of_o good_a so_o but_o withal_o ever_o and_o anon_o he_o be_v do_v of_o some_o evil_n his_o weaken_a grace_n can_v bear_v he_o up_o against_o strong_a occasion_n and_o temptation_n his_o gold_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o ash_n simile_n and_o like_o a_o lame_a man_n he_o be_v not_o only_o halt_v in_o his_o best_a motion_n but_o ever_o and_o anon_o quite_o down_o the_o snuff_n get_v above_o his_o candle_n 4_o for_o delightfulness_n he_o be_v almost_o a_o stranger_n to_o exact_v christian_n and_o do_v not_o honour_v they_o so_o much_o as_o former_o but_o secret_o fear_v their_o company_n and_o judgement_n he_o be_v perhaps_o more_o ashamed_a or_o else_o more_o afraid_a of_o they_o his_o conscience_n be_v yet_o so_o apprehensive_a that_o he_o interpret_v every_o glance_n as_o a_o secret_a check_n of_o his_o decay_n thus_o be_v it_o not_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a who_o grace_n be_v high_a carefulness_n great_a usefulness_n large_a godliness_n even_o and*_n great_a delight_n take_v 1._o psal_n 16._o 1._o up_o among_o the_o best_a and_o choice_a christian_n he_o himself_o still_o grow_v better_a and_o other_o by_o he_o 5_o in_o respect_n of_o consolation_n the_o decline_a sun_n create_v the_o long_o and_o dark_a shadow_n and_o the_o decay_a christian_n bring_v on_o himself_o either_o the_o sharp_a terror_n or_o deep_a grief_n the_o sick_a bed_n be_v full_a of_o pain_n neither_o his_o own_o spirit_n nor_o god_n spirit_n speak_v peace_n unto_o he_o he_o who_o of_o bad_a begin_v to_o be_v good_a may_v have_v much_o tranquillity_n but_o he_o who_o of_o good_a become_v less_o good_a ever_o become_v more_o undelightfull_a to_o god_n and_o most_o unquiet_a with_o himself_o simile_n the_o ship_n which_o go_v out_o in_o low_a ebb_n fall_v foul_a on_o the_o sand_n so_o christian_n who_o ebb_n in_o grace_n shall_v always_o flow_v with_o sorrow_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a for_o rise_a grace_n breed_v strong_a comfort_n and_o long_o 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decay_n what_o fear_n of_o approach_v before_o the_o lord_n what_o smart_a sentence_n on_o himself_o what_o sudden_a and_o vehement_a exclamation_n oh_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o will_v not_o yet_o die_v i_o be_o fall_v much_o from_o my_o god_n lord_n spare_v i_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v my_o strength_n my_o decay_a strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o see_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a but_o as_o in_o active_a duty_n he_o be_v more_o forward_o so_o in_o passive_a duty_n he_o be_v more_o sufficient_a in_o loss_n in_o cross_n yea_o in_o death_n itself_o he_o be_v more_o submissive_a and_o confident_a he_o can_v with_o job_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o receive_v evil_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o good_a and_o do_v not_o only_o rejoice_v in_o his_o favour_n but_o in_o his_o stroke_n and_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o go_v to_o his_o father_n as_o to_o serve_v god_n his_o good_a master_n 7_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n manifestation_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v diverse_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n sometime_o in_o admirable_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o his_o spirit_n sometime_o in_o more_o quick_a excitation_n of_o their_o spirit_n sometime_o in_o singular_a confirmation_n of_o they_o with_o assistance_n for_o extraordinary_a work_n sometime_o by_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o love_n upon_o their_o conscience_n which_o do_v revive_v their_o heart_n as_o wine_n and_o satisfy_v their_o soul_n as_o with_o marrow_n so_o david_n speak_v psal_n 63._o but_o now_o the_o weaken_a christian_a he_o darken_v this_o heaven_n over_o his_o head_n he_o have_v not_o that_o comfortable_a sight_n of_o god_n that_o assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n that_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n david_n lose_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o gladness_n the_o arm_n of_o god_n be_v 51._o psal_n 51._o not_o so_o reveal_v in_o he_o for_o do_v of_o good_a nor_o the_o face_n of_o god_n so_o open_a unto_o he_o at_o all_o whereas_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n find_v it_o otherwise_o he_o have_v a_o better_a heart_n and_o a_o fair_a day_n his_o communion_n be_v sweet_a with_o the_o lord_n he_o still_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o often_o find_v he_o enjoy_v he_o in_o his_o power_n and_o enjoy_v he_o in_o his_o graciousness_n the_o lord_n meet_v he_o that_o work_v righteousness_n and_o remember_v he_o who_o remember_v the_o lord_n in_o their_o way_n now_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n o_o thou_o fall_v and_o decay_a christian_n and_o rest_v not_o in_o thy_o weakness_n but_o recover_v and_o strengthen_v thy_o spiritual_n again_o three_o thing_n i_o will_v let_v fall_n thing_n three_o thing_n which_o perhaps_o may_v fetch_v and_o quicken_v thou_o again_o 1_o though_o thou_o be_v far_o sink_v yet_o thou_o may_v be_v raise_v again_o 2_o if_o thou_o do_v rise_v again_o the_o lord_n will_v gracious_o pardon_v thy_o decay_n 3_o if_o thou_o will_v set_v upon_o the_o strengthen_n work_n the_o lord_n will_v work_v in_o thou_o sufficient_a strength_n 1_o thou_o may_v be_v raise_v and_o strengthen_v again_o and_o that_o may_v appear_v thus_o unto_o thou_o 1_o repentance_n be_v possible_a for_o any_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v and_o if_o renew_a repentance_n be_v possible_a than_o a_o recovery_n again_o be_v possible_a for_o as_o much_o as_o our_o recovery_n again_o consist_v very_o much_o in_o a_o renew_a repentance_n 2_o yea_o and_o we_o have_v example_n of_o weaken_a christian_n strengthen_v again_o as_o we_o know_v in_o david_n exceed_o wound_v but_o yet_o recover_v and_o peter_n grievous_o fall_v but_o gracious_o rise_v again_o 2_o if_o thou_o do_v strengthen_v thy_o condition_n the_o lord_n will_v merciful_o pardon_v thy_o former_a decay_n i_o confess_v that_o there_o may_v be_v sore_a ground_n of_o fear_n to_o entangle_v and_o depress_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o decay_a christian_a for_o his_o sin_n by_o which_o he_o have_v decay_v may_v perhaps_o be_v heinous_a for_o the_o kind_n and_o also_o high_a for_o the_o circumstance_n be_v against_o knowledge_n against_o the_o working_n of_o conscience_n against_o the_o working_n of_o his_o grace_n against_o the_o tender_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n show_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o another_o so_o that_o his_o heart_n may_v strong_o misgive_v he_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v ever_o look_v upon_o he_o more_o and_o accept_v of_o he_o into_o favour_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o be_v thy_o decay_n what_o they_o will_v either_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o or_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o if_o thou_o do_v rise_v again_o by_o a_o renew_a repentance_n i_o assure_v thou_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v pardon_v thou_o and_o accept_v of_o thou_o in_o christ_n look_v as_o the_o
or_o slubberlie_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o get_v not_o that_o strength_n over_o spiritual_a corruption_n nor_o that_o fruitful_a supply_n to_o their_o grace_n and_o consequent_o slip_v into_o dangerous_a languish_n and_o decay_n 7_o inactivity_n in_o our_o place_n and_o relation_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o spiritual_a languish_a and_o decay_v simile_n a_o lazy_a christian_a will_v quick_o prove_v a_o die_a christian_a the_o physician_n do_v observe_v that_o as_o too_o violent_a exercise_n overthrow_v health_n so_o likewise_o too_o much_o rest_n may_v cause_v extreme_a sickness_n because_o therein_o the_o superfluous_a humour_n be_v not_o carry_v or_o breathe_v away_o and_o the_o spirit_n and_o natural_a heat_n be_v not_o stir_v up_o to_o perform_v their_o proper_a function_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o christian_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o grace_n if_o they_o let_v they_o lie_v still_o and_o dead_a they_o will_v quick_o grow_v weak_a and_o die_a though_o 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198._o and_o therefore_o they_o observe_v in_o nature_n that_o immoderate_a fear_n or_o grief_n or_o anger_n or_o joy_n or_o agony_n which_o consist_v of_o anger_n and_o fear_n or_o desire_v or_o care_n all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o by_o their_o immoderation_n do_v check_v the_o spirit_n &_o natural_a heat_n immarcescere_fw-la spiritus_fw-la &_o calorem_fw-la and_o consequent_o diminish_v health_n and_o strength_n and_o sure_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n all_o inordinate_a affection_n be_v the_o empayrer_n of_o grace_n whether_o it_o be_v desire_n of_o the_o world_n or_o delight_n in_o it_o or_o fear_n of_o man_n or_o grief_n for_o loss_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o can_v now_o enlarge_v use_v i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o heart_n to_o see_v in_o what_o condition_n our_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v whether_o we_o be_v not_o sardian_n yea_o or_o not_o either_o have_v a_o name_n only_o but_o be_v total_o dead_a or_o if_o we_o do_v live_v whether_o that_o life_n of_o we_o be_v not_o grow_v so_o weak_a that_o we_o be_v almost_o die_v reason_n to_o move_v you_o to_o search_v your_o heart_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v these_o 1_o many_o among_o you_o who_o thing_n three_o thing_n