Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n heart_n love_n love_v 7,424 5 6.5073 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A51788 Præparatio evangelica, or, A plain and practical discourse concerning the soul's preparation for a blessed eternity being the substance of several sermons preach'd at Leeds / by Timothy Manlove ... Manlove, Timothy, d. 1699. 1698 (1698) Wing M455; ESTC R6789 123,238 196

There are 13 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

glorious_a body_n as_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o suiable_a object_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o the_o organ_n or_o power_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v be_v endue_v final_o though_o it_o will_v remain_v true_a to_o all_o eternity_n th●●_n we_o be_v once_o sinner_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v as_o true_a that_o w●_n be_v pardon_v and_o reconcile_v through_o christ_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o gild_n of_o our_o sin_n shall_v never_o separate_v between_o we_o and_o our_o god_n or_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o communion_n with_o he_o any_o more_o 2._o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n this_o it_o be_v which_o must_v complete_a the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o this_o en●_n it_o be_v prepare_v by_o grace_n and_o advance_v to_o that_o high_a perfection_n in_o glory_n whereof_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v viz._n that_o it_o may_v perfect_o enjoy_v the_o most_o glorio●●_n perfect_a god_n under_o this_o head_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o must_v b●_n distinct_o consider_v though_o they_o can_v be_v real_o divide_v 1._o the_o lively_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v constant_a reception_n of_o communication_n from_o he_o 1._o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o perfect_v soul_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o with_o god_n act_v towards_o he_o terminate_a upon_o he_o rest_v in_o he_o the_o understanding_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o contemplate_v the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n his_o glorious_a holiness_n that_o attribute_n of_o attribute_n as_o one_o call_v it_o which_o run_v as_o it_o be_v through_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o cast_v a_o glory_n upon_o every_o one_o exod._n 15.11_o glorious_a in_o holiness_n his_o awful_a majestic_a sovereignty_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o will_v then_o appear_v to_o open_a view_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o enlarge_v upon_o each_o of_o these_o and_o it_o be_v fit_a you_o shall_v do_v so_o let_v i_o help_v you_o a_o little_a his_o power_n by_o which_o he_o make_v the_o world_n stretch_v out_o the_o heaven_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o hang_v it_o upon_o nothing_o poise_v by_o its_o own_o weight_n set_v bound_n to_o the_o proud_a wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o restrain_v the_o mad_a rage_n of_o the_o tumultuous_a people_n yea_o that_o power_n whereby_o he_o first_o draw_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o espousal_n with_o he_o even_o that_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o might_n of_o his_o power_n ephes_n 1.19_o and_o by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n his_o wisdom_n that_o appear_v so_o eminent_o in_o the_o order_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o his_o work_n and_o particular_o which_o frame_v and_o contrive_v the_o wonderful_a design_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n chri●●_n this_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o will_v then_o shine_v forth_o conspicuous_o to_o the_o ravish_a of_o all_o the_o beholder_n especial_o those_o who_o have_v share_v most_o deep_o in_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o his_o goodness_n a_o attribute_n which_o he_o delight_v to_o honour_n thus_o when_o moses_n pray_v exod._n 33.18_o i_o beseech_v thou_o show_v i_o thy_o glory_n vers_fw-la 19_o he_o say_v i_o will_v make_v all_o my_o goodness_n pass_v before_o thou_o etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n rom._n 2.4_o and_o that_o none_o be_v good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n luk._n 18.19_o o_o how_o lovely_a and_o attractive_a will_v the_o divine_a goodness_n appear_v to_o we_o in_o all_o the_o various_a aspect_n and_o manifestation_n of_o it_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n very_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o room_n for_o grief_n in_o those_o region_n of_o blessedness_n it_o must_v certain_o arise_v from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o many_o affront_v and_o indignity_n which_o we_o have_v former_o put_v upon_o this_o bless_a attribute_n by_o slight_v undervalue_a or_o entertain_v mean_a low_a narrow_a thought_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n but_o here_o as_o goodness_n will_v triumph_v in_o overlook_v the_o contempt_n which_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o so_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o disquiet_v ourselves_o about_o they_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n will_v appear_v in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o those_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o he_o make_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a god_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o that_o he_o never_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a 1_o cor._n 10.13_o how_o will_v this_o be_v admire_v when_o we_o be_v get_v safe_a out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o temptation_n the_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n will_v then_o be_v know_v i●_n that_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o ever_o adore_v by_o his_o holy_a one_o but_o i_o must_v not_o stay_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o these_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o way_n exercise_v your_o own_o thought_n and_o you_o can_v want_v matter_n only_o see_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v suitable_o affect_v as_o y●●_n go_v on_o thus_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v open_v strengthen_v enlarge_v shall_v for_o ever_o feed_v upon_o the_o divine_a glory_n faith_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o vision_n we_o shall_v wa●k_v by_o sight_n stop_v here_o a_o little_a and_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v be_v read_v how_o pleasant_a a_o thing_n be_v knowledge_n to_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v but_o that_o of_o inferior_a object_n but_o how_o much_o more_o delightful_a will_v it_o be_v to_o know_v he_o who_o i●_n the_o fountain_n of_o b●m●_n the_o cause_n of_o cause_n the_o spri●●_n of_o action_n the_o source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o perfection_n the_o everlasting_a i_o be_o what_o be_v all_o other_o knowledge_n compare_v to_o this_o then_o shall_v the_o eye_n be_v satisfy_v with_o see_v and_o our_o joy_n not_o sorrow_n increase_v by_o o●●_n knowledge_n what_o we_o know_v of_o god_n in_o our_o presentstate_n be_v nex●_n to_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o shall_v then_o know_v we_o now_o see_v but_o dark_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n our_o thought_n o●_n god_n be_v weak_a confuse_a and_o childish_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 13.11_o 12._o but_o when_o that_o which_o i●_n perfect_a be_v come_v these_o childish_a thing_n must_v be_v put_v away_o and_o a_o more_o noble_a manly_a knowledge_n succeed_v in_o thei●_n room_n a_o sight_n of_o his_o backpart_n be_v now_o no_o small_a privilege_n but_o his_o face_n shall_v then_o be_v see_v exod._n 33.23_o moreover_o our_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v transform_v ou●_n eye_n shall_v affect_v our_o heart_n or_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n express_v it_o we_o shall_v look_v ourselves_o into_o his_o likeness_n psal_n 17.15_o i_o will_v behold_v thy_o face_n i_o shall_v be_v satisful_a with_o thy_o likeness_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v if_o after_o all_o this_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o we_o shall_v immediate_o behold_v the_o pure_a essence_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v stay_v till_o you_o come_v thither_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o in_o his_o wonderful_a work_n we_o shall_v see_v he_o in_o our_o glorify_a head_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n heb._n 1.3_o but_o as_o for_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n whether_o we_o shall_v behold_v that_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o for_o many_o reason_n strong_o incline_v to_o the_o negative_a our_o will_n shall_v for_o ever_o cleave_v unto_o god_n as_o the_o most_o amiable_a perfect_a good_a in_o himself_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a good_a for_o we_o and_o as_o such_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o and_o rest_n in_o he_o with_o the_o high_a delight_n and_o complacency_n our_o heart_n will_v be_v entire_o and_o unchangable_o fix_v and_o determine_v for_o god_n there_o will_v be_v no_o idolatrous_a divide_v of_o they_o between_o he_o and_o the_o creature_n we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o yet_o be_v sweet_o constrain_v thereto_o by_o a_o happy_a necessity_n it_o will_v then_o be_v as_o easy_a and_o infinite_o more_o pleasant_a to_o love_v he_o as_o now_o it_o be_v to_o love_v ourselves_o our_o own_o felicity_n or_o our_o dear_a friend_n to_o live_v with_o he_o and_o in_o he_o will_v be_v our_o very_a element_n to_o breath_n be_v not_o more_o natural_a here_o on_o earth_n than_o to_o love_n god_n will_v be_v in_o heaven_n indeed_o nothing_o else_o will_v there_o be_v value_v no_o
his_o conduct_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n as_o all_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o blessing_n be_v communicate_v to_o we_o through_o christ_n ephes_n 1.3_o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o so_o we_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o sacrifice_n must_v be_v offer_v unto_o god_n the_o same_o way_n that_o be_v we_o must_v ascend_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o same_o medium_fw-la through_o which_o he_o descend_v to_o we_o or_o else_o no_o acceptance_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o how_o shall_v guilty_a rebel_n adventure_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a righteous_a sin_n hate_v god_n but_o by_o he_o who_o have_v make_v atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n take_v ●eed_o therefore_o that_o you_o leave_v not_o he_o out_o remember_v it_o be_v upon_o term_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o of_o that_o covenant_n christ_n ●s_v the_o mediator_n who_o therefore_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o distinguish_v between_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o god_n and_o in_o himself_o ●s_a mediator_n joh._n 14.1_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o it_o be_v well_o for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v he_o to_o stand_v betwixt_o we_o and_o all_o danger_n lest_o the_o consume_a fire_n shall_v break_v forth_o upon_o we_o and_o our_o blood_n be_v mingle_v with_o our_o sacrifice_n hence_o we_o find_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n ●oward_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n join_v together_o as_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v act●_n 20.21_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v the_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o sin_n and_o vanity_n to_o god_n as_o our_o end_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o apply_v of_o ourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o way_n to_o ●hat_n end_n that_o be_v we_o must_v return_v unto_o god_n as_o our_o god_n by_o alively_a faith_n in_o his_o son_n as_o our_o prince_n and_o saviour_n without_o who_o neither_o pardon_n nor_o peace_n can_v be_v expect_v not_o as_o if_o the_o father_n be_v of_o himself_o averse_a to_o mercy_n or_o compassion_n but_o only_o prevail_v upon_o and_o as_o it_o be_v over-persuade_v thereto_o by_o the_o death-merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n have_v a_o care_n of_o such_o blasphemous_a conceit_n as_o these_o than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o still_o remember_v it_o be_v not_o become_v the_o majesty_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n to_o receive_v such_o as_o we_o be_v into_o favour_n immediate_o but_o through_o a_o mediator_n who_o of_o his_o own_o free_a love_n 〈◊〉_d have_v provide_v for_o we_o john_n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o lo●●●_n the_o world_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o verse_n 18._o all_o thing_n be_v of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d who_o have_v reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n it_o be_v a_o gre●●_n duty_n indeed_o to_o admire_v the_o love_n of_o the_o son_n but_o o●●●_n not_o forget_v to_o admire_v also_o the_o father_n love_n iii_o and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o apply_v and_o communicate_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o own_o eye_n and_o acknowledge_v h●●_n according_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n as_o jesus_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d the_o way_n to_o the_o father_n so_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v the_o wanness_n of_o the_o son_n his_o agent_n upon_o earth_n his_o advoca●●_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o plead_v his_o cause_n and_o to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v by_o tertula●●_n christi_fw-la agens_fw-la &_o vicarius_fw-la and_o by_o a_o learned_a man_n 〈◊〉_d our_o own_o the_o supreme_a minister_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n therefore_o though_o all_o the_o person_n or_o subsistence_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n do_v concur_v to_o the_o production_n 〈◊〉_d the_o new_a creature_n yet_o this_o great_a work_n of_o sanctification_n be_v by_o a_o certain_a peculiar_a eminency_n of_o attribution_n ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v call_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o thess_n 2.13_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v enlighten_v and_o draw_v or_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o father_n by_o he_o therefore_o in_o all_o our_o motion_n and_o tendency_n god_n ward_n we_o m●●●_n look_v unto_o this_o spirit_n for_o help_v and_o act_n faith_n upon_o he_o for_o the_o assistance_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o w●●_n