o such_o who_o credit_n with_o man_n can_v bear_v they_o out_o with_o much_o weight_n become_v but_o a_o matter_n of_o sport_n &_o derision_n to_o these_o they_o converse_v with_o in_o a_o time_n when_o serious_a religion_n be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a of_o foolishness_n yea_o shall_v it_o not_o restrain_v one_o cast_v of_o pearl_n before_o swine_n lest_o they_o turn_v again_o and_o tear_v they_o mat._n 7_o 6._o ans_fw-fr you_o know_v that_o christian_a wisdom_n be_v profitable_a to_o direct_v in_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o occasion_n offer_v and_o that_o rule_v of_o expediency_n shall_v be_v much_o weigh_v what_o advantage_n present_a circumstance_n may_v offer_v or_o deny_v for_o edification_n but_o i_o must_v say_v carnal_a prudence_n take_v oft_o too_o much_o advantage_n here_o and_o in_o no_o time_n have_v that_o truth_n want_v a_o convince_a seal_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o thing_n that_o be_v defpise_v yea_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o have_v he_o choose_v to_o bring_v to_o nought_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n 1_o cor._n 1_o 27_o 28._o and_o it_o be_v sure_a you_o can_v but_o know_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v some_o awe_n and_o authority_n which_o attend_v rhe_n truth_n of_o holiness_n even_o in_o a_o very_a mean_a person_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n who_o may_v be_v otherwise_o hater_n thereof_o yea_o to_o enforce_v some_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o respect_n 2_o and_o do_v not_o serious_a piety_n and_o practical_a prudence_n mutual_o strengthen_v other_o so_o as_o the_o more_o a_o christian_n the_o more_o he_o be_v thus_o at_o a_o advantage_n to_o know_v his_o duty_n and_o be_v sagacious_o discern_v therein_o 3._o but_o how_o amaze_a be_v such_o a_o reproach_n cast_v at_o this_o day_n upon_o piety_n of_o weakness_n and_o and_o foolishness_n not_o but_o that_o christian_n in_o truth_n may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o thing_n imprudent_a which_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o more_o christian_n whilst_o the_o native_a result_n of_o serious_a godliness_n be_v so_o evident_a to_o have_v a_o watch_a eye_n over_o one_o spirit_n to_o the_o moderation_n of_o passion_n and_o a_o sweet_a calm_a and_o composure_n of_o mind_n amid_o the_o many_o snare_n and_o temptation_n here_o their_o heart_n thus_o lie_v near_o to_o their_o work_a hand_n as_o solomon_n show_v eccles_n 10_o 2._o a_o wise_a man_n heart_n be_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n but_o a_o fool_n be_v at_o his_o left_a dialogue_n ii_o the_o late_a commune_n we_o have_v at_o our_o former_a meeting_n together_o which_o i_o hope_v may_v not_o want_v some_o fruit_n put_v i_o to_o follow_v this_o advantage_n of_o our_o present_a converse_n upon_o a_o further_a account_n for_o clear_v some_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a concern_v of_o christianity_n and_o notto_n lose_v time_n the_o first_o proposal_n i_o make_v be_v this_o quest_n i._o how_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v two_o contrary_a state_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n belong_v a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o we_o must_v be_v enter_v into_o by_o grace_n yea_o that_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o that_o marvellous_a change_n by_o conversion_n make_v a_o christian_n to_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n not_o in_o degree_n but_o in_o the_o kind_n and_o nature_n no_o less_o than_o the_o state_n of_o man_n here_o be_v above_o the_o beast_n answer_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a though_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n shall_v be_v marvellous_a to_o our_o thought_n upon_o any_o serious_a converse_n therewith_o but_o such_o clear_a evidence_n have_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o lie_v so_o close_o with_o the_o whole_a thereof_o as_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o must_v quit_v the_o bible_n and_o this_o together_o whilst_o these_o be_v so_o undeniable_a even_o to_o our_o sense_n 1._o that_o one_o christian_a can_v beget_v another_o and_o how_o far_o this_o new_a life_n by_o grace_n be_v above_o nature_n or_o the_o possibility_n of_o second_o cause_n which_o no_o