profess_v and_o have_v a_o name_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o truth_n also_o of_o grace_n do_v not_o get_v on_o you_o do_v not_o make_v progress_n you_o have_v not_o advance_v yourselves_o in_o your_o spiritual_a condition_n though_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v you_o plentiful_a and_o rich_a mean_n yet_o what_o you_o be_v many_o year_n ago_o the_o same_o you_o be_v now_o a_o man_n may_v say_v of_o you_o as_o we_o do_v of_o our_o friend_n who_o we_o see_v perhaps_o once_o in_o ten_o year_n that_o they_o look_v and_o be_v just_a as_o we_o find_v and_o leave_v they_o then_o so_o many_o of_o you_o after_o many_o year_n preach_v and_o hear_v be_v just_a as_o you_o be_v have_v not_o attain_v to_o any_o further_a perfection_n in_o holiness_n now_o it_o be_v a_o ill_a symptom_n this_o for_o a_o stay_a heart_n be_v seldom_o otherwise_o then_o a_o decay_a heart_n creation_n though_o perfect_a at_o once_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o sanctification_n the_o old_a say_n be_v non_fw-la progredi_fw-la est_fw-la regredi_fw-la grace_n be_v either_o get_n or_o lose_v simile_n like_o a_o river_n either_o full_a or_o lesser_a or_o like_o a_o oak_n grow_v or_o die_v 2_o many_o person_n express_v palpable_a decay_n all_o who_o know_v they_o can_v see_v and_o say_v how_o strange_o they_o be_v alter_v they_o be_v scarce_o know_v now_o to_o be_v christian_n but_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o favourable_a charity_n who_o former_o have_v be_v very_o forward_o even_o to_o exemplarity_n the_o judgement_n of_o man_n be_v so_o alter_v with_o fond_a opinion_n their_o strictness_n of_o conversation_n be_v so_o strange_o slack_v into_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v a_o licentiousness_n of_o walk_v there_o be_v such_o a_o dumbness_n grow_v in_o their_o family_n and_o withal_o there_o be_v such_o a_o chillness_n come_v upon_o their_o affection_n oh_o where_o be_v that_o thy_o former_a zeal_n and_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o pity_n and_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n and_o flame_n for_o christ_n and_o desire_n of_o strength_n and_o assurance_n and_o circumspection_n to_o please_v thy_o god_n 3_o though_o we_o be_v not_o dead_a christian_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v die_a christian_n it_o make_v our_o condition_n very_o evil_a and_o very_o sad_a 1_o very_o evil_a no_o man_n can_v causal_o evil_n 1_o causal_o decay_v in_o good_a but_o by_o something_o that_o be_v bad_a it_o be_v always_o some_o sinful_a evil_n which_o make_v we_o to_o wither_v in_o spiritual_a good_a and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o formal_o 2_o formal_o evil_a in_o itself_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o to_o thrive_v in_o grace_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o be_v die_v in_o grace_n and_o then_o it_o occasion_n much_o eventual_o 3_o eventual_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v a_o man_n die_v in_o grace_n and_o not_o withal_o live_v in_o sin_n however_o believe_v it_o that_o sin_n will_v live_v the_o more_o strong_o in_o thou_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o weak_o grace_n do_v live_v in_o thou_o when_o natural_a heat_n grow_v low_a then_o do_v disease_n multiply_v and_o grow_v high_a if_o that_o which_o shall_v keep_v down_o sin_n be_v keep_v down_o by_o sin_v how_o exceed_o sinful_a may_v thou_o prove_v 2_o very_o sad_a the_o christian_a condition_n be_v excessive_o perplex_v and_o prejudice_v by_o it_o v._o gr_n 1_o there_o be_v a_o extenuation_n of_o it_o 7_o effect_n of_o it_o our_o chief_a excellency_n simile_n our_o gold_n be_v now_o clip_v and_o wash_v beloved_n we_o have_v not_o more_o real_a excellency_n here_o on_o earth_n then_o gracious_a and_o holy_a quality_n if_o the_o naked_a soul_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o a_o whole_a world_n what_o be_v grace_n the_o which_o high_o elevate_v and_o advance_v the_o soul_n but_o even_o our_o grace_n in_o a_o decay_a condition_n be_v droop_v ing_z and_o pine_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o finger_n wither_v be_v nothing_o to_o that_o as_o to_o have_v his_o heart_n consume_v to_o behold_v a_o candle_n put_v out_o what_o be_v that_o to_o behold_v the_o sun_n grow_v dim_a or_o purblind_a when_o grace_n decay_v then_o that_o but_o to_o lose_v a_o house_n a_o friend_n etc._n etc._n but_o which_o be_v as_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o member_n or_o as_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o body_n a_o vital_a spring_n decay_v as_o she_o say_v about_o the_o take_n away_o of_o the_o ark_n that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o diminution_n in_o grace_n now_o the_o glory_n be_v depart_v from_o israel_n now_o thy_o honour_n be_v lie_v in_o the_o dust_n the_o less_o good_a thou_o grow_v the_o more_o vile_a thou_o becom_a it_o be_v as_o if_o thy_o fair_a hand_n shall_v become_v leprous_a or_o thy_o sun_n set_v at_o noon_n day_n 2_o it_o be_v a_o depression_n of_o our_o heavenly_a strength_n when_o sampsons_n hair_n be_v off_o he_o be_v then_o as_o other_o man_n he_o lose_v his_o hair_n and_o lose_v his_o strength_n too_o simile_n when_o the_o fountain_n be_v low_a and_o root_n weak_a than_o the_o stream_n prove_v thin_a and_o branch_n grow_v almost_o fruitless_a for_o these_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o be_v and_o of_o assistance_n unto_o they_o our_o grace_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o spring_n to_o our_o gracious_a ability_n when_o we_o be_v less_o good_a we_o shall_v always_o do_v the_o less_o good_a and_o the_o more_o evil_a thy_o wheel_n
every_o sin_n therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o sin_v especial_o of_o those_o against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n these_o be_v peccata_fw-la vulnerantia_fw-la &_o divastantia_fw-la wound_v and_o waste_v sin_n the_o tender_a heart_n and_o the_o upright_a these_o be_v the_o live_n and_o the_o lively_a heart_n 7_o i_o may_v add_v that_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o a_o live_a christ_n and_o to_o live_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n but_o these_o allege_a rule_n shall_v suffice_v for_o this_o time_n object_n but_o suppose_v we_o be_v in_o a_o die_a condition_n what_o mean_v now_o sol._n 1_o find_v out_o the_o special_a disease_n or_o cause_n of_o thy_o decay_n in_o what_o grace_n most_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n and_o way_n and_o act_n 2_o be_v low_o humble_v that_o thou_o have_v so_o humble_v and_o abase_v thy_o glory_n thou_o shall_v grieve_v exceed_o that_o by_o thy_o great_a decay_n god_n have_v be_v so_o much_o dishonour_v his_o spirit_n grieve_v religion_n shame_v conscience_n wound_v and_o grace_v impair_v 3_o then_o use_v the_o mean_n prescribe_v here_o in_o the_o text_n strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v whence_o we_o come_v to_o the_o next_o proposition_n viz._n doct._n that_o spiritual_n if_o languish_v and_o die_v be_v to_o be_v strengthen_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o assertion_n premise_v with_o i_o a_o few_o particular_n 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o implantation_n perfect_a strengthen_v of_o holy_a principle_n the_o implantation_n of_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o their_o free_a and_o effectual_a communication_n unto_o a_o person_n from_o god_n holy_a spirit_n his_o hand_n alone_o set_v all_o these_o heavenly_a plant_n and_o from_o his_o sole_a goodness_n and_o power_n be_v all_o those_o star_n those_o shine_a and_o beautiful_a star_n create_v in_o our_o soul_n perfect_v of_o holy_a principle_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o successive_a addition_n unto_o grace_n receive_v a_o rise_n or_o sprout_v of_o those_o plant_n a_o go_v on_o from_o a_o weak_a to_o a_o strong_a degree_n the_o strengthen_n of_o they_o differ_v from_o both_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creation_n of_o holy_a principle_n but_o a_o restauration_n of_o they_o and_o so_o it_o differ_v from_o grace_n implant_v and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o grace_v receive_v yet_o this_o addition_n be_v not_o to_o grace_v as_o mere_o weak_a but_o proper_o to_o grace_v as_o weaken_v and_o so_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o perfect_a of_o holy_a principle_n 2_o the_o strengthen_n of_o decay_a principle_n or_o habit_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o proportionable_a reparation_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o former_a liberty_n and_o ability_n and_o efficacy_n it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a sustain_n of_o they_o in_o genere_fw-la gratiarum_fw-la or_o in_o esse_fw-la vitali_fw-la that_o they_o shall_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v simile_n as_o when_o a_o house_n be_v only_o so_o keep_v that_o it_o fall_v not_o to_o the_o ground_n this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o sustain_v for_o grace_n may_v be_v strengthen_v as_o radical_a habit_n when_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v pine_v in_o their_o vigour_n and_o remit_v in_o their_o measure_n and_o gradual_n but_o strengthen_v of_o grace_n import_v addition_n as_o well_o as_o sustentation_n simile_n like_a recovery_n which_o be_v health_n in_o some_o measure_n come_v and_o rise_v again_o nor_o be_v all_o regain_n sufficient_a unless_o it_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o decay_v &_o sink_v when_o the_o decay_a christian_n recover_v again_o unto_o that_o ancient_a pitch_n of_o heavenly_a power_n and_o inclination_n and_o unto_o his_o old_a liberty_n