attempt_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v baffle_v in_o our_o endeavour_n and_o make_v nothing_o of_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o cry_v hard_o after_o the_o spirit_n and_o careful_o to_o observe_v all_o his_o access_n to_o we_o and_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o grace_n upon_o we_o and_o always_o to_o strike_v in_o with_o his_o motion_n to_o do_v most_o when_o he_o help_v most_o and_o thus_o our_o work_n will_v be_v like_a to_o succeed_v and_o prosper_v in_o our_o hand_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v how_o we_o carry_v it_o towards_o he_o that_o we_o may_v not_o quench_v resist_v grieve_v or_o vex_v the_o spirit_n either_o by_o stifle_a conviction_n or_o run_v count_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n or_o by_o foolish_a delay_n ●nd_v slothfulness_n the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o a_o diligent_a humble_a conscientious_a attendance_n ●pon_n he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n viz._n the_o use_n of_o his_o appointed_a mean_n o_o remember_v that_o your_o duty_n gra●s_n and_o comfort_n will_v all_o be_v dead_a thing_n or_o nothing_o 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o they_o all_o his_o ●race_n must_v be_v thankful_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o the_o wrength_n we_o get_v in_o all_o the_o progress_n we_o make_v and_o we_o ●ust_z still_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o more_o yea_o we_o ought_v 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o distinct_a and_o explicit_a in_o the_o working_n of_o ●aith_n towards_o he_o than_o common_o we_o be_v we_o be_v ●ptized_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o well_o as_o of_o ●e_a father_n and_o the_o son_n the_o three_o person_n be_v one_o ●od_n equal_a in_o power_n and_o glory_n in_o this_o trinity_n none_o be_v ●●ore_o or_o after_o other_o none_o be_v great_a or_o less_o than_o another_o whence_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d defective_a in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n which_o ●●specteth_v the_o three_o person_n this_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n 〈◊〉_d he_o and_o a_o injury_n to_o ourselves_o but_o i_o must_v not_o ●●y_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o here_o i_o only_o add_v it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n rom._n 8.26_o through_o he_o we_o must_v mortify_v the_o ●●eds_n of_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v live_v ver._n 13._o by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n 〈◊〉_d 5.5_o he_o seal_v they_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n but_o 〈◊〉_d any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o 〈◊〉_d his_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o great_a work_n 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v the_o turn_n of_o a_o person_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n ●●en_o to_o know_v love_n and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o all_o this_o by_o the_o ●●ace_n and_o help_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thus_o i_o say_v we_o must_v be_v qualify_v and_o prepare_v for_o ●●e_z heavenly_a glory_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o several_a step_n whereby_o this_o blesse●_n work_n be_v begin_v carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v in_o the_o soul_n have_v thus_o far_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o gr●●●_n work_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v prepare_v for_o h●ven_n if_o ever_o we_o come_v thither_o i_o come_v now_o to_o cons●●●_n more_o distinct_o the_o order_n wherein_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o 〈◊〉_d how_o it_o be_v begin_v advance_v and_o perfect_v and_o here_o i_o design_v not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o over_o ●●●rious_a inquiry_n about_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o 〈◊〉_d spirit_n be_v work_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o how_o the_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n be_v reconcilable_a with_o the_o natural_a li●●ty_n of_o the_o rational_a creature_n but_o shall_v content_v my●●●_n to_o wave_v controversy_n and_o insist_v upon_o some_o few_o pl●●●_n necessary_a acknowledge_v truth_n as_o be_v most_o s●●●_n to_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o follow_v first_o there_o be_v certain_a previous_a working_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d common_a
face_n in_o a_o glass_n we_o need_v not_o say_v who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v high_a u●_n whereby_o we_o must_v search_v ourselves_o and_o whether_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o or_o no_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o at_o last_o joh._n 12.48_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n '_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o small_a sentence_n will_v pass_v according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v therein_o rev._n 20_o 12._o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v record_v in_o their_o book_n conscience_n the_o matter_n of_o right_n in_o god_n law_n and_o the_o conclusion_n in_o his_o decree_n as_o mr._n baxter_n upon_o the_o place_n motive_n 4._o we_o be_v express_o command_v thus_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o yea_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n near_o to_o you_o than_o yourselves_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v than_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n that_o be_v whether_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o or_o no._n be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o much_o alike_o that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v whither_o he_o be_v go_v if_o he_o will_v if_o the_o end_n be_v so_o vast_o different_a sure_o there_o must_v be_v a_o proportionable_a difference_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o they_o motive_n 5._o you_o have_v comfortable_a encouragement_n to_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n suppose_v you_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n it_o be_v true_a you_o have_v then_o no_o full_a proper_a covenant-right_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o you_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o since_o he_o have_v be_v often_o strive_v with_o you_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o you_o set_v yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o work_n by_o the_o assistance_n already_o receive_v prov._n 1.23_o t●ru_n you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o to_o quicken_v illuminate_v and_o draw_v dead_a dark_a disaffect_v soul_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n but_o if_o you_o be_v already_o convert_v you_o have_v then_o a_o covenant-right_a to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o have_v f●ll_a and_o prop●●_n promise_v to_o plead_v in_o this_o matter_n he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n your_o head_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o live_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n be_v also_o near_o relate_v to_o and_o interest_v in_o that_o holy_a spirit_n whole_a office_n it_o be_v to_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v those_o soul_n who_o he_o have_v first_o renew_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o motive_n 6._o think_v well_o how_o sad_a and_o wretched_a a_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o your_o spiritual_a state_n you_o can_v tell_v what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o prov._n 27.1_o for_o aught_o you_o know_v you_o may_v be_v in_o hell_n the_o next_o hour_n because_o you_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o god_n be_v your_o friend_n or_o your_o enemy_n whether_o you_o have_v any_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n whether_o you_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n or_o not_o be_v not_o this_o a_o woeful_a case_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o when_o thou_o go_v out_o or_o come_v in_o thou_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o very_o next_o moment_n the_o divine_a fury_n may_v rest_v upon_o thou_o can_v thou_o think_v of_o death_n and_o not_o tremble_v and_o of_o judgement_n and_o not_o be_v astonish_v when_o thou_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o funeral_n how_o can_v thou_o forbear_v think_v that_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v thy_o ●wn_a case_n and_o yet_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a what_o will_v become_v of_o thy_o immortal_a soul_n at_o that_o day_n methinks_v this_o shall_v make_v thou_o a_o terror_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v about_o thou_o motive_n 7._o consider_v how_o impatient_a thou_o be_v of_o be_v in_o suspense_n or_o at_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o far_o less_o consequence_n if_o thou_o have_v but_o a_o lawsuit_n in_o hand_n how_o uneasy_a till_o thou_o know_v the_o issue_n if_o a_o purchase_n to_o make_v how_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o the_o title_n be_v good_a and_o the_o conveyance_n firm_a and_o sure_a if_o thou_o be_v take_v with_o any_o threaten_a distemper_n how_o earnest_a and_o solicitous_a be_v thou_o to_o know_v what_o the_o physician_n think_v of_o thy_o distemper_n pray_v sir_n what_o think_v you_o do_v you_o ever_o see_v any_o in_o such_o a_o case_n before_o do_v they_o recover_v do_v you_o hope_v the_o distemper_n may_v go_v off_o but_o o_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o express_v any_o such_o care_n about_o their_o soul_n how_o few_o that_o will_v come_v to_o a_o minister_n and_o inquire_v of_o he_o o_o sir_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v i_o fear_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n i_o find_v my_o heart_n dead_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o vigorous_a and_o sprightly_a in_o its_o pursuit_n after_o worldly_a vanity_n i_o find_v i_o be_o out_o of_o my_o element_n when_o engage_v in_o religious_a duty_n what_o think_v you_o be_v there_o any_o hope_n o_o help_v i_o speedy_o lest_o death_n overtake_v i_o unprepared_a for_o it_o o_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o show_v such_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o soul_n as_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o more_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a work_n of_o selfreflection_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v as_o follow_v without_o the_o formality_n of_o make_v distinct_a head_n think_v with_o yourselves_o how_o common_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v mistake_v about_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o withal_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v remember_v god_n himself_o will_v quick_o judge_v you_o and_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o yourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o if_o we_o will_v judge_n ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v moreover_o either_o you_o be_v thus_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n by_o renew_v grace_n or_o not_o if_o you_o be_v the_o close_a t●●al_n will_v great_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v you_o by_o discover_v that_o the_o work_n be_v already_o do_v then_o may_v you_o comfortable_o go_v on_o with_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v yet_o before_o you_o you_o may_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n as_o child_n to_o a_o father_n you_o may_v read_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o joy_n when_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o your_o own_o you_o may_v come_v with_o confidence_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n when_o you_o know_v that_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o save_a benefit_n be_v you_o you_o may_v meditate_v delightful_o upon_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n when_o you_o know_v that_o you_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o this_o will_v support_v you_o under_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o will_v make_v they_o appear_v light_a affliction_n indeed_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o credit_n of_o your_o profession_n by_o enable_v you_o to_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o man_n that_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o choice_n not_o despair_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o of_o their_o god_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o you_o be_v unregenerate_a selfreflection_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_v in_o order_n to_o your_o recovery_n psal_n 119.59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n so_o do_v the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o luk._n 15.17_o when_o once_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o concern_v
