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your_o life_n and_o may_v raise_v you_o up_o to_o that_o glorious_a dignity_n of_o be_v embrace_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n a_o bless_a issue_n to_o such_o comfortable_a endeavour_n and_o however_o tedious_a this_o directory_n may_v seem_v in_o its_o read_n yet_o i_o dare_v witness_n to_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o person_n in_o the_o great_a hurry_v of_o outward_a affair_n have_v time_n enough_o for_o this_o easy_a work_n it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v intermix_v in_o the_o throng_n of_o affair_n and_o the_o more_o affair_n be_v lay_v in_o your_o way_n the_o great_a opportunity_n you_o have_v to_o observe_v god_n providence_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o that_o build_v upon_o his_o bless_a word_n as_o a_o mean_a of_o keep_v up_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n in_o your_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o love_n to_o he_o that_o so_o communion_n with_o god_n may_v be_v your_o life_n on_o earth_n which_o will_v make_v you_o live_v comfortable_o and_o die_v triumphant_o i_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o lay_v the_o way_n before_o you_o and_o the_o lord_n himself_o give_v you_o strength_n to_o choose_v it_o and_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o finis_fw-la
perform_v a_o distinct_a worship_n of_o christ_n in_o prayer_n and_o do_v hope_n that_o i_o be_o under_o the_o instruction_n and_o inward_a power_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v shall_v guide_v we_o unto_o all_o truth_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o mean_n john_n 14.26_o what_o be_v a_o guide_n otherwise_o in_o nature_n and_o way_n of_o power_n upon_o the_o soul_n than_o that_o the_o product_v only_o of_o religious_a education_n and_o of_o the_o notional_a knowledge_n of_o christianity_n as_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n with_o a_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n so_o by_o this_o very_a experience_n i_o have_v be_v wonderful_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n against_o all_o the_o socinianism_n falsehood_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o age_n in_o that_o duty_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o have_v often_o be_v so_o ravish_v with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n love_n in_o himself_o as_o god_n and_o man_n that_o at_o the_o very_a time_n i_o have_v be_v in_o great_a exercise_n of_o pity_n towards_o those_o poor_a creature_n who_o deny_v his_o godhead_n and_o have_v oft_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o unacquaintance_n with_o themselves_o on_o god_n own_o word_n experience_n in_o their_o soul_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o distrust_n of_o christ_n as_o god_n how_o weak_a be_v the_o socinian_n argument_n against_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n as_o god_n and_o though_o they_o be_v prevalent_a upon_o some_o unacquainted_a with_o god_n word_n at_o least_o not_o experimental_o feel_v as_o truth_n upon_o their_o soul_n yet_o they_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v repel_v by_o the_o scriptural_a discovery_n of_o christ_n two_o distinct_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n for_o ever_o and_o how_o much_o more_o weak_a will_v they_o appear_v at_o that_o bless_a day_n of_o resurrection_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o in_o his_o perfect_a glory_n as_o god-man_n redeemer_n of_o lose_a man_n and_o the_o judge_n 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you_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n turn_v socinian_n never_o know_v christ_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o a_o notional_a knowledge_n please_v to_o its_o self_n but_o never_o feel_v that_o saving-knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n plant_v or_o water_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n john_n c._n 1._o v._n 3._o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o in_o five_o 10._o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o it_o know_v he_o not_o undoubted_o therefore_o he_o make_v up_o one_o of_o they_o gen._n 1.26_o who_o say_v let_v we_o make_v man_n one_o in_o nature_n though_o three_o person_n distinct_a be_v not_o the_o soul_n a_o man_n one_o in_o essence_n though_o different_a in_o its_o faculty_n of_o judgement_n will_n and_o affection_n colos_n ch_n 1._o v._n 14_o 15_o 16._o by_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o son_n that_o redeem_v we_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a all_o 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be_v to_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o 32_o verse_n they_o stumble_v at_o the_o stumbling-stone_n isaiah_n c._n 6._o who_o can_v read_v it_o throughout_o and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o 12_o chapter_n of_o john_n v._n 38._o and_o not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n therefore_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v because_o isaiah_n say_v he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v and_o be_v