of_o holy_a act_n whether_o inward_a in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n or_o outward_a in_o his_o open_a and_o visible_a duty_n now_o have_v he_o right_o strengthen_v himself_o it_o be_v true_a that_o before_o he_o full_o recover_v that_o equal_a pitch_n he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o strengthen_v his_o grace_n by_o way_n of_o disposition_n but_o punctual_o by_o way_n of_o habit_n the_o strengthen_n imply_v a_o new_a equality_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o latitude_n of_o his_o former_a condition_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a strengthen_n of_o decay_a principle_n strength_n a_o threefold_a strength_n of_o holiness_n 1_o one_o be_v by_o way_n of_o authority_n and_o plain_a causality_n this_o strengthen_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o as_o he_o only_o be_v life_n to_o a_o dead_a man_n so_o he_o only_o be_v medicine_n to_o a_o sick_a soul_n his_o blood_n be_v the_o only_a comfort_a medicine_n to_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_o strengthen_v medicine_n to_o a_o decay_a christian_a it_o be_v he_o who_o must_v set_v we_o upon_o our_o leg_n again_o and_o who_o must_v make_v our_o wither_a branch_n to_o flourish_v again_o now_o christ_n jesus_n do_v way_n christ_n strengthen_v three_o way_n strengthen_v the_o languish_a christian_n as_o i_o suppose_v three_o way_n 1_o excitando_fw-la by_o awaken_n he_o out_o of_o his_o drowsy_a and_o deadly_a sleep_n like_o those_o to_o jonah_n what_o mean_v thou_o o_o sleeper_n arise_v so_o do_v jesus_n christ_n awaken_v the_o decay_a christian_a partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la sonantem_fw-la by_o the_o powerful_a knock_v be_v of_o the_o word_n which_o will_v not_o let_v he_o rest_v thus_o but_o charge_v on_o he_o all_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o withdrawment_n of_o his_o love_n if_o he_o will_v continue_v thus_o partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la tonantem_fw-la by_o some_o singular_a affliction_n and_o near_a correction_n scourge_v of_o he_o in_o some_o singular_a outward_a mercy_n that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o spiritual_a loss_n in_o temporary_a one_o partly_o per_fw-la sermonem_fw-la pulsantem_fw-la by_o his_o own_o spirit_n clear_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o understanding_n to_o open_v and_o reflect_v and_o consider_v on_o the_o decay_a condition_n as_o also_o by_o exciting_a the_o conscience_n bitter_o to_o accuse_v and_o judge_v he_o for_o this_o reciduation_n and_o withering_n with_o much_o torment_n fear_v and_o shame_n 2_o adjuvando_fw-la by_o confer_v 698._o alvarez_n de_fw-fr aux_fw-fr gr._n disp_n 88_o p._n 698._o on_o he_o actual_a and_o efficacious_a strength_n specialem_fw-la concursumro_fw-la burr_n actuale_fw-la whereby_o his_o will_n resolve_v to_o forsake_v those_o course_n of_o death_n and_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o into_o the_o path_n of_o light_n and_o be_v also_o enable_v by_o that_o help_a grace_n both_o to_o bewail_v its_o former_a decay_n and_o also_o earnest_o and_o constant_o to_o supplicate_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o pardon_n and_o for_o strength_n to_o recover_v 3_o renovando_fw-la by_o a_o daily_o infuse_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n such_o new_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o holiness_n until_o the_o decay_a christian_n recover_v his_o former_a ability_n and_o vigour_n shake_v off_o his_o corruption_n and_o attain_v unto_o that_o strength_n of_o holy_a understanding_n faith_n will_n love_n desire_v fear_v care_n obedience_n as_o heretofore_o 2_o another_o be_v by_o way_n of_o ministry_n and_o office_n this_o concern_v the_o pastor_n of_o flock_n who_o shall_v consider_v the_o estate_n of_o their_o sheep_n and_o if_o they_o find_v any_o to_o wander_v to_o reduce_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o any_o to_o be_v weak_a to_o bear_v they_o up_o in_o their_o arm_n with_o comfort_n if_o any_o to_o be_v pine_v and_o decay_v to_o stir_v they_o up_o by_o holy_a reproof_n and_o pious_a counsel_n and_o direction_n for_o all_o the_o way_n of_o a_o speedy_a and_o safe_a recovery_n and_o many_o interpreter_n think_v this_o the_o principal_a strengthen_n mean_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n 3_o a_o three_o by_o way_n of_o personal_a duty_n and_o so_o the_o decay_a christian_a strengthener_n himself_o when_o be_v awaken_v and_o excite_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o apply_v himself_o unto_o and_o continue_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o holy_a and_o raise_v mean_n whether_o private_a or_o public_a or_o both_o until_o god_n again_o strengthen_v what_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o he_o this_o strengthen_v be_v partly_o privative_a in_o the_o expulsion_n of_o those_o disease_n and_o occasion_n which_o have_v impair_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n positive_a in_o a_o continual_a succour_v of_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n till_o it_o recover_v to_o its_o ancient_a degree_n and_o station_n quest_n but_o why_o must_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v thus_o strengthen_v reason_n hereof_o be_v many_o sol._n 1_o spiritual_a decay_n be_v exceed_v loss_n therefore_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o strengthen_v they_o be_v a_o loss_n in_o that_o which_o be_v our_o excellency_n holiness_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o
lord_n pardon_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o unconverted_a condition_n upon_o thy_o initial_a repentance_n so_o he_o will_v pardon_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o convert_a condition_n upon_o renew_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o he_o call_v upon_o backslide_v and_o decline_a people_n to_o return_v unto_o he_o and_o promise_v both_o to_o heal_v they_o hos_n 14._o 4._o and_o to_o 4._o hos_fw-la 14._o 4._o love_v they_o free_o ibid._n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o pardon_v they_o but_o see_v the_o pardon_n express_o micah_n 7._o 18._o mic._n 7._o 18._o 18._o who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o unto_o thou_o that_o pardon_v iniquity_n and_o pass_v by_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o remnant_n of_o his_o beritage_n etc._n etc._n 3_o if_o thou_o will_v set_v upon_o the_o strengthen_n work_n the_o lord_n will_v work_v in_o thou_o sufficient_a strength_n for_o the_o work_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o man_n in_o his_o conversion_n there_o indeed_o he_o be_v without_o all_o strength_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o the_o christian_a in_o his_o restauration_n there_o be_v now_o some_o live_a ability_n in_o he_o which_o can_v yet_o do_v a_o little_a act_v a_o little_a strive_v a_o little_a at_o least_o in_o bewailing_n and_o desire_n now_o if_o thou_o do_v in_o any_o sincere_a degree_n set_v upon_o the_o right_n and_o full_a mean_n of_o thy_o recovery_n the_o lord_n god_n will_v come_v in_o with_o his_o own_o strength_n he_o will_v strengthen_v what_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o thou_o and_o will_v work_v the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n in_o thou_o his_o own_o work_n in_o thou_o object_n but_o than_o you_o will_v reply_v what_o mean_n may_v a_o decay_a christian_a use_n to_o recover_v and_o strengthen_v himself_o again_o sol._n i_o conjecture_v that_o the_o best_a course_n be_v this_o 1_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o mean_n seven_o mean_n their_o condition_n this_o be_v the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n decay_v in_o her_o first_o love_n remember_v from_o 2_o revel_v 2_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v serious_o consider_v take_v to_o heart_n peruse_v and_o judge_v over_o thy_o estate_n what_o it_o be_v former_o what_o it_o be_v now_o what_o strength_n then_o what_o weakness_n now_o how_o much_o glory_n god_n have_v then_o what_o dishonour_n god_n have_v now_o what_o good_a thou_o do_v then_o what_o evil_a thou_o do_v now_o what_o peace_n in_o conscience_n then_o what_o wound_n in_o conscience_n now_o what_o estimation_n among_o the_o saint_n then_o what_o strengthen_v of_o the_o hand_n and_o open_v of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wicked_a now_o and_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o work_v upon_o thy_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o work_v of_o thy_o spirit_n david_n consider_v his_o way_n and_o turn_v his_o foot_n to_o god_n testimony_n 2_o a_o deep_a humiliation_n which_o will_v follow_v upon_o this_o thou_o must_v break_v through_o all_o business_n and_o pleasure_n and_o impediment_n and_o retire_v thyself_o in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n more_o than_o once_o or_o twice_o and_o set_v thyself_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o fall_v down_o before_o his_o footstool_n with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n with_o bitter_a weep_n and_o lamentation_n with_o sound_a judge_n and_o condemnation_n of_o thyself_o ah_o how_o thou_o shall_v exquisite_o afflict_v thy_o soul_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o mad_a and_o vile_a to_o lose_v a_o god_n to_o lose_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o god_n for_o a_o sin_n sake_n or_o a_o world_n sake_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v show_v thou_o more_o love_n than_o another_o and_o intrust_v thou_o with_o grace_n the_o least_o dram_n where_o of_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o