uneasy_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o all_o about_o we_o till_o we_o be_v reduce_v and_o set_v right_o again_o so_o then_o this_o sensual_a corrupt_a self-love_n must_v be_v mortify_v but_o lawful_a and_o just_a self-love_n must_v be_v improve_v as_o be_v say_v before_o 6._o in_o assign_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o chief_a or_o ultimate_a end_n god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n must_v not_o be_v separate_v for_o our_o intention_n must_v take_v in_o both_o but_o then_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v consider_v as_o in_o full_a subordination_n to_o the_o former_a we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o desire_v our_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v therein_o who_o be_v well_o please_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o holy_a one_o our_o supreme_a end_n must_v fall_v in_o with_o he_o who_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o that_o he_o alone_o may_v have_v the_o glory_n 7._o therefore_o to_o love_n god_n only_o or_o chief_o for_o ourselves_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o our_o own_o happiness_n be_v great_o to_o affront_v and_o dishonour_v he_o by_o prefer_v ourselves_o before_o he_o the_o creature_n before_o the_o creator_n the_o silly_a interest_n of_o a_o crawl_a worm_n before_o the_o glorious_a all-comprehending_a interest_n of_o the_o supreme_a infinite_a majesty_n it_o be_v to_o invert_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n while_o we_o make_v ourselves_o the_o end_n and_o consider_v he_o but_o as_o a_o mean_n in_o order_n thereto_o as_o if_o we_o be_v better_o or_o more_o amiable_a than_o he_o or_o our_o happiness_n more_o valuable_a than_o his_o glory_n such_o profaneness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v but_o abhor_v know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o whole_a creation_n have_v no_o worth_n in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o its_o relation_n to_o he_o 8._o to_o love_n god_n with_o a_o pure_a raise_v transcendent_a superlative_a love_n for_o himself_o as_o the_o most_o amiable_a and_o perfect_a good_a from_o by_z and_o to_o who_o we_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o be_v and_o then_o to_o love_v ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o object_n for_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o holy_a love_n towards_o great_a measure_n whereof_o the_o best_a of_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o aspire_a be_v it_o not_o high_o reasonable_a that_o he_o who_o be_v best_a shall_v be_v most_o love_v that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n shall_v be_v our_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v aim_v at_o and_o intend_v he_o in_o all_o in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o the_o high_a and_o pure_a love_n of_o god_n urge_v these_o thing_n upon_o yourselves_o take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o frame_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n with_o your_o soul_n till_o the_o fire_n kindle_v and_o you_o be_v carry_v up_o above_o self_n to_o he_o and_o all_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o need_v not_o you_o nor_o your_o love_n neither_o can_v you_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o thereby_o job_n 22.2_o 3._o your_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o he_o psal_n 16.2_o the_o advantage_n be_v like_a to_o be_v your_o own_o and_o shall_v not_o the_o glory_n be_v he_o as_o carnal_a inordinate_a self-seeking_a be_v no_o better_a than_o self-destroying_a so_o to_o go_v our_o of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v estrange_v i_o from_o and_o lose_v to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v seek_v god_n live_v in_o he_o and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o advance_v our_o own_o interest_n while_o we_o seem_v to_o overlook_v it_o because_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o and_o our_o all_o in_o god_n with_o infinite_a advantage_n how_o much_o some_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v be_v carry_v out_o in_o holy_a zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n ●bove_o their_o own_o particular_a self-interest_n you_o may_v see_v exod_a 32.32_o numb_a 14.12_o rom._n 9.3_o which_o place_n i_o must_v not_o now_o stay_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o 9_o but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v immaterial_a and_o invisible_a be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o sense_n nor_o direct_o of_o sensitive_a passionate_a love_n therefore_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v inward_o deep_o predominant_o and_o therefore_o sincere_o for_o god_n though_o as_o to_o the_o passionate_a part_n we_o may_v find_v ourselves_o more_o sensible_o carry_v out_o towards_o other_o object_n because_o the_o nearness_n and_o sensibleness_n of_o the_o creature_n promote_v such_o sensible_a working_n in_o the_o low_a sensitive_a faculty_n and_o corporeal_a spirit_n as_o for_o example_n a_o sincere_a christian_a may_v be_v more_o feel_o affect_v towards_o a_o dear_a friend_n or_o relation_n or_o some_o other_o creature-enjoyment_n than_o towards_o god_n himself_o yet_o do_v it_o not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v more_o for_o these_o thing_n than_o for_o god_n because_o be_v he_o put_v to_o trial_n he_o will_v forsake_v all_o these_o enjoyment_n rather_o than_o forsake_v god_n or_o quit_v his_o interest_n in_o he_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n be_v more_o for_o god_n though_o the_o low_a sensitive_a appetite_n work_v most_o feel_o towards_o sensible_a object_n 10._o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o holiness_n to_o love_n god_n for_o himself_o as_o our_o absolute_o ultimate_a end_n and_o therefore_o better_a than_o ourselves_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v some_o secret_a conception_n or_o beginning_n of_o this_o love_n in_o a_o soul_n long_o before_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v perceive_v it_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_n of_o ourselves_o by_o what_o appear_v most_o sensible_o in_o we_o and_o to_o overlook_v what_o lie_v more_o deep_a and_o inward_a now_o as_o be_v say_v before_o love_v to_o self_n and_o to_o the_o creature_n operate_v in_o a_o more_o sensible_a passionate_a feel_a manner_n than_o holy_a intellectual_a love_n do_v because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o near_o to_o our_o sense_n and_o passion_n as_o the_o creature_n be_v therefore_o because_o i_o will_v not_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o any_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a ezek._n 13.22_o nor_o give_v a_o advantage_n to_o satan_n to_o disquiet_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o weak_a sincere_a christian_n let_v i_o say_v to_o such_o as_o follows_z suppose_v that_o you_o be_v satisfy_v that_o god_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o amiable_a than_o yourselves_o and_o that_o he_o be_v your_o absolute_o supreme_a chief_a or_o ultimate_a end_n and_o therefore_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o as_o such_o above_o yourselves_o again_o if_o you_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o happiness_n which_o consist_v in_o so_o love_v he_o above_o any_o other_o happiness_n whatsoever_o though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o you_o love_v god_n for_o himself_o above_o yourselves_o but_o be_v it_o may_v be_v more_o sensible_o and_o feel_o concern_v for_o your_o own_o welfare_n that_o you_o may_v escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v than_o for_o his_o glory_n yet_o you_o he_o wail_v this_o and_o desire_v a_o heart_n to_o love_n god_n more_o for_o himself_o and_o to_o refer_v your_o own_o interest_n and_o all_o to_o he_o why_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o you_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o be_v discourage_v or_o cast_v down_o for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o you_o have_v the_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o this_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n for_o himself_o whereof_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax._n let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o to_o pray_v hard_o for_o further_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o raise_v they_o more_o above_o self_n unto_o god_n that_o your_o spark_n may_v become_v a_o flame_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v even_o swallow_v up_o of_o holy_a love_n so_o will_v you_o find_v that_o comfort_n peace_n and_o assurance_n which_o you_o be_v so_o pensive_o seek_v and_o inquire_v after_o o_o learn_v at_o length_n to_o pore_v less_o upon_o your_o own_o poor_a dark_a droop_a soul_n and_o look_v more_o at_o he_o who_o be_v light_n and_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o for_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o the_o ignorant_a pretender_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n all_o this_o will_v seem_v to_o they_o more_o ado_n than_o needs_o nor_o be_v it_o difficult_a to_o confound_v their_o pretence_n without_o go_v thus_o high_a
to_o these_o i_o will_v say_v if_o as_o you_o profess_v you_o true_o love_v god_n whence_o be_v that_o you_o think_v no_o more_o of_o he_o and_o that_o you_o speak_v no_o more_o of_o he_o and_o delight_v no_o more_o in_o converse_n with_o he_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v when_o he_o be_v dishonour_v nor_o grieve_v for_o your_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o against_o he_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o religious_a duty_n be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o you_o and_o other_o so_o miserable_o trifle_v in_o and_o slubber_v over_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o your_o lust_n be_v so_o much_o indulge_v and_o that_o you_o keep_v in_o league_n with_o his_o enemy_n &_o c._n be_v this_o the_o love_n you_o speak_v of_o it_o may_v well_o become_v you_o to_o know_v yourselves_o better_a thus_o much_o for_o the_o use_v of_o examination_n chap._n xi_o the_o exhortation_n in_o several_a branch_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n direct_v they_o what_o method_n to_o take_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o foregoing_a examination_n will_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n or_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n who_o shall_v think_v it_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o concern_v themselves_o serious_o therein_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o uncharitable_a to_o suppose_v that_o some_o may_v find_v great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o this_o renew_v change_n have_v not_o yet_o pass_v upon_o they_o a_o sad_a conclusion_n god_n know_v but_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v where_o it_o be_v true_a o_o happy_a congregation_n indeed_o if_o this_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a supposition_n happy_a i_o say_v if_o all_o among_o you_o be_v thus_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n 2._o it_o be_v likely_a there_o may_v be_v other_o not_o altogether_o without_o hope_n that_o this_o great_a change_n be_v wrought_v upon_o they_o nor_o yet_o without_o fear_n of_o the_o contrary_a but_o full_a of_o doubt_n and_o hesitation_n about_o it_o 3._o and_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o among_o you_o who_o through_o grace_n be_v able_a comfortable_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n who_o hope_n do_v qui●e_a overrop_n their_o fear_n in_o his_o matter_n now_o that_o which_o i_o will_v endeavour_v through_o god_n assistance_n be_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o all_o these_o in_o order_n to_o the_o first_o sort_n with_o deep_a concern_v for_o they_o tremble_v over_o they_o travel_v in_o birth_n with_o they_o till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o they_o help_v lord_n to_o the_o second_o with_o a_o due_a mixture_n of_o tenderness_n and_o judgement_n compassion_n and_o discretion_n to_o the_o three_o with_o humble_a thankfulness_n and_o a_o heart_n enlarge_v in_o love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n that_o our_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a all_o this_o i_o say_v i_o will_v do_v but_o of_o myself_o can_v do_v nothing_o o_o for_o more_o faith_n in_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o our_o glorify_a head_n and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o exhortation_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n come_v come_v bestir_v yourselves_o what_o have_v you_o be_v do_v all_o this_o while_n what_o be_v you_o dream_v of_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n and_o to_o hasten_v your_o escape_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v while_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_n little_o know_v you_o but_o your_o glass_n may_v be_v almost_o run_v and_o yet_o alas_o your_o great_a work_n be_v undo_v let_v i_o say_v to_o you_o as_o gen._n 19.17_o escape_v for_o your_o life_n look_v not_o behind_o you_o lest_o you_o be_v consume_v if_o therefore_o you_o will_v be_v convert_v and_o save_v let_v i_o also_o press_v upon_o you_o the_o follow_a direction_n o_o lord_n my_o god_n i_o beseech_v thou_o send_v i_o good_a speed_n this_o day_n and_o grant_v that_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n may_v be_v break_v and_o the_o interest_n of_o thy_o son_n my_o lord_n be_v advance_v and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n may_v be_v hasten_v lord_n remember_v the_o request_n though_o too_o few_o and_o cold_a that_o have_v be_v put_v up_o to_o heaven_n both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o secret_a on_o this_o behalf_n and_o give_v a_o gracious_a answer_n even_o so_o amen_n direct_v 1._o set_a yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v exercise_v your_o most_o sober_a deliberate_a thought_n about_o they_o you_o will_v find_v one_o day_n that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o you_o not_o to_o have_v have_v reason_n than_o not_o to_o use_v it_o about_o the_o interest_n of_o your_o soul_n better_o i_o say_v that_o you_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o room_n of_o the_o mean_a gu●t_n worm_n or_o mole_n in_o the_o creation_n than_o of_o man_n if_o you_o do_v not_o improve_v ●nd_n use_v your_o noble_a faculty_n ●o_o their_o proper_a ends._n you_o can_v think_v natural_o and_o easy_o early_o and_o late_o with_o much_o earnestness_n and_o constancy_n about_o other_o mat●ers_n how_o to_o buy_v and_o sell_v and_o get_v gain_n and_o other_o such_o important_a trifle_n apardon_v the_o contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v of_o your_o own_o make_n but_o l●t_v i_o ask_v you_o have_v you_o no_o thought_n to_o spare_v about_o your_o eternal_a concern_v where_o you_o must_v dwell_v for_o ever_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o your_o immortal_a soul_n when_o they_o must_v abide_v in_o flesh_n no_o long_o do_v not_o these_o thing_n deserve_v to_o be_v think_v of_o what_o do_v you_o think_v your_o reason_n be_v give_v you_o for_o can_v you_o expect_v to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v without_o any_o endeavour_n of_o your_o own_o in_o order_n thereto_o or_o be_v it_o likely_a your_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v to_o any_o purpose_n unless_o your_o mind_n be_v first_o awaken_v to_o proceed_v rational_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o ask_v yourselves_o what_o you_o be_v whence_o you_o come_v where_o you_o be_v place_v whither_o you_o be_v go_v what_o you_o have_v to_o ●o_o try_v to_o answer_v these_o thing_n to_o yourselves_o i_o must_v not_o stay_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o they_o do_v not_o expect_v to_o become_v religious_a by_o chance_n it_o must_v be_v by_o choice_n through_o grace_n or_o not_o at_o all_o and_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o the_o will_n shall_v act_v blind_o in_o the_o case_n or_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o god_n before_o the_o understanding_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o they_o and_o what_o conviction_n without_o consideration_n i_o think_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o god_n work_v upon_o man_n as_o rational_a creature_n upon_o the_o will_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n to_o keep_v you_o asleep_a in_o carnal_a security_n to_o find_v your_o thought_n other_o employment_n that_o he_o may_v divert_v you_o from_o consider_v these_o thing_n for_o which_o your_o reason_n be_v principal_o give_v you_o and_o be_v you_o willing_a thus_o to_o be_v lead_v blindfold_a to_o hell_n lord_n open_v their_o eve_n that_o they_o may_v see_v o_o think_v how_o you_o will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n or_o your_o own_o conscience_n that_o you_o have_v be_v so_o stupid_o inconsiderate_a as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o your_o everlasting_a peace_n all_o wickedness_n may_v be_v resolve_v into_o inconsiderateness_n isa_n 1.3_o 4._o my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v ah_o sinful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n well_o then_o sir_n if_o you_o think_v your_o soul_n worth_a so_o much_o labour_n i_o will_v offer_v to_o you_o some_o particular_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o consider_v well_o how_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a a_o unregenerate_a state_n be_v as_o for_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o hostility_n against_o heaven_n in_o scripture_n account_v all_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v enemy_n to_o god_n yea_o enmity_n itself_o rom._n 8.7_o col._n 1.21_o they_o be_v say_v to_o contemn_v he_o despise_v he_o and_o to_o cast_v he_o behind_o their_o back_n they_o kick_v against_o he_o they_o hate_v and_o abhor_v he_o ze●h_n 11.8_o my_o soul_n loathe_v they_o and_o their_o soul_n also_o abhor_v i_o be_v not_o this_o think_v you_o a_o sinful_a state_n indeed_o and_o be_v it_o not_o in_o some_o respect_n so_o much_o the_o worse_o in_o that_o they_o profess_v or_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o in_o reality_n they_o do_v alienate_v themselves_o from_o he_o who_o have_v the_o most_o full_a and_o absolute_a propriety_n in_o they_o they_o rebel_v against_o their_o most_o