argument_n or_o persuasive_n of_o eloquence_n by_o moral_a influence_n conld_v ever_o effectuate_v but_o be_v the_o immediate_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o form_v of_o a_o new_a creation_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o naked_a simplicity_n thereof_o 2._o how_o clear_a be_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o marvellous_a state_n of_o grace_n by_o so_o visible_a a_o reality_n of_o the_o effect_n and_o operation_n thereof_o as_o to_o change_v a_o empoison_a nature_n and_o take_v off_o that_o imbred_a aversion_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o engraft_v of_o the_o word_n by_o a_o second_o impression_n of_o the_o law_n write_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n whereby_o it_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o image_n yea_o such_o convince_a effect_n as_o a_o live_a christian_n may_v be_v as_o discerneable_a as_o one_o be_v a_o live_a man_n by_o sign_n and_o mark_n peculiar_a to_o his_o kind_n 3._o be_v it_o not_o know_v with_o the_o further_a evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o a_o vital_a scent_n and_o air_n with_o serious_a godliness_n which_o no_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o any_o profession_n can_v possible_o counterfeit_v no_o more_o than_o the_o great_a artist_n can_v paint_v the_o sweet_a swell_v of_o the_o violet_n and_o rose_n or_o make_v a_o dead_a picture_n to_o breath_n and_o move_v 4._o you_o may_v see_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o state_n who_o native_a tendency_n be_v to_o move_v upward_o to_o its_o original_n as_o natural_o as_o the_o spark_n go_v upward_o in_o love_n desire_v and_o a_o feel_a intercourse_n then_o with_o he_o yea_o with_o such_o a_o supernatural_a instinct_n which_o be_v no_o less_o marvellous_a and_o evident_a than_o that_o of_o the_o young_a child_n move_v towards_o the_o breast_n 5._o it_o be_v such_o a_o state_n where_o you_o may_v see_v the_o most_o discern_a of_o man_n in_o a_o natural_a condition_n know_v not_o nor_o can_v understand_v what_o belong_v thereto_o or_o what_o these_o felt-enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n on_o the_o soul_n be_v or_o their_o be_v bring_v near_o to_o his_o reconcile_a face_n in_o christ_n and_o lay_v under_o these_o warm_a beam_n no_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o state_n of_o man_n which_o be_v so_o high_a in_o its_o kind_n above_o they_o 6._o such_o a_o state_n also_o as_o needs_o the_o continue_a breathe_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o any_o vigorous_a exercise_n no_o less_o than_o the_o parch_a ground_n have_v need_n of_o the_o rain_n without_o which_o it_o be_v dry_v and_o languish_v yea_o such_o as_o you_o know_v have_v its_o food_n delight_n and_o grief_n peculiar_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n with_o which_o stranger_n can_v intermeddle_v qu._n ii_o but_o since_o it_o be_v too_o évident_a that_o the_o most_o of_o man_n and_o so_o many_o of_o notable_a gift_n and_o endowment_n know_v nothing_o what_o belong_v to_o that_o state_n you_o speak_v of_o or_o what_o be_v further_o than_o the_o condition_n they_o be_v in_o by_o nature_n oh_o be_v that_o natural_a state_n so_o very_o dreadful_a and_o affright_v
you_o know_v of_o such_o a_o mark_n 7._o be_v it_o not_o clear_a that_o with_o a_o convert_a state_n the_o war_n be_v begin_v that_o will_v never_o cease_v here_o betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5_o 17._o and_o as_o the_o regenerate_a part_n be_v at_o a_o advantage_n the_o more_o vigorous_a be_v its_o opposition_n then_o against_o the_o flesh_n yea_o against_o such_o secret_a and_o spiritual_a evil_n that_o may_v lie_v most_o near_o from_o their_o natural_a temper_n and_o constitution_n as_o their_o right_a eye_n or_o right_a hand_n matth._n 5_o 29._o 8._o be_v it_o not_o with_o a_o renew_a state_n by_o grace_n this_o also_o must_v be_v know_v what_o the_o spiritual_a way_n of_o service_n to_o god_n in_o the_o deauty_n of_o worship_n be_v in_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n rom._n 7_o 6._o yea_o to_o know_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n which_o so_o sensible_o help_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o saint_n rom._n 8_o 26._o and_o what_o have_v you_o thus_o find_v to_o answer_v so_o plain_a a_o evidence_n and_o mark_n as_o this_o