convert_v as_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o that_o 6_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n and_o in_o the_o 41st_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n of_o john_n it_o be_v express_v these_o thing_n say_v isaiah_n when_o he_o see_v his_o glory_n and_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o 6_o chapter_n he_o do_v express_v it_o sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n high_a and_o lift_v up_o his_o train_n 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return_n to_o the_o prayer_n christ_n spirit_n help_v i_o to_o ask_v and_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o such_o a_o change_n in_o my_o soul_n as_o bespeak_v my_o interest_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o evident_a supply_n of_o his_o strength_n enable_v i_o to_o be_v victor_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o former_o i_o give_v way_n to_o three_o when_o god_n have_v be_v to_o afford_v i_o the_o evidence_n of_o great_a supply_n of_o strength_n to_o suppress_v wander_a thought_n in_o duty_n sudden_o and_o powerful_o for_o some_o time_n ardent_a desire_n and_o great_a spirituality_n in_o petition_v god_n have_v seize_v i_o answerable_a to_o which_o marvellous_a freedom_n from_o wander_a thought_n have_v occur_v and_o that_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n i_o have_v be_v exercise_v in_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o this_o experience_n be_v when_o at_o a_o certain_a time_n my_o petition_n run_v out_o for_o strength_n to_o overcome_v wander_v in_o duty_n with_o full_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o supplicate_v and_o by_o a_o passage_n of_o providence_n establish_v my_o comfort_n though_o wander_n prevail_v and_o a_o mean_a of_o help_v forward_o my_o victory_n therein_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n be_v thus_o be_v one_o sabbath-morning_n hinder_v from_o my_o ordinary_a place_n of_o hear_v and_o have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o hear_v sermon_n in_o the_o afternoon_n i_o find_v my_o desire_n with_o a_o constrain_a force_n towards_o another_o place_n and_o minister_n which_o be_v so_o strong_a without_o any_o rational_a motive_n thereto_o that_o i_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v though_o several_a difficulty_n occur_v in_o my_o way_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o which_o sermon_n my_o disposition_n be_v so_o spiritual_a that_o my_o thought_n have_v full_a flight_n thither_o and_o i_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o low_a esteem_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o all_o its_o allurement_n but_o which_o be_v the_o circumstance_n most_o remarkable_a be_v a_o question_n a_o minister_n be_v desire_v to_o answer_v to_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o help_v wander_a thought_n in_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n my_o mind_n be_v hurry_v withal_o then_o the_o thing_n christ_n spirit_n be_v help_v i_o to_o petition_v strength_n against_o and_o to_o which_o he_o be_v give_v return_n with_o sensible_a supply_n and_o with_o this_o passage_n of_o providence_n quiet_v my_o mind_n and_o as_o a_o help_n to_o forward_o my_o endeavour_n and_o victory_n over_o it_o his_o word_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o complaint_n common_a to_o all_o believer_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o sense_n and_o concern_v for_o it_o the_o christian_n be_v not_o overcome_v by_o it_o go_v therefore_o on_o not_o only_o strive_v against_o it_o but_o beg_v the_o lord_n aid_n to_o vanquish_v it_o four_o previous_a to_o a_o sensible_a change_n in_o myself_o as_o to_o watchfulness_n in_o conversation_n against_o reproach_v of_o other_o sudden_o and_o undesigned_o and_o for_o some_o continue_a time_n my_o soul_n be_v carry_v
disappoint_v my_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n common_o lead_v to_o such_o end_n but_o discover_v god_n design_n yea_o infinite_a love_n in_o my_o own_o disappointment_n and_o my_o meditation_n thereupon_o be_v thus_o do_v the_o lord_n strengthen_v i_o eminent_o after_o my_o fit_a of_o sickness_n and_o continual_o in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o my_o address_n to_o heaven_n since_o that_o time_n to_o ask_v for_o advance_v of_o this_o reliance_n and_o have_v the_o lord_n return_v this_o petition_n by_o sensible_a reliance_n upon_o himself_o never_o former_o acquaint_v with_o and_o that_o in_o a_o mysterious_a conduct_n of_o outward_a providence_n shall_v i_o therefore_o bring_v forth_o this_o ill_a improvement_n of_o not_o work_v with_o god_n or_o of_o trust_v god_n only_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o smile_a favour_n when_o difficulty_n sensible_o have_v tend_v to_o the_o increase_a my_o dependence_n upon_o god_n or_o trust_v god_n only_o when_o other_o thing_n be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o 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argue_v so_o much_o of_o speciality_n as_o if_o each_o have_v be_v the_o alone_a belove_a child_n of_o god_n about_o who_o he_o have_v spend_v his_o special_a love_a care_n whereas_o those_o