christ_n as_o you_o can_v what_o pleasure_n do_v you_o take_v be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n etc._n etc._n what_o say_v you_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v agree_v with_o you_o or_o be_v they_o not_o a_o weariness_n to_o you_o be_v you_o nor_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o lords-day_n return_v too_o o●_n and_o that_o strict_a and_o serious_a religion_n be_v intolerable_a prociseness_n do_v not_o your_o heart_n rise_v against_o it_o be_v ●e_v not_o glad_a when_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v over_o though_o sour_a thing_n you_o will_v do_v to_o secure_a heaven_n for_o a_o reserve_n who_o you_o can_v enjoy_v the_o world_n no_o long_o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a temper_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o deplorable_a alas_o what_o shall_v you_o do_v in_o heaven_n with_o sod_a heart_n as_o these_o will_v you_o not_o be_v eternal_o weary_a o●_n a_o eternal_a sabbath_n will_v not_o your_o ungracious_a spirit_n be_v ever_o recoil_v and_o uneasy_a do_v you_o not_o yet_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n without_o new_a heart_n if_o not_o it_o be_v because_o you_o shut_v your_o eye_n certain_o if_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v ●n_v haven_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n it_o will_v be_v vast_o different_a even_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o which_o go●_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_n he_o but_o he_o shall_v man_n be_v happy_a against_o their_o own_o will_n or_o it_o state_n to_o which_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o sure_v so_o true_a be_v that_o great_a say_v of_o a_o worthy_a divine_a when_o god_n have_v so_o determine_v that_o without_o ●●●ness_n none_o shall_v see_v he_o he_o lay_v no_o other_o law_n upon_o unholy_a soul_n than_o what_o their_o own_o impure_a nature_n lie_v upon_o themselves_o blessedness_n of_o the_o righteous_a pag._n 46_o by_o this_o time_n you_o see_v or_o may_v see_v if_o you_o will_v th●●_n except_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n can_v be_v reverse_v the_o design_n of_o redemption_n pervert_v the_o office_n of_o the_o h●●_n spirit_n nullify_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o ministry_n a●●_n ordinance_n run_v down_o the_o threarning_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v of_o none_o effect_v the_o inheritance_n be_v attain_v without_o the_o earnest_n a_o new_a way_n find_v to_o heaven_n which_o none_o ever_o discover_v before_o and_o all_o this_o while_n the_o righteous_a themselves_o be_v scarce_o save_v in_o a_o word_n unless_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v quite_o overturn_v and_o palpable_a contradiction_n make_v to_o agree_v none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o wrought_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a grace_n lo_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a heb._n for_o thyself_o job_n 5.27_o chap._n vi_o several_a inference_n of_o truth_n draw_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n thus_o we_o have_v full_o prove_v that_o except_o you_o will_v be_v holy_a you_o can_v be_v happy_a if_o this_o therefore_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a a_o truth_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v also_o a_o very_a weighty_a and_o important_a one_o a_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o close_o apply_v because_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o what_o be_v infinite_o more_o than_o either_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a god_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o it_o now_o since_o there_o be_v many_o other_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o intimate_a connexion_n with_o and_o dependence_n upon_o this_o great_a doctrine_n let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o for_o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n inser_n 1._o we_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o real_a holiness_n real_a i_o say_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o vain_a empty_a show_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o multitude_n make_v a_o shift_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o even_o because_o they_o know_v no_o better_o and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o know_v satan_n have_v take_v advantage_n by_o their_o own_o corruption_n to_o blind_v their_o mind_n and_o close_v their_o eye_n and_o thus_o they_o choose_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o see_v no_o beauty_n in_o holiness_n no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v the_o form_n and_o comeliness_n of_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o procurer_n of_o it_o isa_n 53.2_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a if_o they_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o do_v but_o debase_v they_o first_o by_o form_v low_a and_o unworthy_a notion_n of_o they_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o degenerate_a temper_n and_o spirit_n then_o they_o act_v according_o and_o after_o all_o high_o value_v themselves_o upon_o what_o they_o have_v do_v nevertheless_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o holiness_n manifest_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o follow_v particular_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v 1._o it_o be_v original_a it_o be_v from_o heaven_n the_o bless_a god_n be_v himself_o the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o text._n he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n be_v god_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a work_n and_o that_o not_o a_o common_a work_n neither_o but_o wrought_v in_o a_o way_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a excellency_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o great_a change_n be_v denominate_v bear_v of_o god_n joh._n 1.13_o bear_v from_o above_o chap._n 33._o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v render_v hereupon_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o name_n and_o relation_n of_o child_n 1_o joh._n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o call_v and_o not_o miscall_v for_o so_o they_o be_v as_o vers_n 2._o now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n speak_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o image_n draw_v upon_o it_o a_o participiation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o sweet_o and_o effectual_o incline_v all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n god-ward_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o prevail_v upon_o we_o it_o take_v away_o our_o unkind_a aversion_n and_o estrangedness_n from_o he_o and_o teach_v we_o to_o centre_n upon_o he_o as_o our_o portion_n happiness_n and_o chief_a good_n in_o short_a it_o be_v our_o devotedness_n unto_o god_n which_o imply_v a_o separation_n from_o whatsoever_o stand_v in_o opposition_n against_o he_o as_o such_o so_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a work_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o may_v have_v tell_v we_o whence_o it_o be_v for_o it_o bear_v the_o image_n and_o superscription_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o little_o do_v the_o proud_a despiser_n of_o holiness_n consider_v what_o they_o say_v or_o against_o who_o it_o be_v that_o they_o spirit_n themselves_o make_v a_o wide_a mouth_n and_o draw_v out_o the_o 〈◊〉_d isa_n 57.4_o to_o vilify_v this_o work_n be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o its_o author_n to_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o the_o image_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o its_o great_a original_a who_o scorn_v their_o scorner_n sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o laugh_v at_o they_o for_o he_o see_v that_o their_o day_n be_v come_v psal_n 37_o 13._o 3._o the_o bless_a end_n and_o issue_n of_o holiness_n show_v you_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o it_o come_v from_o above_o and_o thither_o it_o lead_v and_o be_v at_o last_o complete_v in_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n judge_n then_o of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o the_o end_n here_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o be_v high-born_a and_o a_o suitable_a inheritance_n be_v design_v they_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v slight_o of_o holiness_n be_v to_o contemn_v heaven_n itself_o which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n therein_o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cart-rope_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n isa_n 5.18_o 20._o it_o may_v be_v at_o last_o they_o will_v say_v as_o one_o of_o their_o predecessor_n do_v let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a not_o from_o any_o love_n to_o righteousness_n but_o from_o a_o slavish_a fear_n of_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o therefore_o those_o force_a
to_o their_o wit_n again_o as_o for_o the_o three_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n psal_n 51._o your_o heart_n must_v be_v break_v that_o be_v thorough_o humble_v for_o your_o past_a folly_n in_o order_n to_o your_o future_a reformation_n you_o must_v be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o sin_n that_o christ_n may_v give_v you_o rest_n break_v that_o he_o may_v heal_v you_o the_o whole_a need_v not_o a_o physician_n chap._n viii_o how_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no._n sundry_a motive_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o a_o use_n of_o examination_n be_v it_o so_o that_o none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o special_a grace_n sure_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o turn_v your_o thought_n inward_a and_o to_o stir_v up_o conscience_n to_o do_v its_o office_n methinks_v you_o shall_v in_o this_o have_v be_v beforehand_o with_o i_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o suppose_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v hear_v all_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v under_o the_o forego_n head_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o great_a work_n with_o so_o little_a self-application_n as_o not_o to_o have_v put_v the_o question_n to_o your_o own_o heart_n before_o now_o be_o i_o thus_o wrought_v upon_o have_v i_o experience_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o my_o spirit_n godward_o as_o may_v encourage_v i_o to_o hope_v that_o i_o be_o past_a from_o death_n to_o life_n dispose_v and_o incline_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n a_o weighty_a question_n indeed_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o you_o enquit_v whether_o you_o be_v heir_n of_o heaven_n or_o within_o a_o step_n of_o hell_n child_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n or_o as_o if_o a_o line_n shall_v be_v draw_v to_o separate_v between_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a in_o this_o congregation_n on_o the_o one_o side_n lo_o here_o be_v so_o many_o person_n wrought_v upon_o and_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o principle_n and_o seed_n of_o eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o they_o on_o the_o other_o lo_o here_o be_v so_o many_o stupid_a carnal_a wretched_a soul_n under_o the_o just_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o the_o almighty_a dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o si●s_n liable_a every_o moment_n to_o the_o severe_a stroke_n of_o avenge_a justice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o secret_a misgiving_n of_o heart_n and_o consciousness_n of_o gild_n cause_n a_o exceed_a averseness_n in_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o make_v they_o even_o afraid_a of_o converse_v with_o themselves_o as_o desperate_a bankrupt_n who_o dread_v to_o look_v into_o their_o book_n of_o account_n be_v sensible_a that_o matter_n be_v ill_a with_o they_o and_o it_o be_v also_o sad_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v room_n for_o such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o or_o at_o least_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o resolve_v it_o what!