of_o your_o state_n and_o be_v in_o christ_n 9_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n dark_a or_o difficult_a here_o that_o if_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n this_o will_v native_o result_v from_o the_o same_o to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o col._n 3_o 7._o that_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v you_o will_v know_v then_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o have_v your_o heart_n and_o desire_n follow_v matth._n 6_o 21._o and_o some_o comfort_a converse_n with_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v to_o come_v yea_o a_o rejoice_n in_o the_o hope_n there_o of_o when_o you_o shall_v breath_n in_o that_o sweet_a air_n of_o the_o high_a paradise_n where_o love_n joy_n and_o oneness_n of_o heart_n with_o your_o bless_a head_n and_o the_o whole_a triumphant_a church_n there_o shall_v then_o never_o admit_v the_o small_a interruption_n for_o all_o eternity_n now_o be_v not_o these_o few_o mark_n on_o such_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a scripture_n ground_n as_o it_o be_v strange_a what_o shall_v make_v this_o a_o dark_a business_n to_o any_o who_o will_v not_o make_v it_o their_o choice_n to_o hold_v fast_o deceit_n or_o go_v down_o with_o a_o lie_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n to_o the_o grave_n though_o the_o comfort_v and_o clear_a evidence_n thereof_o be_v not_o the_o same_o at_o all_o time_n nor_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n alike_o to_o all_o qu._n vi_o since_o there_o be_v no_o question_v the_o truth_n &_o evidence_n of_o such_o mark_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v also_o what_o length_n be_v that_o which_o some_o may_v come_v in_o a_o temporary_a work_n and_o a_o be_v a_o almost_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o save_v since_o this_o be_v my_o great_a interest_n within_o time_n and_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o the_o night_n come_v a._n you_o have_v that_o sure_a and_o unerring_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o go_v to_o where_o you_o may_v clear_o see_v 1._o what_o a_o length_n there_o be_v in_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n rom._n 2_o v._n 20._o and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o power_n 2._o tim_n 3_o v._n 5._o yea_o that_o this_o may_v be_v in_o a_o high_a measure_n and_o be_v not_o judas_n one_o of_o the_o twelve_o 2._o it_o be_v there_o you_o may_v see_v they_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n who_o have_v end_v in_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 3_o 3._o and_o what_o length_n such_o come_v who_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v some_o discerneable_a growth_n a_o little_a yea_o forth_o with_o spring_v up_o matth._n 13_o vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o part_v of_o which_o be_v chock_a with_o these_o thorn_n of_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o other_o do_v quick_o wither_v and_o go_v back_o when_o persecution_n arise_v have_v no_o solid_a root_n a_o scripture_n which_o shall_v be_v much_o think_v on_o and_o deep_o lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o who_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v about_o a_o heaven_n and_o blessedness_n for_o ever_o 3._o you_o may_v see_v there_o likewise_o what_o length_n the_o foolish_a virgin_n come_v matth._n 25_o 8_o 9_o who_o want_v not_o a_o lamp_n and_o visible_a profession_n before_o other_o as_o may_v gain_v a_o name_n and_o testimony_n in_o their_o day_n &_o yet_o shut_v out_o for_o ever_o 4._o the_o scripture_n will_v let_v you_o see_v also_o what_o eminent_a gift_n even_o spiritual_a may_v be_v reach_v by_o a_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o conversion_n be_v never_o know_v lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n mat._n 22_o 7._o yea_o that_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n be_v no_o infalible_a evidence_n of_o sanctification_n as_o in_o that_o strange_a instance_n of_o balaam_n 5._o that_o some_o may_v cry_v unto_o god_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o name_n but_o not_o in_o truth_n you_o may_v read_v esai_n 48_o 1._o 6._o that_o there_o be_v a_o glory_v in_o appearance_n and_o not_o in_o heart_n you_o may_v see_v 2_o cor._n 5_o 12._o nor_o be_v it_o strange_a to_o see_v this_o