all_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o thou_o shall_v decline_v from_o the_o lord_n not_o answer_v this_o trust_n not_o use_v those_o talent_n which_o have_v yield_v so_o much_o profit_n and_o comfort_n be_v improve_v but_o decay_n in_o they_o and_o fall_v behind_o hand_n yea_o even_o under_o mighty_a mean_n of_o strength_n always_o continue_v unto_o thou_o and_o these_o thing_n shall_v cut_v and_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v and_o humble_a thy_o soul_n exceed_o 3_o a_o solid_a resolution_n thou_o must_v with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n resolve_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o thy_o decay_a condition_n but_o to_o shake_v off_o all_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o thy_o decay_n if_o any_o wickedness_n have_v get_v into_o thy_o heart_n thou_o must_v put_v it_o far_o away_o from_o thy_o tabernacle_n and_o if_o the_o morsel_n have_v be_v sweet_a thou_o must_v cast_v they_o out_o with_o godly_a sorrow_n as_o bitter_a as_o gall_v and_o wormwood_n if_o carelessness_n and_o slothfulness_n of_o spirit_n have_v cause_v thy_o decay_n thou_o must_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n stand_v no_o long_a upon_o how_o shall_v i_o rise_v and_o put_v on_o my_o coat_n but_o rise_v thou_o must_v and_o get_v out_o of_o thy_o slothful_a bed_n and_o thrust_v from_o thou_o a_o neglect_v and_o negligent_a disposition_n or_o if_o the_o world_n have_v cause_v thy_o decay_n either_o in_o the_o profit_n of_o it_o and_o gain_n or_o in_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o respect_n or_o in_o the_o friendship_n of_o it_o and_o acquaintance_n thou_o must_v resolve_v to_o bid_v they_o all_o farewell_n think_v on_o it_o o_o christian_a what_o get_v he_o for_o profit_n who_o lose_v in_o his_o grace_n or_o for_o honour_n who_o abase_v himself_o in_o his_o grace_n or_o for_o love_n who_o lose_v himself_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o god_n ah_o poor_a soul_n thou_o may_v curse_v the_o day_n that_o ever_o thou_o know_v what_o do_v belong_v to_o thy_o drudging_n in_o the_o world_n and_o unto_o thy_o great_a friend_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thy_o society_n with_o such_o and_o such_o person_n at_o first_o thou_o do_v converse_v with_o they_o with_o a_o regret_a spirit_n then_o with_o a_o silent_a spirit_n then_o with_o a_o yield_a spirit_n many_o many_o a_o day_n have_v thou_o come_v home_o with_o conscience_n accuse_v and_o smite_v of_o thou_o unto_o which_o have_v thou_o hearken_v thou_o have_v be_v much_o preserve_v well_o well_o if_o ever_o thou_o will_v recover_v thy_o spiritual_a strength_n thou_o must_v peremptory_o resolve_v on_o it_o to_o sever_v from_o wicked_a society_n better_a far_o to_o be_v a_o poor_a man_n and_o a_o rich_a christian_a then_o to_o thrive_v any_o way_n and_o be_v decay_v in_o grace_n 4_o a_o active_a reformation_n remember_v say_v christ_n from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n so_o say_v i_o now_o go_v to_o thy_o old_a work_n again_o be_v trade_v for_o thy_o soul_n set_v up_o prayer_n again_o and_o read_v again_o and_o hear_v again_o and_o holy_a meditation_n and_o conference_n again_o and_o solemn_a humiliation_n again_o stir_v up_o those_o coal_n and_o cinder_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v life_n yet_o in_o thou_o oh_o act_n thy_o life_n faith_n can_v do_v something_o for_o thou_o though_o it_o can_v see_v comfort_n for_o thou_o yet_o it_o can_v see_v help_n and_o strength_n for_o thou_o godly_a sorrow_n can_n mourna_fw-la little_a set_v it_o to_o work_v perhaps_o it_o may_v quick_o rise_v to_o a_o flood_n upon_o particular_a survey_v and_o so_o set_v repentance_n on_o work_n yea_o and_o all_o thy_o soul_n thy_o mind_n thy_o judgement_n thy_o memory_n thy_o affection_n to_o work_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o thy_o general_n and_o particular_a condition_n 5_o ardent_a supplication_n for_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o must_v show_v this_o power_n in_o thy_o weakness_n psal_n 86._o o_o turn_n unto_o i_o and_o have_v 16._o psal_n 86._o 16._o mercy_n upon_o i_o give_v thy_o strength_n unto_o thy_o servant_n beseech_v he_o to_o pity_v thou_o beseech_v he_o to_o succour_v and_o help_v thou_o to_o be_v thy_o strength_n and_o thy_o salvation_n to_o beat_v down_o and_o weaken_v the_o sin_n which_o have_v so_o much_o weaken_v thou_o to_o crucify_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o world_n which_o have_v so_o much_o crucify_v thy_o heart_n unto_o thy_o god_n to_o breath_n upon_o thy_o grace_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o dry_a bone_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o revive_v they_o by_o his_o almighty_a spirit_n to_o put_v his_o hand_n of_o power_n upon_o thy_o hand_n of_o weakness_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v upon_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o never_o give_v he_o over_o till_o then_o that_o though_o thou_o have_v be_v a_o backslide_a child_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a father_n though_o thou_o have_v be_v unfruitful_a yet_o he_o be_v faithful_a though_o thou_o be_v weaken_v yet_o he_o be_v the_o everlasting_a god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o faint_v not_o who_o can_v give_v power_n to_o the_o
they_o you_o see_v how_o many_o worthy_a and_o faithful_a minister_n god_n have_v take_v away_o of_o late_a by_o death_n and_o shall_v the_o present_a prophet_n live_v for_o ever_o o_o then_o in_o your_o day_n and_o time_n hearken_v regard_n repent_v believe_v live_v and_o thrive_v under_o holy_a and_o faithful_a minister_n make_v more_o use_n of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o their_o rule_n of_o their_o counsel_n of_o their_o comfort_n of_o their_o experience_n and_o prayer_n the_o night_n will_v come_v when_o neither_o we_o nor_o you_o must_v work_v any_o long_o 4_o study_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n better_o first_o lay_v good_a foundation_n and_o then_o build_v on_o they_o error_n in_o the_o entrance_n weaken_v all_o in_o the_o progress_n take_v pain_n to_o know_v what_o that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o well_o bottom_v christian_n be_v like_o a_o well-bottomed_n vessel_n at_o sea_n which_o can_v ride_v out_o in_o all_o weather_n no_o christian_a stand_v so_o fast_o or_o thrive_v so_o well_o as_o the_o well_o ground_a christian_a 5_o be_v rather_o a_o agent_n than_o a_o disputant_n in_o religion_n the_o vanity_n of_o wit_n be_v to_o argue_v much_o but_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v to_o do_v much_o for_o doubtful_a point_n and_o subtle_a novelty_n let_v other_o beat_v they_o and_o serve_v they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n pray_v thou_o much_o that_o thou_o may_v obey_v the_o truth_n which_o thou_o know_v west_n in_o speculatives_n be_v wise_a to_o sobriety_n in_o practical_o be_v as_o good_a as_o thou_o can_v it_o be_v not_o the_o witty_a scholar_n but_o the_o true_a christian_a who_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n 6_o be_v less_o formal_a and_o more_o fruitful_a know_v that_o as_o we_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o account_n for_o every_o word_n which_o we_o speak_v so_o much_o more_o for_o every_o word_n that_o god_n speak_v mere_a godliness_n be_v not_o enough_o under_o constant_a and_o great_a mean_n of_o grace_n god_n expect_v much_o when_o he_o give_v much_o if_o it_o do_v not_o utter_o cast_v thou_o yet_o it_o must_v excessive_o trouble_v thou_o to_o be_v thin_a in_o bear_v when_o god_n have_v be_v large_a in_o sow_v 7_o let_v all_o christian_n be_v of_o more_o fruitful_a heart_n and_o charitable_a spirit_n one_o towards_o another_o there_o be_v treacherous_a and_o malicious_a heart_n enough_o in_o the_o world_n thou_o need_v not_o to_o help_v the_o devil_n to_o be_v a_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n when_o one_o christian_a can_v hardly_o trust_v another_o and_o that_o they_o who_o shall_v pity_v and_o heal_v infirmity_n be_v yet_o inventor_n of_o lie_n and_o obloquy_n these_o be_v the_o wound_n which_o my_o friend_n give_v i_o say_v the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n if_o thy_o fellow_n christian_n do_v fail_v rather_o compassionate_a and_o succour_v he_o than_o hate_n and_o reproach_v he_o thou_o shall_v never_o establish_v thy_o grace_n or_o name_n upon_o the_o ruin_n and_o scandal_n of_o another_o man_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o strong_a christian_a be_v more_o tender_a if_o weak_a be_v more_o silent_a the_o strong_a shall_v bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o the_o weak_a shall_v hearken_v to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o strong_a your_o grace_n be_v strong_a and_o safety_n sure_a by_o love_n then_o by_o division_n therefore_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o live_v in_o peace_n let_v brotherly_a love_n continue_v 8_o mind_n death_n often_o and_o prepare_v for_o it_o betimes_o he_o who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o die_a thought_n be_v ordinary_o a_o stranger_n to_o a_o godly_a life_n thou_o will_v hasten_v and_o better_v thy_o work_n if_o thou_o do_v more_o look_n back_o on_o thy_o life_n and_o more_o forward_o on_o thy_o death_n 9_o be_v diligent_a in_o your_o particular_a place_n the_o idle_a body_n can_v hardly_o hold_v a_o good_a soul_n that_o man_n be_v in_o danger_n who_o be_v all_o for_o heaven_n or_o all_o for_o earth_n both_o our_o calling_n must_v be_v regard_v 10_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n the_o christian_a usual_o get_v the_o great_a blessing_n on_o his_o knee_n god_n be_v much_o with_o he_o in_o grace_n who_o