round_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a conduct_n of_o common_a providence_n they_o can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o the_o general_a power_n of_o a_o great_a and_o merciful_a god_n as_o creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o not_o as_o their_o god_n and_o father_n or_o their_o providence_n attend_v they_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o he_o through_o christ_n and_o as_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n enjoy_v the_o earnest_n thereof_o in_o the_o special_a outward_a providence_n and_o inward_a work_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n attend_v their_o life_n great_a loss_n therefore_o that_o christian_n incur_v who_o though_o under_o the_o special_a conduct_n of_o outward_a providence_n yet_o want_v the_o sense_n thereof_o unless_o in_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o want_n of_o a_o general_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o step_n of_o god_n way_n with_o himself_o from_o his_o first_o conversion_n to_o a_o full_a establishment_n in_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n a_o christian_n that_o have_v be_v observant_a of_o god_n outward_a and_o inward_a conduct_n not_o only_o witness_n a_o speciality_n of_o providence_n regard_v god_n own_a child_n but_o he_o will_v patient_o bear_v afflict_v dispensation_n that_o be_v design_v to_o make_v he_o sensible_a of_o his_o neglect_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o he_o and_o of_o his_o neglect_n or_o careless_a performance_n of_o particular_a duty_n and_o may_v change_v his_o nature_n from_o secure_a cold_a and_o lazy_a to_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o zealous_a and_o to_o make_v he_o more_o watchful_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o resist_a temptation_n and_o mortify_a corruption_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o grace_n that_o may_v preserve_v he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tempter_n a_o christian_a under_o the_o same_o special_a conduct_n of_o god_n care_n but_o without_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o step_n of_o god_n providence_n have_v neither_o the_o knowledge_n nor_o the_o strength_n that_o the_o observe_a christian_n have_v convey_v to_o his_o soul_n as_o the_o true_a effect_n of_o so_o desirable_a a_o duty_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o droop_v in_o his_o spirit_n when_o afflict_v not_o know_v god_n design_n in_o particular_a though_o rely_v on_o that_o bless_a word_n that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n yet_o miss_v god_n particular_a design_n in_o the_o present_a want_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o present_a mercy_n thereby_o to_o be_v bestow_v he_o become_v in_o danger_n of_o satan_n tempt_v he_o to_o despondency_n of_o a_o melancholy_a carriage_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o pass_v his_o pilgrimage_n state_n under_o cloud_n second_o that_o since_o god_n own_o child_n be_v under_o the_o 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the_o gradual_a growth_n of_o all_o the_o young_a tender_a branch_n in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o in_o train_v up_o his_o babe_n in_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o he_o feed_v the_o one_o with_o milk_n and_o the_o other_o with_o meat_n know_v well_o what_o each_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o and_o can_v bear_v either_o of_o his_o smile_n or_o correct_v stripe_n order_v each_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o perfect_a of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o meet_v for_o eternal_a glory_n the_o experience_n whereof_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o some_o serious_a christian_n but_o not_o exact_a observer_n who_o will_v reply_v upon_o impart_v a_o particular_a method_n of_o god_n with_o a_o soul_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n you_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o depend_v upon_o that_o particular_a way_n god_n act_n with_o you_o in_o lest_o satan_n make_v it_o a_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n and_o yourselves_o when_o he_o shall_v please_v 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powerful_o to_o pray_v for_o strength_n to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o reproach_v other_o either_o through_o the_o natural_a tendency_n thereto_o the_o common_a example_n of_o other_o or_o out_o of_o the_o tempting-design_n of_o self-applause_n in_o the_o disparagement_n of_o other_o and_o answerable_a hereto_o marvellous_a strength_n of_o christ_n spirit_n be_v afford_v i_o with_o special_a providence_n discover_v this_o spiritual_a strength_n accompany_v with_o the_o bear_n home_o upon_o my_o thought_n that_o of_o st._n matthew_n chap._n 7._o ver_fw-la 12._o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o with_o they_o that_o then_o i_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v myself_o against_o my_o own_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o other_o example_n preserve_v from_o this_o too_o natural_a and_o common_a vice_n even_o of_o lazy_a and_o profess_v christian_n