at_o such_o a_o height_n as_o with_o jehuto_n invite_v the_o world_n to_o see_v their_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n &_o to_o inquire_v at_o other_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a whilst_o his_o own_o be_v most_o false_a &_o unstraight_o the_o world_n be_v no_o stranger_n to_o this_o what_o length_n of_o a_o profession_n have_v be_v to_o mask_v a_o private_a interest_n with_o such_o a_o show_n and_o appearance_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o also_o 1._o that_o nothing_o be_v here_o either_o to_o wound_v or_o affright_v the_o least_o of_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v in_o earnest_n how_o to_o be_v save_v since_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n be_v that_o great_a thing_n which_o the_o holy_a god_n regard_v and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o and_o a_o few_o grain_n of_o this_o weigh_v down_o many_o talent_n of_o outward_a performance_n let_v the_o righteous_a still_o hold_v on_o in_o his_o way_n and_o he_o that_o have_v clean_a hand_n wax_v strong_a and_o strong_a job._n 17_o 9_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o length_n that_o none_o can_v come_v who_o heart_n be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n sincere_a before_o the_o lord_n to_o have_v their_o salvation_n through_o christ_n lie_v so_o near_o as_o to_o be_v under_o some_o fear_n and_o tremble_n leave_v they_o be_v deceive_v there_o in_o so_o as_o they_o dare_v make_v a_o humble_a reference_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n search_v i_o and_o try_v wherein_o there_o may_v be_v any_o deceit_n or_o falsehood_n and_o lead_v i_o in_o a_o right_a way_n ps_n 139_o 23._o 24._o for_o when_o thus_o their_o heart_n condemn_v they_o not_o they_o may_v have_v confidence_n then_o before_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3_o 21._o 3._o what_o ever_o have_v be_v the_o further_a length_n of_o man_n deceive_v the_o world_n and_o themselves_o at_o once_o anent_o their_o religion_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o put_v the_o least_o blot_n on_o the_o spotless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o nothing_o do_v the_o scripture_n more_o dreadful_o threaten_v than_o any_o such_o false_a show_n yea_o it_o be_v there_o you_o may_v see_v this_o in_o its_o true_a colour_n and_o how_o horrid_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o it_o do_v approach_v to_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a the_o more_o hateful_a and_o loathsome_a it_o be_v so_o as_o even_o such_o as_o comply_v therewith_o in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v enforce_v to_o loathe_v it_o in_o other_o qu._n vii_o though_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o assent_v &_o subject_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o what_o you_o have_v speak_v since_o there_o be_v no_o fly_v before_o it_o yet_o may_v it_o not_o be_v safe_a to_o admit_v some_o delay_n a_o little_a whilst_o man_n be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o year_n yea_o have_v so_o much_o oft_o to_o throng_v they_o from_o their_o necessary_a concern_v in_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v this_o over_o until_o age_n and_o sickness_n may_v give_v more_o freedom_n for_o be_v in_o such_o earnest_n about_o salvation_n whilst_o it_o be_v not_o a_o lay_v the_o same_o aside_o without_o some_o settle_a resolution_n to_o follow_v it_o in_o a_o fit_a time_n a._n do_v but_o take_v so_o much_o time_n now_o as_o to_o reason_n thus_o with_o yourself_o and_o then_o judge_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v safe_o defer_v which_o 1._o be_v the_o one_o necessary_a thing_n and_o be_v not_o a_o eternity_n of_o such_o weight_n that_o if_o there_o be_v many_o age_n insure_v to_o we_o much_o more_o a_o few_o day_n which_o be_v whole_o uncertain_a here_o be_v enough_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o some_o continue_a