be_v most_o with_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o pray_v not_o for_o yourselves_o only_o but_o for_o other_o and_z as_o for_o other_o so_o for_o i_o as_o saint_n paul_n desire_v of_o the_o ephesian_n c._n 6._o 19_o that_o utterance_n may_v be_v give_v unto_o i_o that_o i_o may_v open_v my_o mouth_n bold_o to_o make_v know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o therein_o v._n 20._o i_o may_v speak_v as_o i_o ought_v to_o speak_v and_o so_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o his_o ultimum_fw-la vale_n say_v to_o those_o ephesian_n the_o same_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o brethren_n i_o commend_v you_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v finis_fw-la the_o table_n a_o activity_n of_o love_n to_o set_v on_o grace_n p_o 144_o affection_n be_v many_o time_n die_v p._n 11._o 45_o ardency_n of_o affection_n a_o exceed_a help_n 1_o to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o truth_n teach_v 2_o to_o the_o hold_v fast_o of_o the_o truth_n p_o 198._o &_o 213_o the_o different_a carriage_n of_o a_o weaken_a and_o a_o strengthen_v christian_a under_o affliction_n p_o 111_o the_o application_n of_o christ_n the_o ordinance_n and_o other_o mean_v helpefull_a against_o decay_v p_o 72._o 98._o 131_o apostasy_n from_o the_o truth_n seven_o cause_n of_o it_o p_o 272_o god_n approbation_n to_o be_v study_v p_o 158_o a_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o truth_n needful_a to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o truth_n p_o 200_o c_o have_v of_o a_o die_a condition_n p_o 16_o christ_n strengthen_v a_o languish_a christian_n three_o way_n p_o 79_o comfort_n attend_v christian_n and_o when_o p_o 40_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o its_o kind_n p_o 38._o 39_o conference_n about_o truth_n teach_v useful_a p_o 201_o conscience_n to_o be_v join_v with_o science_n p_o 250_o conscience_n wound_v and_o vex_v p._n 16._o 40_o corruption_n have_v a_o decay_a power_n p_o 16_o consideration_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n be_v necessary_a p_o 121_o a_o die_a conversation_n p._n 10._o 50_o truth_n teach_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o man_n conversation_n p_o 215_o lively_a consociation_n what_o p_o 135_o d_o damp_v of_o communion_n with_o god_n p_o 38_o depression_n of_o heavenly_a strength_n p_o 36_o delight_n take_v in_o godly_a company_n p_o 108_o delightfulness_n in_o love_n p_o 145_o diligence_n in_o love_n ibid._n true_a doctrine_n discover_v from_o false_a in_o seven_o thing_n p_o 240_o seven_o disadvantage_n in_o a_o weaken_a condition_n p_o 92_o desertion_n a_o consequent_a of_o decay_v p_o 40_o a_o die_a disposition_n open_v p_o 8_o christian_n be_v die_v in_o seven_o respect_n p_o 10_o die_v in_o duty_n how_o know_v p_o 44_o 53_o e_o examination_n neglect_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o p_o 22._o 23_o excess_n in_o passion_n dangerous_a p_o 28_o excellency_n have_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o p_o 217_o expression_n of_o grace_n 1_o passionate_z 2_o deliberate_a p_o 63_o extenuation_n of_o excellency_n by_o decay_n p_o 34_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v p_o 248_o f_o faintness_n in_o act_n of_o religion_n p_o 53_o faith_n a_o radical_a and_o strengthen_v grace_n p_o 14._o 142_o forgetfulness_n of_o the_o word_n evil_a and_o hurtful_a p_o 190_o formality_n to_o be_v check_v p_o 69_o g_o men_n may_v decay_v in_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o how_o p_o 13_o 14_o grace_n give_v to_o man_n for_o three_o end_n p_o 54_o grace_n be_v incline_v enlarge_n and_o cleanse_v principle_n p_o 55_o 56_o 57_o grace_n bestow_v be_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o repair_n p_o 88_o grace_n diffuse_v and_o grace_n employ_v how_o to_o be_v understand_v p_o 64_o h_n hear_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o christian_a p_o 187_o a_o plain_a and_o a_o pliable_a heart_n p_o 132_o help_v first_o to_o remember_v second_o to_o hold_v fast_o truth_n p_o 198._o 238_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n p_o 210_o divine_a truth_n a_o christian_n heritage_n p_o 219_o humble_v under_o decay_n p_o 67_o deep_a humiliation_n a_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v a_o decay_a christian_a p_o 123_o i_o jealousy_n and_o three_o thing_n arise_v from_o it_o p_o 70_o inconstancy_n and_o its_o cause_n p_o 232_o implantation_n of_o holy_a principle_n what_o it_o be_v p_o 74_o interruption_n in_o duty_n p_o 64_o decay_v in_o judgement_n p_o 12_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o estate_n before_o god_n p_o 157_o truth_n hold_v fast_o in_o judgement_n p_o 211_o l_o three_o thing_n in_o love_n further_a duty_n p_o 144_o 145_o loyal_a affection_n to_o the_o truth_n p_o 299_o ten_o legacy_n p_o 253_o m_n meditation_n a_o help_n to_o memory_n p_o 199_o mean_n to_o keep_v up_o grace_n p_o 67_o mean_n to_o recover_v out_o of_o a_o die_a condition_n p_o 73_o mean_n of_o strengthen_v p_o 121_o n_n neglect_v and_o its_o danger_n p_o 19_o o_o constant_a operation_n what_o p_o 200_o opposition_n against_o die_a cause_n p_o 137_o ordinance_n and_o three_o thing_n about_o they_o 97_o p_o three_o sort_n of_o people_n live_v under_o the_o mean_n p_o 7_o perfection_n and_o a_o strive_v unto_o it_o p_o 68_o perfect_v of_o holy_a principle_n p_o 75_o persistance_n in_o holy_a truth_n p_o 202_o practice_v a_o keeper_n of_o truth_n p_o 202_o practical_a remembrance_n what_o it_o be_v p_o 167_o practical_a truth_n what_o they_o be_v p_o 175_o preparation_n to_o the_o ordinance_n p_o 97_o physick_v the_o soul_n what_o p_o 22_o die_v in_o profession_n what_o p_o 10_o truth_n be_v hold_v by_o profession_n p_o 214_o r_n reason_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o a_o spiritual_a condition_n p_o 84_o reason_n to_o hold_v fast_o divine_a truth_n p_o 216_o active_a reformation_n what_o p_o 128_o truth_n teach_v be_v to_o be_v remember_v p_o 163_o the_o nature_n sort_n way_n cause_n and_o mean_n of_o rememembrance_n p_o 160._o to_o 202_o resistance_n of_o sin_n p_o 102_o rise_v of_o grace_n p_o 110_o solid_a resolution_n p_o 125_o resolution_n to_o cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n p_o 249_o revolt_a from_o doctrine_n p_o 228._o and_o in_o conversation_n 231_o s_o silence_n in_o heaven_n what_o and_o when_o p_o 41_o sin_n and_o a_o christian_a in_o sin_v p_o 60_o 61_o seriousness_n in_o society_n p_o 71_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n p_o 70_o strengthen_v of_o spiritual_n under_o decay_n p_o 74._o 78._o 83_o supplication_n must_v be_v ardent_a p_o 129_o suspicion_n of_o a_o man_n own_o condition_n p_o 42_o sen_n siblenesse_n and_o spiritualnesse_n not_o equal_a p_o 62_o t_n time_n of_o spiritual_a trouble_n p_o 41_o truth_n add_v their_o sort_n p_o 175_o 205_o 206_o divine_a truth_n be_v god_n trust_n p_o 220_o three_o thing_n about_o a_o trust_n p_o 221_o z_o a_o case_n resolve_v about_o decay_n in_o zeal_n p_o 62_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 8._o line_n 16._o for_o a_o read_v second_o p._n 147._o l._n 3._o for_o wit_n r._n we_o all_o know_v etc._n etc._n p._n 221._o l._n 4._o for_o instruct_v r._n entrust_v octob._n 22._o 1639._o imprimatur_fw-la joh._n hansley_n
question_v for_o hypocrisy_n philadelphia_n the_o six_o of_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o fidelity_n and_o laodicea_n the_o last_o of_o they_o be_v condemn_v for_o neutrality_n or_o indifferency_n in_o this_o epistle_n to_o sardis_n you_o have_v 1_o a_o inscription_n 1._o to_o who_o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o sardis_n 2_o from_o who_o he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o spirit_n christ_n who_o have_v manifold_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n in_o his_o own_o dispose_n and_o impart_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n 2_o a_o description_n of_o that_o angel_n and_o church_n what_o they_o be_v 1_o in_o semblance_n thou_o have_v a_o name_n that_o thou_o live_v q._n d._n so_o thou_o boast_v and_o so_o other_o imagine_v that_o thou_o a_o furnish_v with_o vital_n for_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n 2_o in_o substance_n but_o thou_o be_v dead_a q._n d._n there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n thy_o gold_n be_v but_o tin_n and_o thy_o piety_n but_o formality_n the_o power_n of_o truth_n and_o grace_n be_v extreme_o faint_v &_o languish_v and_o as_o it_o be_v expire_a 3_o a_o direction_n of_o they_o what_o to_o do_v the_o which_o direction_n be_v 1_o general_n be_v watchful_a or_o awake_a no_o reformation_n without_o diligent_a and_o serious_a consideration_n 2_o special_a where_o 1_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v 2_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n 3_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n of_o this_o direction_n express_v in_o two_o particular_n 1_o in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o good_a truth_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o once_o receive_v and_o hear_v they_o amplify_v with_o a_o special_a exhortation_n to_o hold_v they_o fast_o 2_o in_o repentance_n of_o all_o evil_a especial_o of_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o languor_n and_o repent_v the_o matter_n be_v so_o large_a which_o may_v be_v insist_v on_o as_o that_o i_o know_v not_o well_o where_o to_o pitch_v i_o shall_v only_o be_v able_a as_o reaper_n do_v in_o the_o full_a field_n to_o cut_v down_o many_o particular_n and_o leave_v the_o bind_n of_o they_o up_o to_o some_o one_o more_o skilful_a harvest_n man_n take_v they_o thus_o 1_o that_o people_n live_v under_o evangelical_a teach_n may_v yet_o be_v