_o you_o that_o have_v so_o long_o sit_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v these_o thing_n so_o often_o and_o so_o earnest_o press_v upon_o you_o and_o not_o yet_o wrought_v upon_o not_o yet_o turn_v to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a case_n yet_o i_o fear_v no_o sad_a than_o true_a o_o happy_a congregation_n if_o all_o yea_o or_o most_o in_o it_o be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o heaven_n however_o be_v your_o case_n what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v necessary_a you_o know_v it_o therefore_o in_o handle_v this_o use_n i_o shall_v i._o lay_v down_o some_o motive_n brief_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n ii_o give_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n thereof_o iii_o offer_v some_o question_n which_o you_o may_v propose_v to_o yourselves_o in_o order_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o state_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o motive_n 1._o some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o condition_n be_v attainable_a i_o may_v have_v speak_v high_a but_o choose_v to_o proceed_v by_o step_n you_o may_v indeed_o meet_v with_o some_o who_o to_o excuse_v their_o ●●n_fw-la ignorance_n or_o sloth_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v tell_v you_o ●●at_v ●o_o man_n can_v know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o no_o but_o that_o we_o must_v trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n and_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v trust_v god_n with_o our_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v also_o as_o true_a that_o he_o have_v so_o far_o entrust_v we_o with_o they_o as_o to_o command_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n about_o they_o and_o he_o will_v quick_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n how_o we_o have_v discharge_v our_o trust_n what_o we_o have_v do_v with_o his_o creature_n and_o if_o we_o be_v find_v to_o have_v betray_v our_o soul_n by_o negligence_n and_o carnal_a security_n it_o will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n to_o say_v that_o we_o trust_v he_o with_o they_o unless_o you_o can_v suppose_v that_o our_o presumption_n shall_v justify_v our_o carelessness_n that_o be_v one_o sin_n excuse_v another_o i_o tell_v you_o therefore_o you_o be_v not_o leave_v under_o a_o necessitate_a unavoidable_a ignorance_n in_o this_o point_n your_o unacquaintance_n with_o your_o own_o soul_n as_o to_o their_o state_n godward_o be_v wilful_a and_o affect_a i_o be_o not_o put_v you_o upon_o impossibility_n other_o have_v attain_v not_o 〈◊〉_d to_o some_o competent_a knowledge_n but_o even_o to_o a_o certainty_n 〈◊〉_d the_o case_n and_o that_o both_o way_n thus_o sinner_n be_v usual_o prepare_v for_o convert_v grace_n viz._n by_o a_o tho●o●_n conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o their_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o good_a christian_n have_v arrive_v to_o a_o comfortable_a quie●●●●_n and_o some_o even_o to_o a_o transport_v assurance_n of_o the●_n save_v special_a interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o right_n to_o heau●●_n and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o be_v vouchsafe_v or_o offer_v to_o you_o motive_n 2._o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o fac●ty_n or_o power_n of_o self-reflexion_n that_o we_o may_v examine_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n prov._n 20.27_o t●e_v spirit_n of_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o 〈◊〉_d inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n conscience_n be_v set_v up_o as_o light_v in_o the_o soul_n not_o to_o be_v extinguish_v or_o put_v under_o 〈◊〉_d bushel_n but_o to_o observe_v and_o try_v ourselves_o by_o 〈…〉_o what_o man_n ●●●weth_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v ●n_v he_o be_v it_o not_o for●●_n self_n reflective_a power_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o moral_a government_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n how_o shall_v we_o rectify_v what_o be_v amiss_o or_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o by_o examine_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n therefore_o i_o say_v conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n a_o judge_n ye●_n and_o a_o executioner_n too_o it_o not_o only_o bear_v testimony_n but_o pass_v sentence_n and_o inflict_v punishment_n or_o y●e●●●●_n refreshment_n and_o peace_n and_o so_o give_v man_n the_o fore_n last_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n while_o they_o be_v on_o en●th_n praemium_fw-la ante_fw-la praemium_fw-la be_v or_o praejudic●●m_fw-la s●t●ri_fw-la judicii_fw-la 1_o joh._n 3.20_o 21._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n must_v you_o not_o own_o such_o a_o faculty_n very_o conscience_n will_v fly_v in_o your_o face_n if_o you_o shall_v deny_v its_o power_n motive_n 3._o consider_v that_o god_n have_v give_v you_o a_o sure_a rule_n to_o try_v yourselves_o by_o even_o his_o holy_a word_n by_o which_o he_o himself_o will_v try_v you_o at_o last_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n to_o constitute_v what_o shall_v be_v due_a from_o we_o and_o what_o to_o we_o a_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v heb._n 4.12_o t●e_v word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharper●_n than_o any_o two_o edge_v sword_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n here_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o comeliness_n or_o deformiry_n of_o 〈◊〉_d own_o soul_n as_o a_o man_n do_v his_o natural_a
of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o inquire_v what_o have_v we_o do_v what_o be_v we_o do_v whither_o be_v we_o go_v how_o shall_v we_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v this_o look_v hopeful_o indeed_o though_o you_o must_v not_o stop_v here_o neither_o nor_o take_v up_o with_o conviction_n instead_o of_o conversion_n however_o think_v not_o that_o your_o wound_n be_v like_a to_o be_v cure_v without_o be_v search_v but_o if_o through_o a_o stupid_a unconcernedness_n as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o your_o soul_n you_o think_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o give_v yourselves_o all_o this_o trouble_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o be_v eager_o set_v upon_o this_o present_a world_n as_o the_o common_a case_n be_v i_o can_v then_o tell_v you_o what_o your_o case_n be_v without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n you_o may_v spare_v the_o labour_n of_o search_v whether_o you_o be_v regenerate_v or_o no_o for_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o it_o be_v certain_a you_o be_v not_o your_o brutish_a ●cupidity_n be_v evidence_n enough_o to_o prove_v that_o you_o be_v asleep_a yea_o dead_a in_o sin_n condemn_v already_o and_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o you_o in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o you_o and_o hell_n but_o yet_o a_o step_n there_o be_v your_o case_n be_v not_o quite_o desperate_a though_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a i_o must_v say_v of_o you_o as_o of_o those_o patient_n who_o condition_n seem_v very_o hazardous_a the_o event_n be_v uncertain_a but_o while_o there_o be_v life_n they_o hope_n some_o have_v recover_v who_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o as_o ill_a circumstance_n as_o you_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o many_o to_o one_o have_v perish_v even_o so_o be_v here_o some_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o save_v who_o be_v once_o as_o dead_a and_o stupid_a about_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n as_o you_o be_v but_o many_o to_o one_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o therefore_o to_o flatter_v you_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n may_v contribute_v much_o to_o your_o ruin_n which_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o do_v therefore_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v just_a so_o much_o hope_n of_o your_o salvation_n as_o there_o be_v of_o your_o awaken_n from_o this_o carnal_a security_n and_o so_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o no_o more_o chap._n ix_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o successful_a management_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o foregoing_a motive_n to_o excite_v you_o to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o selfreflection_n and_o show_v you_o of_o how_o ill_a signification_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v and_o indifferent_a about_o the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n i_o now_o come_v to_o give_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o help_n of_o such_o as_o be_v solicitous_a to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n or_o no_o direction_n 1._o take_v care_n that_o you_o be_v impartial_a in_o your_o search_n that_o your_o judgement_n be_v not_o pervert_v or_o biased_a either_o way_n by_o fear_n or_o favour_n but_o that_o you_o may_v go_v according_a to_o evidence_n the_o great_a danger_n indeed_o be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n viz._n lest_o pride_n or_o self-love_n make_v you_o judge_v too_o favourable_o concern_v yourselves_o but_o here_o remember_v that_o such_o a_o mistake_n may_v prove_v your_o ruin_n it_o be_v necessary_a you_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o your_o case_n while_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v of_o redress_n you_o have_v already_o hear_v what_o multitude_n there_o be_v that_o perish_v by_o presumption_n to_o think_v false_o that_o you_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n will_v never_o bring_v you_o thither_o nor_o will_v it_o cure_v the_o disease_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o suppose_v that_o you_o be_v well_o enough_o already_o such_o rave_n be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n that_o your_o noble_a faculty_n be_v impair_v and_o distract_v and_o therefore_o that_o your_o distemper_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a but_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o only_o remember_v that_o god_n will_v quick_o try_v all_o over_o again_o and_o whatever_o your_o present_a judgement_n be_v of_o yourselves_o his_o final_a judgement_n will_v be_v according_a to_o righteousness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o be_v so_o timorous_a and_o deject_a in_o spirit_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o comfortable_a concern_v themselves_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o presumptuous_a self-conceit_n that_o they_o run_v into_o a_o quite_o contrary_a extreme_a and_o stand_v in_o their_o own_o light_n can_v discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n fain_o they_o will_v be_v assure_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n but_o have_v not_o strength_n of_o spirit_n enough_o to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v so_o through_o mere_a fear_n lest_o it_o shall_v prove_v otherwise_o they_o vehement_o wish_v it_o but_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o still_o think_v it_o be_v too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a like_o old_a jacob_n when_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o joseph_n be_v alive_a his_o heart_n faint_v for_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o gen._n 45.26_o or_o as_o the_o poor_a jew_n when_o the_o lord_n turn_v again_o the_o captivity_n of_o zion_n they_o be_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal_n 126.1_o they_o can_v scarce_o believe_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o matter_n even_o so_o it_o be_v with_o many_o poor_a melancholy_a doubt_v christian_n they_o desire_v to_o be_v sincere_a but_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o and_o those_o evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n which_o to_o another_o will_v be_v discernible_a to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o now_o i_o say_v though_o such_o person_n be_v safe_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n concern_v themselves_o and_o so_o their_o mistake_n can_v prove_v destructive_a as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o consequence_n ill_a enough_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o comfort_n prudence_n will_v reach_v we_o to_o be_v wary_a and_o cautious_a in_o so_o great_a a_o enquiry_n to_o suspect_v our_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o to_o watch_v they_o narrow_o lest_o they_o shall_v betray_v we_o to_o vain_a hope_n and_o humility_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o entertain_v low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o but_o still_o it_o be_v unnatural_a to_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n which_o shall_v refresh_v and_o comfort_v we_o and_o unthankful_a to_o overlook_v or_o deny_v the_o richos_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o rear_v as_o well_o as_o favour_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o right_n and_o impartial_a judgement_n direct_v 2._o this_o enquiry_n must_v be_v manage_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n and_o seriousness_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n that_o be_v before_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o have_v need_n have_v your_o wit_n about_o you_o a_o mistake_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n may_v destroy_v your_o soul_n forever_o on_o the_o other_o it_o may_v great_o obstruct_v your_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n therefore_o the_o most_o sober_a judicious_a consideration_n be_v here_o necessary_a call_v in_o your_o wander_a thought_n keep_v they_o close_o to_o the_o work_n let_v they_o not_o give_v you_o the_o slip_n lest_o they_o grow_v masterless_a and_o unruly_a commu●e_v with_o your_o heart_n and_o let_v you_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n psal_n 77.6_o there_o be_v no_o trifle_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o a_o few_o slighty_a transient_a thought_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n the_o principle_n of_o grace_n lie_v deep_a in_o the_o soul_n you_o must_v search_v for_o they_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n if_o you_o will_v discover_v they_o and_o there_o be_v depth_n of_o wickedness_n too_o which_o must_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v search_v after_o with_o great_a care_n and_o strictness_n 〈◊〉_d if_o you_o will_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o your_o own_o case_n you_o must_v excite_v your_o sluggish_a heart_n to_o the_o work_n and_o if_o your_o thought_n fly_v off_o from_o the_o business_n let_v reason_n interpose_v its_o authority_n otherwise_o a_o thousand_o impertinence_n will_v intrude_v upon_o you_o and_o so_o you_o will_v be_v leave_v in_o as_o great_a darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o spiritual_a estate_n as_o you_o be_v in_o before_o in_o a_o word_n intenseness_n of_o thought_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o work_n that_o so_o nothing_o may_v escape_v your_o observation_n which_o may_v any_o way_n conduce_v to_o clear_v up_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n direct_v 3._o see_v that_o you_o proceed_v with_o due_a order_n and_o method_n in_o this_o