world_n much_o under_o my_o foot_n yea_o in_o another_o manner_n shall_v look_v on_o the_o strange_a madness_n and_o distraction_n of_o most_o this_o day_n who_o continue_a work_n be_v how_o to_o grasp_v after_o a_o shadow_n whilst_o they_o have_v no_o heart_n or_o desire_n for_o what_o be_v the_o christian_n choice_n i_o press_v this_o the_o more_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a one_o can_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o great_a reality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n here_o but_o they_o must_v be_v to_o the_o further_a sure_a of_o that_o life_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v to_o come_v ans_fw-fr it_o be_v strange_a how_o such_o as_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v not_o dazzle_v more_o with_o amazement_n at_o the_o report_n of_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o christian_n have_v in_o hope_n before_o they_o but_o not_o to_o lose_v time_n let_v i_o beseech_v your_o bring_v these_o near_a your_o thought_n when_o you_o be_v alone_o 1_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o power_n not_o of_o word_n which_o can_v full_o quiet_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a anent_o this_o 2._o you_o may_v but_o judge_v what_o a_o sad_a part_n that_o of_o the_o saint_n be_v if_o in_o this_o life_n their_o hope_n be_v only_o or_o what_o can_v possible_o be_v comfort_v to_o most_o in_o such_o a_o day_n who_o grief_n be_v in_o earnest_n if_o the_o truth_n and_o comfort_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n shall_v be_v a_o doubtful_a thing_n to_o they_o 3_o what_o gain_n or_o interest_n can_v any_o snch_n possible_o have_v to_o design_n a_o false_a witness_n and_o testimony_n yea_o with_o such_o assure_a confidence_n from_o experience_n if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o the_o further_a certainty_n thereof_o yea_o thus_o to_o converse_v so_o much_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n where_o you_o see_v they_o can_v be_v but_o a_o toil_n to_o the_o flesh_n if_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n and_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o a_o naked_a show_n for_o this_o be_v to_o render_v themselves_o both_o desperate_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a at_o once_o without_o any_o profit_n or_o what_o think_v you_o will_v make_v the_o affectionate_a parent_n press_v so_o much_o seriousness_n in_o follow_v the_o lord_n on_o their_o child_n and_o thus_o put_v they_o on_o so_o sad_a a_o bargain_n who_o they_o so_o dear_o love_n if_o they_o know_v it_o not_o to_o be_v their_o true_a interest_n here_o and_o for_o ever_o 4._o you_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n whither_o the_o whole_a of_o that_o bless_a contrivance_n do_v most_o native_o resolve_v and_o be_v not_o the_o truth_n hereof_o write_v forth_o in_o such_o visible_a reality_n before_o your_o eye_n as_o it_o may_v be_v no_o less_o manifest_a in_o its_o example_n than_o precept_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o debate_v here_o 5._o it_o be_v sure_a the_o discovery_n of_o the_o word_n do_v not_o direct_v man_n to_o thing_n a_o far_o off_o but_o to_o such_o as_o bring_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n near_o even_o in_o to_o their_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o handle_v and_o feel_v by_o experience_n the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o you_o know_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o by_o word_n but_o by_o thing_n give_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o spiritual_a and_o sensible_a experience_n of_o the_o reality_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v forth_o to_o they_o 6._o and_o be_v not_o these_o marvellous_a effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o subdue_a the_o soul_n by_o grace_n so_o as_o to_o embrace_v a_o afflict_a lot_n and_o tribulation_n for_o the_o gospel_n to_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n yea_o to_o dip_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o belove_a sin_n and_o find_v delight_n thus_o in_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o flesh_n such_o as_o may_v show_v that_o it_o be_v sure_a christian_n must_v know_v &_o enjoy_v what_o they_o and_o most_o of_o the_o world_n be_v stranger_n to_o and_o be_v it_o not_o above_o nature_n or_o the_o further_a of_o humane_a reach_n to_o learn_v to_o be_v meek_a humble_a lowly_a patient_a in_o suffer_v and_o self_n deny_v 7._o such_o have_v lose_v a_o spiritual_a taste_n or_o never_o have_v it_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o that_o incomparable_a sweetness_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a converse_n with_o god_n that_o thus_o there_o be_v not_o a_o