but_o in_o a_o decay_a and_o die_a condition_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v 2_o that_o spiritual_n be_v to_o be_v succour_v and_o strengthen_v if_o once_o they_o grow_v languish_v and_o die_v strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o etc._n etc._n 3_o that_o the_o estate_n though_o visible_o fair_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v real_o imperfect_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n 4_o a_o right_a remembrance_n and_o retention_n of_o original_a truth_n be_v the_o way_n to_o revive_v a_o die_a christian_n to_o fetch_v he_o again_o remember_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n 6_o spiritual_a decay_n do_v require_v spiritual_a repenting_n and_o repent_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n doct._n that_o people_n live_v under_o evangelical_a teach_n may_v yet_o be_v but_o in_o a_o die_a condition_n for_o the_o open_n of_o this_o assertion_n premise_v with_o i_o these_o particular_n premise_v three_o thing_n premise_v 1_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o may_v live_v under_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o some_o manifest_o profane_a who_o be_v stark_o dead_a there_o be_v neither_o the_o substance_n nor_o the_o semblance_n of_o any_o heavenly_a life_n in_o they_o 2_o other_o be_v cunning_o hypocritical_a who_o leaf_n of_o profession_n seem_v to_o live_v but_o secret_a core_n of_o corruption_n convince_v that_o they_o be_v dead_a 3_o a_o three_o sort_n be_v of_o such_o as_o be_v vital_o good_a there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a life_n true_o implant_v in_o they_o and_o a_o profession_n in_o some_o measure_n 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very_a imperfect_a and_o lose_a light_n 3_o in_o affection_n that_o flame_n of_o love_n and_o sea_n of_o desire_n and_o eden_n of_o delight_n may_v like_o a_o great_a fire_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o few_o coal_n and_o cinder_n christ_n put_v the_o ephesian_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o first_o love_n that_o it_o be_v leave_v revelat._n 2._o 4._o 4._o revel_v 2._o 4._o though_o not_o absolute_o for_o nature_n yet_o eminent_o for_o measure_n and_o s._n paul_n upbraid_v the_o galathian_o for_o that_o strange_a coolness_n in_o their_o affection_n to_o his_o person_n and_o ministry_n whereas_o at_o the_o first_o their_o zeal_n be_v so_o forward_o as_o that_o their_o very_a eye_n gal._n 4._o 15._o be_v at_o his_o service_n 15_o gal._n 4._o 15_o 4_o in_o duty_n which_o may_v now_o be_v chop_v off_o by_o intermission_n or_o wrought_v out_o with_o voluntary_a distraction_n either_o none_o or_o rugged_a do_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o formality_n cold_o chilly_a careless_o heretofore_o no_o time_n be_v 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strength_n unto_o they_o by_o a_o constant_a application_n of_o the_o ordinance_n partly_o by_o harken_v unto_o some_o sinful_a temptation_n so_o that_o now_o repentance_n may_v become_v more_o difficult_a and_o unable_a and_o godly_a sorrow_n can_v scarce_o be_v discern_v for_o that_o extreme_a hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o faith_n can_v scarce_o find_v the_o way_n or_o make_v any_o use_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o gate_n of_o unbelief_n seem_v to_o possess_v the_o soul_n yea_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n may_v now_o not_o so_o restrain_v and_o awe_v and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n may_v not_o so_o prevail_v and_o excite_v as_o they_o have_v do_v in_o former_a time_n object_n but_o you_o will_v demand_v what_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o die_a condition_n sol._n i_o conjecture_v these_o 1_o simile_n some_o deadly_a corruption_n which_o have_v seize_v upon_o their_o spirit_n if_o poison_n get_v into_o the_o body_n it_o work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o 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any_o favour_n in_o the_o judgement_n or_o affection_n it_o be_v like_o a_o disease_n which_o will_v not_o off_o without_o a_o manifest_a breach_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n simile_n sin_n lame_v our_o grace_n 3_o some_o deadly_a neglect_n simile_n if_o the_o soul_n grow_v negligent_a it_o will_v quick_o grow_v die_v as_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o inordinate_a abstinence_n and_o neglect_n of_o food_n bring_v a_o man_n quick_o into_o a_o consumption_n so_o when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n through_o spiritual_a pride_n shall_v grow_v careless_a of_o vital_a assistance_n that_o they_o keep_v not_o so_o close_o to_o the_o word_n of_o life_n nor_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o life_n nor_o to_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o life_n by_o a_o earnest_n and_o constant_a communion_n in_o prayer_n no_o marvel_n if_o they_o grow_v die_v person_n it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o plant_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o live_v or_o die_v 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deep_a consumption_n of_o grace_n 5_o defect_n of_o frequent_a examination_n though_o at_o our_o original_n and_o first_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o sinful_a condition_n we_o be_v very_o tender_a and_o circumspect_a and_o ever_o and_o anon_o fear_v and_o overlook_v our_o spiritual_a condition_n whereby_o we_o find_v singular_a addition_n to_o our_o grace_n yet_o after_o a_o while_n after_o christian_n have_v get_v over_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o first_o birth_n and_o have_v procure_v more_o peace_n and_o comfort_n as_o if_o a_o gracious_a soul_n will_v thrive_v of_o itself_o they_o be_v general_o apt_a to_o keep_v on_o the_o course_n of_o obedience_n but_o think_v it_o superfluous_a at_o least_o not_o so_o necessary_a often_o to_o search_v and_o view_v and_o fannow_v themselves_o and_o what_o now_o befall_v they_o sure_o two_o great_a evil_n viz._n that_o the_o estate_n and_o operation_n and_o act_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o strict_o eye_v second_o that_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o grace_n be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v and_o guard_v against_o special_a motion_n and_o temptation_n whereupon_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o poor_a soul_n be_v reduce_v to_o great_a strait_n and_o leanness_n the_o man_n can_v pray_v as_o heretofore_o nor_o find_v that_o love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n as_o heretofore_o nor_o have_v that_o delight_n in_o the_o ordinance_n nor_o do_v that_o good_a in_o society_n nor_o receive_v that_o profit_n nor_o feel_v that_o mournfulnesse_n of_o spirit_n as_o heretofore_o why_o he_o do_v let_v and_o suffer_v his_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o run_v on_o at_o hazard_n and_o the_o less_o search_v of_o heart_n the_o less_o strength_n of_o grace_n always_o 6_o defect_n of_o solemn_a humiliation_n in_o extraordinary_a fast_n and_o prayer_n those_o mean_n which_o beget_v our_o grace_n be_v likewise_o ordain_v to_o preserve_v they_o and_o as_o the_o use_n of_o singular_a mean_n confer_v more_o power_n and_o life_n to_o our_o grace_n so_o a_o cessation_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o prove_v a_o exceed_a decay_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v as_o if_o you_o shall_v take_v away_o the_o pillar_n from_o the_o house_n or_o the_o rain_n from_o the_o earth_n now_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o extraordinary_a time_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n they_o have_v be_v blessed_v with_o power_n from_o heaven_n to_o make_v the_o strong_a temptation_n and_o corruption_n to_o fly_v no_o sin_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o they_o have_v be_v blessed_v with_o a_o answer_n of_o singular_a enlargement_n &_o addition_n to_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n oh_o how_o cheerful_o how_o tenderful_o how_o much_o more_o full_o and_o fruitful_o be_v thy_o soul_n enable_v after_o those_o duty_n right_o perform_v but_o christian_n grow_v very_a stranger_n to_o these_o solemn_a duty_n either_o total_o omit_v of_o they_o