who_o by_o the_o actual_a remembrance_n of_o this_o very_a passage_n may_v 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not_o the_o motive_n of_o this_o charitable_a action_n and_o nothing_o then_o have_v be_v more_o please_a than_o to_o find_v that_o a_o willingliness_n to_o obey_v god_n command_n on_o purpose_n to_o please_v he_o in_o the_o compassionate_a relief_n of_o other_o a_o cheerfulness_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o reluctancy_n a_o sincerity_n without_o the_o least_o desire_n of_o its_o be_v know_v be_v the_o ingredient_n of_o the_o duty_n i_o desire_v to_o witness_v the_o difficulty_n of_o thus_o perform_v action_n without_o great_a and_o actual_a influence_n of_o strength_n from_o above_o the_o reception_n whereof_o be_v often_o obtain_v by_o that_o bless_a mean_n of_o solemn_a or_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n intercede_v for_o his_o people_n the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n impress_v upon_o i_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n all-seeing_a eye_n and_o that_o scripture_n be_v continual_o in_o my_o thought_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o unto_o the_o 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patience_n through_o former_a experience_n and_o prayer_n wait_v without_o disquiet_a till_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v sweet_o order_v that_o disappointment_n to_o be_v for_o my_o great_a good_a i_o can_v instance_n in_o this_o experience_n a_o matter_n of_o great_a worldly_a concern_n where_o disappointment_n have_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o desire_v and_o probable_a expectation_n from_o whence_o have_v issue_v a_o providence_n at_o first_o appearance_n not_o so_o desirable_a or_o please_a but_o a_o mercy_n far_o beyond_o what_o i_o now_o know_v the_o other_o will_v have_v be_v and_o have_v some_o comfortable_a circumstance_n in_o it_o not_o so_o common_a in_o such_o a_o matter_n one_o instance_n great_o advance_v reliance_n upon_o god_n and_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v former_o lay_v down_o of_o a_o certain_a correspondency_n between_o christ_n spirit_n help_v the_o soul_n to_o ask_v in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v return_v it_o be_v that_o my_o frame_n in_o 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a_o return_n to_o prayer_n concern_v they_o and_o as_o a_o token_n of_o special_a favour_n in_o they_o and_o though_o they_o have_v be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v repute_v small_a yet_o they_o have_v be_v accompany_v with_o as_o immediateness_n of_o providence_n as_o clear_v a_o discovery_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o in_o weighty_a concern_v design_v thereby_o to_o bring_v i_o into_o a_o dependence_n upon_o he_o for_o all_o thing_n the_o mean_a not_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o providence_n many_o instance_n of_o this_o experience_n i_o can_v bring_v forth_o in_o respect_n of_o my_o go_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o of_o servants_z coming_z to_z and_o go_v from_o i_o yea_o reach_v even_o to_o irrational_a creature_n that_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o i_o have_v have_v experience_n that_o according_a to_o my_o strength_n in_o petition_v divine_a favour_n concern_v they_o and_o according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o neglect_v or_o beginning_n and_o continue_v this_o seriousness_n so_o successfulness_n or_o unsuccessfulness_n have_v occur_v at_o this_o very_a time_n of_o god_n train_v i_o into_o a_o dependence_n upon_o himself_o a_o powerful_a bear_n home_o of_o scripture_n upon_o my_o soul_n of_o promise_n for_o instruction_n conduct_n and_o comfort_n have_v be_v a_o remarkable_a mean_n in_o god_n hand_n and_o marvellous_o bless_v with_o that_o great_a end_n of_o remove_v diffidence_n and_o settle_v reliance_n upon_o himself_o the_o first_o whereof_o by_o way_n of_o promise_n be_v that_o of_o the_o 6_o chapter_n of_o matthew_n vers_n 33._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o of_o this_o promise_n till_o now_o i_o can_v never_o feel_v the_o powerful_a efficacy_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o myself_o for_o comfort_n at_o my_o first_o entrance_n upon_o business_n in_o the_o world_n this_o scripture_n sudden_o seize_v my_o thought_n without_o any_o previous_a meditation_n thereupon_o or_o read_v it_o with_o remark_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o with_o such_o constancy_n of_o impression_n that_o in_o diversion_n in_o real_a business_n at_o home_o and_o abroad_o this_o scripture_n will_v still_o rush_v upon_o my_o thought_n its_o suddenness_n and_o constancy_n of_o impression_n its_o suitableness_n to_o my_o circumstance_n at_o that_o time_n go_v to_o engage_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n where_o temptation_n to_o omit_v or_o intermit_v the_o seek_a grace_n in_o my_o soul_n may_v abound_v and_o its_o correspondency_n to_o experience_n that_o afterward_o occur_v in_o my_o concern_v on_o earth_n as_o mean_n of_o sound_a grace_n in_o my_o soul_n make_v i_o hope_v it_o be_v bear_v upon_o i_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n