give_v i_o more_o be_v not_o the_o case_n quite_o contrary_a i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o have_v refuse_v i_o have_v siretched_a out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v etc._n etc._n prov._n 1.24_o what_o get_v he_o slothful_a servant_n by_o say_v i_o know_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o hard_a man_n mat._n 25_o 24._o do_v this_o excuse_n he_o for_o hide_v his_o lord_n money_n though_o but_o one_o talon_n in_o the_o earth_n let_v i_o make_v the_o matter_n yet_o plain_a by_o a_o familiar_a comparison_n suppose_v some_o great_a prince_n or_o nobleman_n famous_a for_o bounty_n and_o kindness_n to_o the_o distress_a who_o behold_v a_o forlorn_a helpless_a creature_n miserable_a wretched_a poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o take_v compassion_n on_o he_o shall_v say_v to_o he_o friend_n come_v to_o my_o door_n i_o have_v full_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o many_o who_o circumstance_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o thou_o and_o i_o delight_v so_o to_o do_v now_o though_o in_o all_o this_o here_o be_v not_o a_o full_a direct_a promise_n make_v to_o this_o poor_a wretch_n yet_o will_v you_o not_o take_v he_o for_o a_o mad_a man_n who_o shall_v make_v light_n of_o such_o a_o intimation_n and_o encouragement_n poor_a sinner_n thou_o be_v the_o man_n so_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o christ_n and_o thou_o and_o because_o thou_o be_v blind_a he_o appoint_v his_o servant_n to_o lead_v thou_o to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o errand_n upon_o which_o i_o be_o come_v this_o day_n do_v not_o say_v but_o that_o help_n be_v offer_v thou_o 8._o consider_v how_o little_a all_o that_o ever_o you_o have_v do_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v avail_v you_o if_o you_o go_v not_o through_o with_o the_o work_n if_o you_o be_v but_o almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n you_o will_v be_v but_o almost_o say_v it_o may_v be_v you_o expect_v great_a matter_n from_o your_o frequent_a customary_a attendance_n upon_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o your_o make_v a_o more_o strict_a profession_n of_o religion_n than_o many_o other_o do_v but_o o_o remember_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o be_v word_n but_o in_o power_n 1_o cor._n 4.20_o many_o will_v say_v in_o the_o great_a day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o th●_n name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n mat._n 7.22_o which_o be_v great_a thing_n than_o you_o can_v pretend_v to_o yet_o will_v he_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n verse_n 23._o the_o foolish_a virgin_n have_v lamp_n of_o profession_n mat._n 25._o but_o perish_v for_o want_n of_o oil_n viz._n true_a grace_n in_o short_a a●_n that_o ever_o you_o have_v do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v prove_v but_o lose_v labour_n as_o to_o any_o save_a benefit_n except_o your_o heart_n be_v effectual_o wrought_v upon_o and_o turn_v to_o god_n as_o have_v be_v full_o open_v and_o prove_v already_o o_o consider_v this_o well_o have_v you_o do_v and_o some_o of_o you_o suffer_v to_o many_o thing_n in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o vain_a gal_n 3_o 4._o yea_o have_v so_o much_o labour_v be_v bestow_v upon_o you_o in_o vain_a chap._n 4.11_o so_o much_o grace_n receive_v in_o vain_a 2_o co●_n 6.1_o o_o how_o bitter_a will_v the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v one_o day_n how_o will_v it_o pierce_v you_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n to_o think_v alas_o be_v all_o my_o profession_n prayer_n hear_v etc._n etc._n come_v to_o this_o namely_o the_o hypocrite_n reward_v it_o have_v be_v well_o for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n rather_o than_o to_o have_v rest_v thus_o in_o a_o outward_a show_n of_o religion_n alas_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v bring_v so_o nigh_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a forever_o of_o it_o 9_o consider_v how_o long_o the_o divine_a patience_n have_v bear_v with_o you_o already_o where_o have_v you_o be_v before_o this_o day_n but_o that_o you_o have_v have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o god_n who_o be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a and_o long-suffering_a how_o easy_o can_v he_o long_o since_o have_v take_v your_o guilty_a soul_n out_o of_o your_o body_n and_o send_v they_o into_o a_o place_n where_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o delay_a repentance_n be_v better_o know_v how_o have_v you_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a even_o that_o goodness_n which_o lead_v you_o to_o repentance_n rom._n 2.4_o how_o many_o instance_n have_v you_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a benignity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o you_o and_o yet_o how_o little_a effect_n have_v all_o have_v upon_o you_o line_n upon_o line_n precept_n upon_o precept_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a and_o yet_o all_o have_v not_o prevail_v with_o you_o to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n be_v you_o not_o ashamed_a do_v you_o not_o blush_v to_o think_v of_o your_o vile_a ingratitude_n and_o disingenuity_n towards_o he_o do_v you_o not_o tremble_v to_o consider_v what_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o obstinacy_n be_v like_a to_o be_v do_v you_o imagine_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v always_o strive_v with_o the_o wilful_a despiser_n of_o his_o grace_n o_o remember_v lento_fw-la gradu_fw-la ad_fw-la vindictam_fw-la procedie_n ita_fw-la divina_fw-la etc._n etc._n divine_a wrath_n proceed_v slow_o to_o vengeance_n but_o will_v compensate_a that_o slowness_n with_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v laesa_fw-la patientia_fw-la fit_a furor_fw-la as_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n be_v most_o spiritual_a so_o spiritual_a judgement_n be_v more_o common_a to_o those_o who_o trifle_v under_o it_o than_o perhaps_o most_o man_n consider_v but_o i_o proceed_v direct_v 2._o follow_v on_o these_o consideration_n till_o suitable_a conviction_n arise_v from_o they_o and_o your_o heart_n be_v sensible_o affect_v with_o they_o think_v not_o that_o some_o general_a slighty_a superficial_a thought_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n no_o no_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n than_o so_o they_o near_o concern_v you_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n urge_v they_o home_o upon_o your_o own_o spirit_n apply_v they_o close_o they_o have_v a_o work_n to_o do_v not_o only_o upon_o your_o understanding_n but_o upon_o your_o will_n heart_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o you_o acknowledge_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a but_o you_o must_v press_v the_o matter_n further_o if_o they_o be_v truth_n they_o be_v weighty_a truth_n indeed_o o_o labour_n to_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o the_o quick_a apply_v they_o strict_o and_o warm_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v say_v one_o a_o great_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n skill_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v a_o good_a preacher_n to_o himself_o there_o be_v more_o in_o this_o than_o most_o christian_n be_v aware_a of_o or_o use_v to_o practice_v this_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o a_o gainful_a way_n of_o preach_v no_o body_n here_o can_v make_v question_n of_o thy_o call_n nor_o deny_v thou_o a_o licence_n nor_o silence_v thou_o if_o thou_o silence_v not_o thyself_o imitate_v the_o most_o powerful_a preacher_n and_o plead_v with_o thy_o own_o soul_n as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v with_o his_o hearer_n mr._n baxter_n though_o such_o consideration_n may_v wound_v pierce_v or_o gall_v you_o for_o the_o present_a it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_o you_o must_v be_v wound_v that_o you_o may_v be_v heal_v you_o must_v be_v break_v that_o you_o may_v be_v bind_v up_o the_o truth_n be_v you_o have_v wound_v yourselves_o already_o and_o so_o much_o the_o worse_o by_o how_o much_o you_o be_v less_o sensible_a of_o it_o your_o putrify_a ulcer_n must_v be_v search_v to_o the_o bottom_n if_o ever_o you_o expect_v a_o thorough_a cure_n your_o sluggish_a heart_n must_v be_v awaken_v to_o purpose_n you_o have_v sleep_v too_o long_o o_o labour_n to_o be_v deep_o convince_v of_o your_o past_a folly_n till_o you_o groan_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o gild_n which_o you_o have_v contract_v remember_v you_o be_v ruin_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n if_o your_o gild_n be_v not_o remove_v and_o therefore_o your_o present_a case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v for_o you_o but_o no_o time_n to_o trifle_v in_o therefore_o direct_v 3._o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o you_o now_o come_v to_o some_o besitting_n resolution_n in_o the_o case_n in_o general_n that_o you_o resolve_v to_o do_v your_o utmost_a to_o put_v your_o spiritual_a concern_v into_o a_o better_a posture_n and_o that_o henceforth_o you_o will_v strive_v earnest_o to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o
neglect_v no_o mean_n nor_o help_n in_o order_n thereto_o such_o resolution_n as_o these_o be_v most_o proper_a in_o your_o condition_n but_o if_o your_o heart_n still_o hang_v back_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o will_v you_o resolve_v upon_o vita_fw-la humana_fw-la sine_fw-la proposito_fw-la vaga_fw-la est_fw-la &_o languida_fw-la will_v you_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o venture_n and_o trouble_v your_o head_n no_o further_o about_o it_o but_o still_o go_v on_o at_o the_o old_a dull_a stupid_a rate_n if_o so_o this_o be_v wilful_o to_o destroy_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o who_o can_v you_o blame_v but_o yourselves_o will_v you_o sit_v down_o in_o despair_n this_o be_v to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v the_o riches_n of_o gospel-grace_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o those_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o again_o will_v you_o delay_v for_o a_o while_n and_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n till_o hereafter_o answ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a case_n but_o almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o your_o time_n be_v not_o in_o your_o own_o hand_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o you_o the_o long_a you_o delay_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v help_v you_o will_v be_v grieve_v by_o your_o backwardness_n satan_n will_v have_v the_o fast_o hold_v of_o you_o and_o if_o death_n overtake_v you_o before_o the_o work_n be_v do_v you_o be_v damn_v therefore_o i_o say_v turn_v your_o thought_n which_o way_n you_o will_v all_o other_o resolution_n will_v be_v find_v mad_a and_o dangerous_a except_o that_o of_o the_o prodigal_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o do_v you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o your_o resolution_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a lest_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v afterward_o arise_v in_o your_o way_n shall_v discourage_v you_o and_o that_o they_o be_v speedy_a lest_o death_n overtake_v you_o unprepared_a and_o also_o that_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n you_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n lest_o you_o miscarry_v through_o foolish_a self-confidence_n but_o of_o that_o more_o by_o and_o by_o direct_v 4._o see_v that_o your_o resolution_n be_v forthwith_o put_v into_o practice_n by_o this_o it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o hearty_a if_o the_o will_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o case_n suitable_a endeavour_n will_v ensue_v and_o here_o your_o work_n lie_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o humble_a yourselves_o deep_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o folly_n which_o hitherto_o you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o consider_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n call_v to_o remembrance_n your_o own_o sin_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n bewail_v the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o estrangedness_n of_o your_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o with_o that_o inordinate_a propension_n to_o the_o creature_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n do_v main_o consist_v proceed_v then_o to_o consider_v those_o actual_a transgression_n which_o have_v all_o along_o issue_v from_o this_o corruption_n viz._n your_o loss_n of_o precious_a time_n misimprovement_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n your_o pride_n passion_n earthliness_n sensuality_n etc._n etc._n confess_v these_o thing_n humble_o and_o feel_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n labour_v to_o melt_v into_o a_o ingenuous_a childlike_a sorrow_n for_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o unworthy_o to_o so_o good_a and_o gracious_a a_o father_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o slave_n and_o may_v consist_v with_o as_o much_o love_n to_o sin_n as_o ever_o but_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v animate_v by_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n which_o raise_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o rational_a hearty_a grief_n for_o its_o transgression_n against_o he_o a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o for_o the_o future_a this_o be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o towards_o god_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n prov._n 28.13_o yea_o as_o matter_n now_o stand_v such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v sin_z wheresoever_o with_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v confess_v 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o i_o say_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o your_o sin_n lay_v yourselves_o low_a that_o his_o glory_n may_v ●●e_v advance_v put_v your_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n justify_v his_o holy_a law_n though_o in_o so_o do_v you_o condemn_v yourselves_o say_v with_o the_o return_v prodigal_n luk._n 15.21_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o riches_n of_o freegrace_n in_o that_o god_n be_v yet_o please_v to_o offer_v you_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n the_o golden_a sceptre_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v touch_v it_o and_o live_v methinks_v this_o shall_v encourage_v you_o and_o put_v life_n and_o vigour_n into_o your_o proceed_n and_o draw_v out_o your_o very_a soul_n in_o sweet_a return_v of_o love_n to_o god_n lord_n be_v there_o yet_o hope_n be_v there_o any_o mercy_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o behold_v i_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o call_n blessed_n be_v god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o