diligence_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n oh_o why_o be_v it_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o now_o it_o be_v not_o as_o once_o it_o be_v there_o be_v not_o that_o connaturalnesse_n as_o former_o the_o word_n work_v not_o on_o thou_o as_o former_o the_o sacrament_n work_v not_o on_o thou_o as_o former_o the_o word_n of_o threaten_v reveal_v wrath_n and_o thou_o tremble_v not_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n reveal_v goodness_n and_o thou_o love_v it_o not_o fidelity_n and_o thou_o believe_v it_o not_o the_o sacrament_n open_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o thou_o thirste_a not_o thou_o rejoic_a not_o thou_o be_v grow_v dull_a under_o all_o and_o bar_n ren_fw-it after_o all_o thy_o dead_a heart_n argue_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o die_a soul_n 5_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v for_o our_o conversation_n and_o way_n if_o they_o be_v now_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o sinfulness_n or_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o unprofitablenesse_n that_o we_o be_v now_o become_v as_o the_o heath_n that_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o or_o as_o the_o briar_n which_o bring_v forth_o thorn_n that_o we_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o discourse_n or_o censure_n or_o dispute_v we_o can_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o talk_v and_o sin_n how_o have_v the_o shadow_n of_o death_n cover_v we_o how_o chill_n and_o languish_a be_v our_o grace_n turn_v well_o serious_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n you_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n and_o look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o be_v not_o a_o die_a people_n more_o fearful_a will_v your_o condition_n be_v than_o the_o condition_n of_o other_o for_o first_o you_o have_v more_o enliven_a mean_n then_o any_o people_n on_o the_o earth_n no_o city_n like_a unto_o you_o for_o public_a offer_n or_o for_o private_a opportunity_n you_o be_v even_o exalt_v unto_o heaven_n in_o the_o abundance_n and_o choice_n of_o spiritual_a help_n and_o therefore_o your_o decay_n will_v have_v more_o in_o the_o account_n then_o other_o man_n the_o more_o mean_n of_o strength_n and_o life_n accidental_o make_v die_v disease_n to_o be_v the_o more_o deadly_a 2_o we_o can_v but_o approve_v your_o flock_v to_o the_o word_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n as_o if_o you_o will_v take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o force_n if_o now_o under_o so_o fair_a a_o complexion_n you_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o consumption_n that_o the_o vital_n of_o godliness_n shall_v slack_v and_o pine_v away_o in_o your_o heart_n and_o private_a walking_n this_o dissonancie_n will_v be_v not_o only_o shameful_a to_o your_o profession_n but_o also_o uncomfortable_a to_o your_o conscience_n 2_o again_o another_o way_n person_n may_v discern_v whether_o they_o be_v die_v and_o decay_v by_o a_o observation_n of_o the_o act_n or_o operation_n of_o their_o grace_n as_o if_o they_o be_v faint_a and_o more_o inconstant_a simile_n you_o see_v that_o the_o root_n be_v less_o able_a when_o but_o a_o little_a fruit_n appear_v on_o the_o tree_n and_o that_o the_o spring_n be_v fall_v when_o the_o stream_n scarce_o run_v which_o yet_o be_v wont_a to_o flow_v when_o grace_n be_v scarce_o active_a or_o be_v uneven_a in_o their_o general_a act_n sure_o there_o be_v some_o spiritual_a languor_n in_o thou_o o_o christian_n thy_o faith_n do_v not_o commit_v thing_n to_o god_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o love_n be_v not_o so_o settle_v on_o christ_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o patience_n can_v bear_v in_o any_o measure_n as_o heretofore_o and_o thy_o sorrow_n be_v dry_a and_o thy_o zeal_n be_v cool_v etc._n etc._n simile_n if_o thy_o eye_n can_v see_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v dark_a and_o thy_o foot_n can_v go_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v lame_a and_o thy_o shoulder_n can_v bear_v so_o well_o but_o grow_v weak_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o natural_a vigour_n be_v decay_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v for_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n if_o grace_n exert_v not_o themselves_o in_o a_o former_a vigour_n etc._n etc._n note_n i_o pray_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o grace_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o for_o three_o end_n and_o use_n 1_o to_o be_v incline_v principle_n to_o gracious_a or_o holy_a act_n 2_o to_o be_v enlarge_n principle_n to_o pious_a performance_n 3_o to_o be_v cleanse_v &_o oppose_v principle_n of_o sinful_a corruption_n 1_o they_o be_v incline_v principle_n to_o gracious_a act_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n without_o grace_n be_v like_o a_o dead_a man_n who_o have_v no_o disposition_n to_o walk_v but_o when_o grace_n come_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o do_v enliven_v it_o and_o enable_v it_o and_o incline_v or_o dispose_v it_o unto_o holy_a operation_n to_o mind_n to_o will_v to_o desire_v to_o do_v heavenly_a work_n as_o you_o see_v in_o saint_n paul_n when_o convert_v that_o renew_v grace_n incline_v he_o quite_o to_o another_o way_n and_o to_o other_o act_n to_o pray_v to_o preach_v christ_n etc._n etc._n now_o where_o be_v that_o ancient_a disposition_n in_o thou_o unto_o good_a duty_n whence_o be_v that_o wonderful_a unwilling_a esse_fw-la and_o untowardlinesse_n of_o spirit_n in_o thou_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o if_o thou_o do_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o constraint_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o averseness_n and_o hang_v back_o thou_o do_v not_o mind_v he_o in_o any_o measure_n and_o his_o law_n be_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n 2_o again_o they_o be_v enlarge_n principle_n they_o do_v not_o only_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o good_a performance_n for_o the_o matter_n but_o also_o for_o the_o manner_n they_o make_v we_o a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o offering_n and_o to_o delight_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v glad_a in_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o now_o there_o be_v not_o that_o relish_n of_o godliness_n there_o be_v not_o delightfulness_n of_o service_n there_o be_v not_o that_o liberty_n and_o alacrity_n of_o spirit_n thou_o be_v become_v a_o dull_a and_o heavy_a christian_a as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o that_o suitableness_n '_o twiâ—t_v thy_o heart_n and_o holy_a duty_n thou_o be_v grow_v very_o slothful_a and_o careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o thy_o work_n 3_o last_o they_o be_v cleanse_v and_o oppose_v principle_n of_o corruption_n therefore_o compare_v to_o water_v which_o wash_v out_o the_o spot_n and_o to_o fire_v which_o fetch_v off_o the_o rust_n and_o as_o our_o corrupt_a flesh_n be_v say_v to_o lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o renew_a spirit_n be_v say_v to_o lust_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o still_o in_o opposition_n and_o conflict_n and_o so_o the_o time_n have_v be_v that_o thou_o have_v find_v it_o that_o grace_n do_v humble_a and_o cleanse_v thy_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o raise_v tender_a fear_n about_o it_o and_o singular_a hatred_n and_o opposition_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o thou_o how_o often_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rebellion_n in_o nature_n have_v thou_o cry_v out_o with_o saint_n paul_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o etc._n etc._n be_v it_o thus_o now_o why_o be_v it_o not_o thus_o now_o be_v sin_n quite_o subdue_v or_o think_v thou_o that_o grace_n and_o sin_n will_v ever_o be_v at_o truce_n nay_o but_o why_o do_v thou_o suffer_v those_o contemplative_a evil_n to_o lodge_v in_o thy_o mind_n or_o those_o delightful_a imagination_n to_o tickle_v and_o invegle_v thy_o affection_n nay_o how_o dare_v thou_o to_o be_v tamper_n with_o act_n if_o not_o sinful_a yet_o doubtful_a and_o as_o like_a sin_n as_o can_v be_v and_o which_o occasion_n sin_n yea_o and_o sin_n prevail_v much_o on_o thou_o as_o pride_n vanity_n etc._n etc._n and_o under_o all_o this_o thy_o heart_n smite_v thou_o not_o restrain_v thou_o not_o the_o time_n have_v be_v thou_o dare_v not_o have_v be_v or_o do_v this_o for_o a_o world_n etc._n etc._n object_n but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v so_o may_n some_o tender_a conscience_n reply_n than_o i_o fear_v my_o estate_n be_v not_o right_a for_o i_o never_o have_v so_o much_o ado_n with_o a_o sinful_a nature_n all_o my_o life_n as_o of_o late_a day_n and_o if_o the_o great_a power_n of_o sin_n show_v the_o more_o weaken_a estate_n of_o grace_n i_o be_o then_o the_o person_n in_o a_o die_a condition_n sol._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v brief_o 1_o you_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o turbulence_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n the_o spiritual_a condition_n be_v not_o decay_v because_o sin_n be_v more_o molest_v and_o rebel_a but_o because_o sin_n be_v more_o prevail_a and_o lead_v 2_o between_o sin_n in_o conflict_n and_o sin_n in_o subjection_n
my_o grace_n be_v weaken_v when_o i_o yield_v to_o sin_n but_o it_o stand_v in_o strength_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o defiance_n and_o conflict_n with_o sin_n it_o argue_v the_o violence_n of_o sin_n to_o break_v out_o against_o grace_n and_o also_o it_o argue_v the_o potency_n of_o grace_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o serve_v unruly_a and_o boisterous_a lust_n 3_o betwixt_o sin_n in_o temptation_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o affection_n even_o a_o strong_a castle_n may_v be_v assault_v and_o a_o stout_a christian_a much_o tempt_v than_o the_o spiritual_a part_n be_v weaken_v when_o sin_n be_v favour_v if_o as_o there_o be_v much_o temptation_n in_o thy_o sinful_a flesh_n so_o there_o be_v much_o detestation_n on_o thy_o spiritual_a part_n thy_o bow_n yet_o abide_v in_o strength_n object_n but_o another_o christian_a reply_n if_o these_o sign_n of_o decay_a be_v right_o which_o you_o deliver_v then_o sure_o i_o be_o in_o a_o die_a frame_n for_o heretofore_o when_o as_o i_o think_v god_n look_v on_o i_o in_o mercy_n in_o quicken_a i_o from_o the_o dead_a i_o have_v a_o very_a melt_a heart_n for_o sin_n and_o a_o surpassingly_a zealous_a love_n to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n but_o now_o i_o find_v no_o such_o height_n and_o flame_n and_o measure_n sol._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1_o you_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o equal_a sensibleness_n and_o equal_a spiritualnesse_n upon_o the_o inchoation_n of_o grace_n there_o may_v be_v more_o sensibleness_n for_o as_o much_o as_o grace_n erect_v itself_o much_o in_o the_o affection_n of_o who_o act_n