claim_n only_o to_o that_o glorious_a state_n which_o be_v above_o but_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o earnest_n so_o real_a as_o will_v change_v the_o very_a countenance_n after_o some_o special_a time_n of_o near_a fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n so_o as_o in_o the_o great_a composure_n they_o can_v say_v i_o sure_o feel_v i_o enjoy_v &_o be_o sure_a for_o the_o truth_n thereof_o 8._o what_o frequent_a transport_v joy_n and_o delight_n have_v be_v in_o christian_n extreme_a suffering_n for_o the_o truth_n yea_o some_o time_n after_o a_o dark_a and_o dismal_a cloud_n over_o their_o soul_n and_o why_o do_v not_o man_n inquire_v what_o shall_v his_o means_n or_o how_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v possible_a if_o they_o have_v not_o get_v a_o sight_n that_o can_v look_v they_o out_o of_o pain_n and_o trouble_v let_v i_o but_o further_o add_v how_o strange_a but_o yet_o i_o hope_v no_o rare_a or_o unusual_a sight_n be_v that_o of_o the_o outward_a man_n decay_v or_o moulder_v down_o to_o the_o grave_n when_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v more_o discerneable_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a than_o in_o time_n of_o great_a health_n qu._n x._o i_o make_v not_o this_o question_n here_o to_o debate_v but_o to_o be_v further_o confirm_v in_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o great_a joy_n man_n can_v have_v on_o the_o earth_n but_o i_o must_v confess_v the_o greatness_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o may_v put_v the_o most_o establish_v to_o a_o stand_n yea_o be_v it_o a_o small'business_n to_o be_v under_o such_o a_o call_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o he_o of_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o and_o be_v there_o not_o cause_n of_o fear_n for_o such_o as_o i_o be_o to_o adventure_v here_o which_o be_v so_o high_a and_o far_o above_o what_o i_o can_v possible_o think_v of_o a._n this_o must_v be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n and_o wonder_v for_o all_o eternity_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o such_o a_o exercise_n be_v more_o begin_v here_o to_o inquire_v and_o wonder_v at_o what_o we_o know_v of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o high_a of_o pride_n not_o humility_n to_o hold_v back_o where_o the_o holy_a god_n call_v or_o for_o a_o perish_a man_n not_o to_o throw_v out_o his_o arm_n and_o swim_v to_o a_o rock_n when_o it_o be_v before_o his_o eye_n and_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o contrivancc_fw-la as_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o saint_n since_o the_o beginning_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v a_o wish_n beyond_o the_o same_o to_o show_v forth_o that_o marvellous_a condescendence_n freedom_n and_o plainness_n which_o be_v there_o yea_o where_o none_o can_v be_v affright_v away_o who_o with_o desire_n do_v ever_o follow_v to_o this_o bless_a airth_n but_o since_o this_o be_v of_o such_o concern_n not_o for_o a_o christian_n peace_n and_o personal_n encouragement_n only_o but_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o bless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o show_v how_o desperate_a a_o opposition_n they_o must_v be_v who_o heart_n be_v not_o melt_v and_o gain_v by_o such_o inexpressible_a tenderness_n and_o condescendence_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v i_o speak_v these_o few_o word_n 1._o you_o know_v that_o such_o this_o be_v as_o none_o can_v come_v wrong_a if_o they_o come_v but_o in_o truth_n upon_o such_o a_o errand_n as_o the_o feel_a need_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o scripture_n so_o express_v here_o joh._n 6_o 37._o and_o whosoever_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o say_v he_o who_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a yea_o such_o as_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o scripture_n do_v remarkable_o show_v see_v rev._n 22_o 17._o and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n 2._o such_o be_v his_o way_n on_o who_o the_o alone_a weight_n of_o his_o people_n interest_n and_o salvation_n lean_v as_o he_o both_o form_n the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o satisfy_v the_o same_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o hunger_a and_o desire_n after_o he_o but_o