humble_o implore_v pardon_v mercy_n for_o your_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o your_o present_a and_o future_a duty_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o case_n shall_v make_v you_o very_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a in_o these_o request_n so_o you_o have_v great_a encouragement_n give_v you_o to_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a goodness_n god_n delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o have_v proclaim_v his_o gracious_a name_n exod._n 34.6_o 9_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v psal_n 25.11_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a plead_v the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assure_v yourselves_o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o forgive_v as_o you_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v your_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n psal_n 51.17_o and_o since_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o you_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a therefore_o trust_v not_o to_o your_o own_o resolution_n or_o strength_n pray_v hard_o for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n ●ay_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n yield_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n careful_o strike_v in_o with_o all_o his_o motion_n lord_n here_o be_o i_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v teach_v i_o the_o way_n wherein_o i_o shall_v go_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n strengthen_v i_o with_o may_v in_o my_o inward_a man._n magnify_v thy_o power_n in_o my_o weakness_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o 4._o and_o now_o give_v up_o yourselves_o unfeigned_o to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n if_o you_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n that_o be_v your_o portion_n happiness_n soul-satisfying_a good_a you_o must_v be_v his_o people_n devote_v to_o his_o love_n and_o service_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v mutual_a else_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o great_a freedom_n cheerfulness_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n you_o will_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v your_o shield_n and_o your_o exceed_a great_a reward_n 5._o live_v henceforth_o as_o become_v the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n renounce_v your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n let_v the_o time_n pass_v of_o your_o life_n suffice_v you_o to_o have_v fulfil_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n remember_v you_o must_v now_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o heretofore_o you_o have_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n must_v be_v
our_o soul_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o serious_a discharge_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o conclude_v this_o head_n be_v not_o so_o intent_n upon_o any_o one_o part_n of_o duty_n as_o to_o overlook_v the_o rest_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.6_o i_o esteem_v thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n vers_fw-la 128._o 4._o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o generation_n of_o seeker_n psal_n 24.6_o so_o psal_n 27.8_o when_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o h●a●t_n say_v u●to_fw-mi thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v how_o 〈◊〉_d do_v we_o find_v this_o duty_n press_v upon_o we_o pray_v always_o pray_v and_o faint_v not_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n pray_v to_o your_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a pray_v every_o where_o pray_v without_o cease_v etc._n etc._n yea_o we_o find_v the_o holy_a person_n frequent_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a duty_n psal_n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n psal_n 109.4_o i_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o prayer_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o example_n but_o i_o forbear_v o_o sir_n it_o be_v on_o our_o knee_n that_o we_o must_v get_v strength_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n the_o actuate_a of_o holy_a desire_n and_o present_v they_o to_o god_n must_v needs_o tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o strengthen_v those_o habit_n of_o grace_n from_o which_o such_o desire_n proceed_v beside_o as_o it_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o a_o undeniable_a duty_n shall_v not_o a_o people_n seek_v unto_o their_o god_n a_o most_o reasonable_a piece_n of_o service_n so_o a_o answerable_a blessing_n may_v be_v expect_v upon_o it_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o psal_n 81.10_o ask_v for_o great_a thing_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n come_v not_o with_o mean_a poor_a narrow_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v not_o cold_a nor_o lazy_a in_o your_o request_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5._o a_o learned_a divine_a mention_n secret_a prayer_n in_o the_o forefront_n of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v natural_o most_o backward_o mr._n baxter_n now_o one_o will_v think_v our_o own_o necessity_n shall_v even_o constrain_v we_o to_o it_o alas_o how_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o it_o and_o how_o much_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o strive_v against_o our_o indisposition_n to_o it_o how_o sweet_a be_v a_o duty_n when_o rescue_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o difficulty_n o_o sir_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o god_n hear_v no_o often_o from_o we_o and_o with_o no_o great_a fervency_n sure_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a approach_n to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o more_o like_o he_o remember_v god_n have_v way_n enough_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o your_o knee_n what_o if_o dark_a cloud_n shall_v arise_v upon_o you_o or_o some_o sharp_a affliction_n befall_v you_o then_o it_o be_v likely_a you_o will_v come_v cry_v after_o he_o and_o seek_v he_o early_o hos_fw-la 5.15_o but_o why_o not_o without_o so_o much_o ado_n why_o shall_v not_o gentle_a method_n prevail_v with_o you_o be_v but_o acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o you_o need_v not_o want_v either_o matter_n or_o motive_n for_o this_o great_a duty_n never_o expect_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n without_o keep_v up_o life_n and_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n with_o a_o passage_n which_o i_o late_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o excellent_a mr._n philip_n henry_n to_o the_o publisher_n whereof_o i_o here_o return_v my_o most_o humble_a thanks_o it_o be_v as_o follows_z pag._n 75._o be_v sure_o you_o look_v to_o secret_a duty_n keep_v that_o up_o whatever_o you_o do_v the_o soul_n can_v prosper_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o apostasy_n general_o begin_v at_o the_o closer-door_n secret_a prayer_n be_v first_o neglect_v and_o careless_o perform_v then_o frequent_o omit_v and_o after_o a_o while_n whole_o cast_v off_o and_o then_o farewell_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o religion_n 5._o learn_v the_o art_n of_o holy_a meditation_n it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o draw_v in_o life_n strength_n and_o sweetness_n from_o those_o great_a gospel-truths_n which_o inconsiderate_a person_n lay_v by_o as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o useless_a thing_n it_o be_v this_o that_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o clear_v our_o apprehension_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o set_v on_o work_v our_o resolution_n affection_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o soul-improving_a duty_n indeed_o nor_o can_v you_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o meditation_n if_o you_o will_v but_o see_v your_o thought_n at_o work_n and_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o it_o meditate_v upon_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n truth_n all-sufficiency_n think_v i_o say_v on_o these_o and_o think_v again_o till_o become_v impression_n be_v wrought_v upon_o your_o own_o spirit_n change_v you_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o think_v not_o upon_o god_n in_o a_o slighty_a or_o ordinary_a manner_n but_o with_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o admiration_n lest_o you_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a whereof_o you_o may_v be_v guilty_a in_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n let_v every_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v mighty_a upon_o you_o and_o participate_v in_o some_o suitable_a measure_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o almighty_a object_n think_v much_o on_o your_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o he_o be_v what_o he_o do_v what_o he_o suffer_v and_o why_o as_o also_o what_o he_o have_v further_a promise_v to_o do_v thus_o let_v christ_n dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n think_v on_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n upon_o your_o soul_n how_o infinite_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o he_o how_o much_o you_o have_v still_o to_o do_v with_o he_o how_o direct_a and_o explicit_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o your_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o he_o as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o how_o careful_a you_o shall_v be_v to_o carry_v becoming_o towards_o he_o think_v on_o the_o holiness_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n how_o sweet_a how_o reasonable_a how_o advantageous_a that_o obedience_n be_v which_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n psal_n 119.97_o think_v on_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n what_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n and_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v do_v what_o they_o be_v enjoy_v till_o your_o soul_n be_v on_o the_o wing_n long_v to_o be_v join_v to_o that_o holy_a and_o happy_a society_n think_v on_o the_o grace_n wherein_o you_o be_v most_o defective_a consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o how_o ill_o you_o can_v live_v without_o they_o or_o without_o great_a degree_n of_o they_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o grace_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o meditation_n lift_v up_o your_o eye_n and_o your_o soul_n to_o heaven_n for_o help_v therein_o o_o that_o you_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o try_v this_o course_n to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a and_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o meditation_n the_o advantage_n will_v be_v great_a every_o way_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o this_o more_o state_v exercise_n of_o meditation_n it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o employment_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v often_o send_v up_o a_o thought_n or_o ejaculation_n towards_o heaven_n direct_v 3._o if_o your_o endeavour_n thus_o far_o prove_v successful_a so_o that_o you_o find_v more_o grace_n and_o strength_n come_v in_o thereby_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o so_o much_o the_o mor●_n for_o god_n much_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v your_o talent_n be_v to_o be_v trade_v with_o no●_n hide_v in_o a_o napkin_n as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n abound_v towards_o you_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o you_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a 1_o cor._n 15.10.58_o sure_o it_o
not_o our_o own_o self_n but_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o then_o will_v the_o rich_a and_o mighty_a sense_n of_o those_o glorious_a word_n be_v feel_v and_o therefore_o understand_v 1_o joh._n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n eph._n 3.19_o the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v he_o this_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o end_n of_o vision_n and_o therefore_o rather_o to_o be_v call_v beatific_a than_o it_o the_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v in_o order_n to_o those_o of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o divine_a glory_n in_o the_o complete_a blessedness_n of_o his_o holy_a one_o the_o end_n of_o both_o it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o a_o great_a divine_a mr._n baxter_n you_o be_v deceive_v if_o you_o think_v that_o any_o one_o notion_n speak_v more_o to_o you_o of_o heaven_n and_o of_o your_o ultimate_a end_n than_o the_o love_n of_o god._n then_o will_v the_o weary_a soul_n be_v at_o rest_n and_o never_o more_o disturb_v with_o fruitless_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o thing_n which_o can_v profit_v it_o have_v now_o find_v its_o centre_n no_o more_o of_o break_a cistern_n it_o be_v get_v to_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n it_o can_v now_o say_v i_o be_o at_o ease_n i_o have_v enough_o i_o have_v all_o if_o all_o love_n have_v or_o rather_o be_v complacency_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o as_o st._n augustine_n and_o many_o other_o after_o he_o observe_v o_o how_o pleasant_a wil●_n it_o be_v perfect_o to_o love_v so_o perfect_a so_o glorious_a a_o object_n the_o god_n of_o love_n fit_v we_o for_o it_o the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o the_o near_a be_v we_o to_o heaven_n be_v sure_a you_o remember_v that_o or_o else_o i_o lose_v my_o labour_n you_o your_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o vital_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o acte●●_n both_o in_o the_o working_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o wi●●_n and_o make_v they_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a and_o will_v be_v eve●_n ready_a to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n ever●_n thing_n of_o duty_n will_v be_v con-natural_a to_o it_o 2._o the_o perfect_v soul_n shall_v receive_v everlasting_a influence_n and_o communication_n from_o god_n it_o be_v most_o enlarged_a capacity_n shall_v be_v complete_o fill_v as_o in_o the_o first_o formation_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n we_o be_v first_o act●●_n by_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o then_o act_v towards_o he_o and_o by_o so_o act_v be_v fit_v to_o receive_v more_o from_o he_o so_o will_v it_o be_v when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n the_o glorious_a perfect_v soul_n be_v a_o creature_n still_o and_o therefore_o hold_v its_o all_z in_o full_a dependence_n upon_o its_o god_n it_o offer_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o it_o have_v first_o