we_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a be_v more_o near_o to_o sense_n but_o upon_o the_o advance_v in_o grace_n there_o may_v be_v more_o spiritualnesse_n though_o not_o such_o a_o sensible_a grief_n in_o the_o affection_n yet_o a_o pure_a loathe_n of_o sin_n and_o displicence_n with_o ourselves_o in_o the_o will_n 2_o betwixt_o passionate_a expression_n and_o deliberate_a or_o judicious_a expression_n i_o confess_v that_o heretofore_o thy_o zeal_n and_o love_n may_v be_v more_o passionate_a and_o violent_a but_o now_o they_o work_v upon_o more_o pure_a and_o mix_v ground_n and_o for_o ever_o know_v it_o argue_v the_o grace_n to_o be_v the_o more_o strong_a which_o can_v act_v its_o part_n with_o less_o turbulence_n and_o unquietness_n 3_o betwixt_o grace_n general_o diffuse_v and_o it_o particular_o employ_v at_o the_o first_o all_o the_o water_n run_v as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o channel_n grace_n exert_v itself_o most_o in_o the_o humble_v part_n and_o therefore_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o because_o very_o much_o employ_v in_o a_o particular_a but_o upon_o further_a knowledge_n of_o christian_a duty_n grace_n diffuse_v its_o strength_n to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o because_o the_o more_o improve_v only_o it_o be_v the_o less_o perceive_v simile_n as_o health_n and_o strength_n be_v when_o total_o diffuse_v over_o the_o whole_a body_n 4_o betwixt_o interruption_n and_o corruption_n spiritual_a principle_n may_v sometime_o be_v interrupt_v simile_n like_o a_o river_n which_o yet_o be_v scramble_n over_o the_o bay_n by_o temptation_n the_o passage_n be_v not_o always_o so_o open_a for_o operation_n the_o very_a ineptitude_n of_o a_o man_n temper_n may_v occasion_v unequal_a expression_n of_o the_o visible_a act_n actus_fw-la imperati_fw-la and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v no_o weaken_v and_o decay_v in_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n for_o the_o invisible_a frame_n actus_fw-la eliciti_fw-la be_v sure_a and_o full_a still_o the_o will_n and_o desire_n do_v act_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o though_o the_o tongue_n or_o hand_n can_v render_v it_o and_o beside_o this_o the_o work_n be_v make_v up_o by_o a_o secret_a humble_v which_o be_v so_o avoidable_o hinder_v from_o a_o open_a act_n 6_o but_o last_o if_o upon_o solid_a ground_n when_o we_o be_v ourselves_o we_o find_v a_o manifest_a inequality_n of_o our_o present_n with_o our_o former_a condition_n in_o grace_n then_o counsel_n be_v better_a for_o thou_o then_o comfort_n and_o i_o think_v no_o better_o advise_v can_v be_v prescribe_v then_o that_o of_o christ_n himself_o to_o the_o ephesian_a church_n slake_v in_o her_o first_o love_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n use_v 2_o if_o though_o upon_o perusal_n of_o these_o trial_n you_o find_v yourselves_o not_o to_o be_v in_o a_o die_a condition_n 1_o then_o first_o bless_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v give_v grace_n and_o uphold_v it_o 2_o beseech_v he_o for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v and_o increase_v thy_o spiritual_a quality_n all_o thy_o day_n it_o be_v by_o his_o goodness_n that_o thou_o be_v good_a and_o of_o his_o strength_n that_o yet_o thou_o abide_v in_o thy_o strength_n 3_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n thou_o can_v to_o keep_v up_o thy_o grace_n that_o thou_o sink_v not_o into_o a_o die_a condition_n mean_v to_o preserve_v we_o from_o a_o die_a condition_n be_v these_o 1_o be_v humble_a simile_n the_o high_a tide_n quick_o ebb_v and_o the_o high_a sun_n be_v present_o decline_v faith_n be_v the_o champion_n for_o our_o grace_n and_o fear_v the_o watchman_n and_o humility_n the_o nurse_n spiritual_a pride_n fill_v our_o fancy_n but_o impair_v our_o grace_n now_o a_o man_n think_v he_o have_v enough_o and_o then_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o lose_v much_o if_o any_o thing_n keep_v we_o from_o be_v low_a in_o grace_n it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o still_o grow_v low_a and_o poor_a in_o spirit_n in_o the_o rickets_o they_o have_v large_a head_n but_o weak_a foot_n so_o etc._n etc._n 2_o strive_v for_o further_a perfection_n 18._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o 18._o in_o holiness_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o the_o most_o of_o what_o we_o have_v be_v but_o the_o least_o of_o that_o we_o want_v he_o that_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o be_v better_o will_v be_v worse_o in_o temporal_n we_o shall_v insist_v more_o on_o our_o receipt_n and_o that_o will_v make_v we_o thankful_a in_o spiritual_n we_o shall_v insist_v more_o on_o our_o want_n and_o that_o will_v make_v we_o fruitful_a 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n 6_o v._o and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n etc._n etc._n 8_o v._o for_o if_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a etc._n etc._n 3_o quit_v all_o formality_n in_o all_o holy_a duty_n take_v heed_n of_o the_o first_o cooling_n much_o impiety_n may_v hang_v upon_o much_o indifferency_n a_o cool_a spirit_n be_v always_o a_o lose_a spirit_n he_o who_o give_v way_n to_o do_v duty_n in_o a_o slight_a manner_n will_v after_o a_o while_n be_v able_a scarce_o to_o perform_v they_o in_o any_o manner_n but_o as_o the_o rule_n be_v hoc_fw-la age_n so_o still_o keep_v up_o thy_o spirit_n with_o the_o duty_n stir_v up_o thy_o grace_n in_o all_o duty_n put_v out_o thy_o heart_n and_o strength_n in_o holy_a action_n of_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o will_v keep_v thou_o alive_a in_o grace_n a_o conscionable_a and_o cordial_a act_n of_o good_a be_v bless_v not_o only_o with_o a_o preservation_n of_o grace_n but_o likewise_o with_o a_o addition_n and_o increase_n 4_o maintain_v a_o holy_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o decay_a blessed_n be_v the_o man_n who_o fear_v always_o say_v solomon_n prov._n 28._o three_o thing_n arise_v from_o this_o one_o be_v tender_a watchfulness_n against_o all_o decay_a occasion_n another_o be_v frequent_a search_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o estate_n quick_a repair_n of_o all_o fayling_n all_o which_o preserve_v we_o from_o a_o notorious_a decay_a or_o die_v 5_o be_v prudent_o serious_a in_o christian_n society_n spend_v not_o thy_o hour_n in_o vain_a dispute_n lest_o while_o thou_o study_v odd_a notion_n thou_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n lose_v precious_a grace_n there_o be_v dispute_n which_o end_v only_o in_o division_n and_o there_o be_v inquiry_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n rather_o study_v to_o make_v thyself_o better_a then_o to_o prove_v another_o to_o be_v bad_a 6_o keep_v up_o uprightness_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n away_o with_o hypocrisy_n say_v not_o the_o sin_n be_v little_a simile_n for_o many_o a_o man_n have_v dye_v of_o a_o little_a wound_n and_o we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o small_a end_n of_o the_o wedge_n make_v way_n for_o the_o great_a nor_o say_v it_o be_v secret_a a_o man_n may_v die_v of_o a_o secret_a stab_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o open_a wound_n when_o the_o child_n of_o the_o prophet_n taste_v of_o the_o pottage_n they_o cry_v out_o mors_fw-la in_o olla_fw-es death_n be_v in_o the_o pot_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o find_v upon_o experience_n that_o there_o go_v a_o die_a influence_n with_o
lively_a in_o live_a work_n but_o perform_v spiritual_a work_n without_o much_o spiritualnesse_n but_o the_o strengthen_v christian_n have_v working_n in_o his_o work_n or_o as_o in_o ezekiel_n there_o be_v a_o wheel_n within_o a_o wheel_n he_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o a_o fervent_a spirit_n and_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v exceed_o glad_a to_o obey_v and_o be_v much_o grieve_v that_o he_o can_v obey_v the_o lord_n no_o better_o acceptation_n of_o duty_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o look_v so_o upon_o his_o offering_n as_o on_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o strengthen_v christian_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n even_o weak_a service_n be_v gracious_o respect_v by_o he_o but_o when_o christian_n weaken_v their_o own_o operation_n they_o do_v weaken_v also_o god_n acceptation_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v different_o to_o answer_v his_o servant_n according_a to_o their_o different_a disposition_n and_o temper_n faint_a seeker_n have_v but_o faint_a answer_n and_o resolute_a petitioner_n get_v plentiful_a answer_n from_o he_o of_o good_a 2_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o ordinance_n here_o also_o the_o weaken_a christian_n be_v very_o short_a of_o the_o strengthen_v christian_a both_o for_o preparation_n unto_o they_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o put_v in_o such_o a_o frame_n to_o come_v and_o converse_v with_o god_n he_o will_v not_o take_v that_o pain_n before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o word_n he_o do_v not_o by_o precedent_a meditation_n and_o prayer_n bring_v such_o a_o receptivity_n and_o and_o teachablenesse_n of_o heart_n to_o the_o word_n nor_o for_o the_o sacrament_n perhaps_o he_o come_v and_o thrust_v on_o the_o work_n but_o retire_v not_o himself_o examine_v not_o himself_o humble_v not_o himself_o hunger_n not_o thirst_v not_o nor_o consider_v his_o particular_a necessity_n so_o right_o to_o dispose_v his_o soul_n for_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n but_o be_v more_o full_a of_o carnal_a 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