receive_v from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o fountain_n 〈◊〉_d that_o bless_a life_n by_o which_o it_o live_v in_o his_o light_n it_o see_v light_a and_o by_o the_o continual_a effusion_n of_o h●●_n love_n shed_v abroad_o upon_o it_o it_o be_v constrain_v to_o lo●●_n he_o his_o mighty_a hand_n enable_v it_o to_o bear_v this_o weigh●_n of_o glory_n the_o light_n wherein_o it_o rejoice_v be_v that_o of_o h●●_n countenance_n and_o his_o attractive_a love_n determine_v it_o 〈◊〉_d himself_o it_o own_v he_o in_o all_o and_o be_v ever_o wrap_v up_o 〈◊〉_d the_o high_a admiration_n of_o condescend_v goodness_n it_o be_v more_o sensible_a than_o ever_o of_o its_o own_o nothingness_n as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all._n as_o heaven_n be_v a_o state_n of_o the_o high_a advancement_n so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o deep_a humility_n the_o near_a they_o be_v to_o god_n say_v one_o the_o more_o apprehensive_a of_o their_o distance_n for_o as_o the_o same_o reverend_a person_n mr._n howe_n observe_v elsewhere_o the_o distance_n even_o of_o a_o glorify_a creature_n from_o the_o glorious_a god_n be_v still_o infinite_o great_a than_o between_o it_o and_o the_o silly_a worm_n the_o minute_a atom_n of_o dust_n hence_o we_o find_v that_o even_o the_o seraphim_n veil_v their_o face_n before_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n isa_n 6.2_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o cast_v their_o crown_n before_o his_o throne_n worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o rev._n 4.10_o 11._o chap._n 5.14_o thus_o run_v the_o triumphant_a praise_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n no●_n unto_o we_o o_o lord_n not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thy_o name_n give_v glory_n such_o be_v the_o exercise_n such_o the_o fruition_n of_o those_o bless_a soul_n who_o have_v wash_v their_o robe_n and_o make_v they_o white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n rev._n 7.14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n such_o be_v the_o glory_n to_o which_o they_o be_v advance_v though_o they_o be_v sometime_o afar_o off_o as_o well_o as_o we_o now_o they_o be_v near_o indeed_o they_o stand_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n dwell_v among_o they_o they_o know_v he_o love_v he_o and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o feel_v by_o inward_a sweet_a vital_a experience_n that_o they_o be_v know_v of_o he_o belove_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o live_v in_o they_o as_o for_o the_o adjunct_n and_o concurrent_a circumstance_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o bless_a state_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v the_o place_n be_v glorious_a the_o throne_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n ●sa_fw-la 66.1_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n thus_o the_o great_a mediator_n rev._n 3.21_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o 〈◊〉_d also_o overcome_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o moon_n will_v be_v needless_a ●here_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n 〈◊〉_d the_o light_n thereof_o chap._n 21.23_o the_o society_n will_v be_v suitable_a even_a angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n all_o who_o happiness_n will_v be_v we_o and_o we_o they_o for_o narrow_a selfishness_n have_v no_o place_n there_o but_o that_o which_o crown_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v this_o blessedness_n shall_v be_v eternal_a rev._n 3.12_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o o_o bless_a word_n and_o thrice_o bless_a state_n happy_a they_o that_o be_v safe_a land_v all_o danger_n be_v over_o with_o they_o for_o ever_o i_o can_v name_v it_o without_o fear_n of_o miss_v it_o yet_o i_o have_v hope_n the_o lord_n forgive_v the_o remnant_n of_o unbelief_n faintness_n and_o impatience_n that_o be_v in_o we_o we_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o crown_n without_o overcome_v god_n help_v we_o patient_o to_o wait_v and_o quiet_o to_o trust_v our_o almighty_a alwise_a and_o most_o gracious_a guide_n thou_o shall_v guide_v i_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v i_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n psal_n 73.24_o if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o let_v he_o follow_v i_o and_o where_o i_o be_o there_o shall_v also_o my_o servant_n be_v if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n john_n 12.26_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o be_v slothful_a but_o follow_v of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n heb._n 6.12_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o poor_a weak_a imperfect_a account_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n nevertheless_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o inser_n how_o utter_o unfit_a the_o best_a of_o we_o be_v and_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n still_o be_v by_o nature_n for_o this_o blessen_v state_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v amiss_o to_o make_v some_o enquiry_n how_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v so_o corrupt_v and_o ill-disposed_a to_o its_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o both_o these_o brief_o because_o it_o will_v prepare_v you_o to_o understand_v wha●_n be_v to_o come_v after_o 1._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o such_o and_o therefore_o all_o of_o they_o be_v utter_o unfit_a for_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o most_o evident_a truth_n he_o that_o run_v may_v real_a it_o even_o they_o themselves_o may_v easy_o discern_v it_o be_v they_o not_o blind_v and_o befool_v by_o their_o lust_n on●_n will_v think_v it_o shall_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d escape_v their_o notice_n how_o averse_a their_o heart_n be_v from_o god_n christ_n holiness_n and_o by_o consequence_n from_o heaven_n though_o something_o
there_o be_v but_o they_o know_v not_o well_o what_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o desire_v under_o that_o name_n carnal_a they_o be_v and_o therefore_o savour_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n ●f_a their_o mind_n be_v inward_o and_o deep_o disaffect_v towards_o god_n enmity_n even_o in_o the_o abstract_n against_o he_o alienate_v from_o he_o no_o pulse_n no_o breathe_v no_o tendency_n towards_o he_o they_o care_v not_o for_o come_v near_o he_o but_o glad_o will_v if_o they_o know_v how_o secure_v themselves_o from_o he_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n be_v take_v up_o with_o other_o object_n their_o time_n and_o strength_n be_v lay_v out_o in_o pamper_v and_o care_v for_o that_o flesh_n which_o they_o carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o love_v the_o world_n as_o afford_v suitable_a provision_n for_o it_o but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o they_o this_o their_o way_n be_v their_o folly_n yet_o their_o posterity_n approve_v their_o say_n psal_n 49.13_o and_o now_o judge_v you_o whether_o such_o person_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o heavenly_a state_n or_o no_o review_v the_o description_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o it_o what!_o shall_v man_n imagine_v themselves_o meet_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o they_o hate_v he_o industrious_o exclude_v he_o from_o their_o thought_n avoid_v all_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o prefer_v the_o most_o empty_a trifle_n before_o he_o persist_v in_o wilful_a rebellion_n against_o he_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v at_o how_o vast_a a_o distance_n be_v such_o man_n from_o happiness_n certain_o as_o one_o say_v the_o notion_n and_o nature_n of_o blessedness_n must_v be_v change_v or_o else_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o spirit_n either_o they_o must_v have_v new_a heart_n create_v or_o a_o new_a heaven_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v happy_a 2._o let_v we_o inquire_v a_o little_a how_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v so_o deprave_v and_o unfit_a for_o its_o happiness_n and_o end_n certain_a we_o be_v that_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o but_o he_o quick_o lose_v his_o integrity_n by_o withdraw_a himself_n from_o his_o dear_a dependence_n upon_o and_o subjection_n to_o his_o maker_n he_o will_v needs_o have_v his_o concern_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o be_v at_o his_o own_o disposal_n thus_o he_o seek_v out_o many_o invention_n change_v his_o ultimate_a end_n fall_v from_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o so_o become_v unholy_a and_o unhappy_a both_o at_o once_o and_o be_v upon_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o the_o extreme_a misery_n and_o past_o all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n if_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v not_o step_v in_o to_o his_o relief_n thus_o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n by_o this_o woeful_a apostasy_n human_a nature_n become_v so_o corrupt_v this_o it_o be_v that_o introduce_v those_o wretched_a distemper_n of_o spirit_n which_o make_v man_n so_o unfit_a for_o heaven_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath._n who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a our_o first_o parent_n can_v not_o transmit_v to_o their_o posterity_n that_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o nature_n even_o that_o holy_a image_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v lose_v themselves_o therefore_o we_o be_v estrange_v from_o god_n even_o from_o the_o womb_n shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o conceive_v in_o sin_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n not_o fit_a for_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n till_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o new_a nature_n i._n e._n till_o we_o be_v wrought_v for_o this_o selfsame_a thing_n so_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o a_o mighty_a change_n pass_v upon_o we_o to_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o that_o change_n be_v not_o obscure_o intimate_v and_o point_v at_o in_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v which_o now_o we_o come_v more_o large_o and_o distinct_o to_o treat_v of_o chap._n iii_o a_o further_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a change_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n be_v wrought_v and_o prepare_v for_o heaven_n i_o know_v not_o who_o thou_o be_v that_o read_v these_o line_n but_o if_o this_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n seem_v strange_a or_o uncouth_a to_o thou_o as_o most_o thing_n do_v that_o be_v not_o after_o the_o common_a mode_n i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o shut_v the_o book_n stop●_n little_a and_o before_o thou_o proceed_v any_o further_a consider_v well_o what_o thou_o have_v read_v already_o particular_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v the_o blessedness_n of_o holy_a soul_n in_o heaven_n namely_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o perfect_a fitness_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o know_v he_o love_v he_o delight_v and_o rest_v in_o he_o admire_v adore_a serve_v and_o praise_v he_o to_o all_o eternity_n and_o in_o receive_v the_o most_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a influence_n and_o communication_n from_o he_o digest_v this_o well_o form_n as_o distinct_a a_o conception_n of_o it_o as_o thou_o can_v and_o then_o put_v the_o question_n to_o thy_o own_o reason_n what_o kind_n of_o preparation_n seem_v necessary_a to_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o this_o and_o especial_o ask_v thyself_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n heart_n be_v dispose_v and_o affect_v towards_o god_n in_o this_o world_n that_o he_o may_v be_v qualify_v for_o perfect_a happiness_n and_o rest_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o a_o better_a world_n think_v well_o how_o thou_o will_v answer_v this_o question_n as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o life_n yea_o know_v that_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o this_o by_o god_n blessing_n will_v prepare_v thou_o to_o understand_v and_o believe_v what_o i_o be_o about_o to_o offer_v to_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o exercise_v thy_o reason_n as_o a_o man_n i_o expect_v not_o thou_o shall_v become_v a_o sincere_a christian_a for_o let_v i_o tell_v thou_o serious_a godliness_n or_o true_a christianity_n be_v the_o most_o rational_a manly_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o point_n in_o the_o follow_a method_n i._o i_o will_v set_v before_o you_o some_o general_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o great_a change_n ii_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o more_o distinct_o the_o several_a step_n whereby_o this_o bless_a work_n be_v begin_v carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o general_a you_o may_v observe_v as_o follow_v i._o this_o great_a change_n consist_v in_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n from_o who_o we_o have_v so_o deep_o revolt_v we_o fall_v from_o god_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n as_o levi_n pay_v tithe_n in_o abraham_n heb._n 7.9_o 10._o we_o bring_v not_o original_a righteousness_n but_o nature_n exceed_o corrupt_v into_o the_o world_n with_o we_o and_o many_o actual_a transgression_n have_v proceed_v from_o that_o corruption_n so_o that_o our_o iniquity_n be_v become_v exceed_o sinful_a therefore_o we_o must_v be_v deep_o humble_v for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n from_o who_o we_o be_v fall_v isa_n 55.7_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18._o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_z ezek._n 33.11_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a turn_v you_o turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o sir_n you_o must_v turn_v or_o die_v all_o your_o idol_n must_v be_v renounce_v especial_o carnal_a self_n to_o which_o the_o rest_n be_v subservient_fw-fr whatever_o stand_v in_o competition_n or_o contrariety_n to_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v so_o must_v be_v reject_v with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n that_o you_o may_v cleave_v entire_o to_o he_o they_o that_o be_v far_o from_o god_n shall_v perish_v psal_n 73.27_o you_o must_v be_v bring_v near_o to_o he_o or_o else_o you_o can_v possible_o escape_v none_o but_o he_o can_v satisfy_v the_o vast_a desire_n of_o your_o soul_n how_o then_o shall_v you_o be_v happy_a while_o you_o affect_v a_o distance_n from_o he_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n all_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n must_v be_v wrought_v upon_o or_o