a_o further_a confirmation_n and_o certainty_n whereof_o i_o have_v have_v not_o only_o from_o its_o continuance_n even_o till_o this_o day_n in_o my_o thought_n with_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o make_v i_o seek_v god_n first_o in_o all_o my_o concern_v and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o as_o the_o god_n that_o hear_v prayer_n but_o also_o from_o the_o marvellous_a method_n of_o god_n in_o my_o life_n enable_v i_o to_o use_v endeavour_n and_o give_v his_o success_n to_o they_o chief_o when_o i_o be_o most_o diligent_a to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o my_o soul_n never_o can_v i_o say_v that_o i_o be_v diligent_a and_o spiritual_a in_o the_o mean_n of_o read_v prayer_n and_o the_o like_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o grace_n in_o my_o soul_n but_o even_o then_o all_o outward_a comfort_n flow_v in_o upon_o i_o with_o great_a sweetness_n in_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o then_o divine_a providence_n have_v afford_v i_o opportunity_n and_o success_n in_o my_o temporal_a affair_n yea_o i_o never_o observe_v myself_o at_o any_o time_n disquiet_v or_o under_o the_o probable_a or_o real_a danger_n of_o the_o withdrawing_n of_o these_o comfort_n but_o i_o always_o find_v myself_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o spirituality_n of_o frame_n and_o of_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o experience_n i_o be_o still_o hold_v and_o do_v hope_n while_o i_o live_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o apply_v it_o as_o a_o special_a gift_n from_o god_n divine_a and_o merciful_a hand_n yea_o with_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o 19_o psalm_n and_o 49th_o v._n i_o have_v often_o find_v it_o a_o prevail_a argument_n in_o prayer_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v remember_v the_o word_n to_o his_o servant_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v cause_v he_o to_o hope_v it_o be_v indeed_o his_o own_o work_n sudden_o to_o bring_v and_o fix_v it_o upon_o my_o thought_n at_o a_o time_n when_o i_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o spiritual_a power_n accompany_v any_o scripture-truth_n and_o a_o beginning_n only_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o a_o special_a conduct_n of_o providence_n round_o i_o but_o now_o it_o appear_v more_o plain_o his_o work_n by_o its_o confirmation_n from_o the_o outward_a providence_n and_o inward_a work_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o my_o soul_n since_o till_o which_o confirmation_n i_o do_v not_o experimental_o understand_v it_o and_o bless_v be_v his_o name_n i_o be_o at_o quiet_a that_o he_o will_v continue_v my_o hope_n therein_o till_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n have_v have_v its_o perfection_n here_o and_o i_o pass_v into_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o glory_n where_o promise_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o of_o use_n but_o there_o shall_v be_v the_o perfect_a fruition_n of_o our_o rich_a privilege_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n a_o second_o scripture_n bear_v home_o upon_o my_o soul_n with_o instruction_n and_o as_o a_o mean_a of_o advance_v reliance_n upon_o god_n more_o than_o upon_o mean_n be_v that_o scripture_n in_o daniel_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o pulse_n nourish_v he_o that_o he_o look_v fair_a and_o fat_a than_o these_o child_n feed_v with_o king_n meat_n one_o evening_n in_o read_v this_o passage_n of_o god_n word_n i_o find_v my_o mind_n deep_o impress_v with_o meditation_n upon_o it_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n though_o many_o a_o time_n i_o have_v read_v the_o same_o scripture_n and_o with_o great_a seriousness_n but_o without_o such_o depth_n of_o thought_n this_o make_v i_o hope_n at_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n spirit_n it_o prove_v afterward_o a_o rule_n of_o action_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o advance_v great_a reliance_n upon_o a_o divine_a blessing_n to_o food_n than_o ever_o former_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o myself_o the_o thought_n seize_v i_o at_o the_o time_n be_v first_o the_o great_a weight_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o a_o divine_a blessing_n for_o the_o nourishment_n of_o our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o food_n eat_v second_o the_o great_a seriousness_n that_o be_v necessary_a in_o
petition_v a_o divine_a blessing_n and_o the_o exact_a extension_n of_o our_o petition_n to_o all_o thing_n receive_v for_o that_o end_n of_o nourishment_n thereby_o reprove_v myself_o and_o other_o for_o the_o formal_a and_o overly_o address_v god_n herein_o and_o not_o endeavour_v the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o spirituality_n of_o frame_n as_o in_o other_o set_n and_o solemn_a petition_n and_o not_o petition_v god_n divine_a blessing_n for_o every_o thing_n we_o desire_v nourishment_n from_o or_o pleasure_n in_o three_o a_o resolution_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v a_o performance_n at_o least_o much_o better_a than_o ever_o before_o to_o extend_v my_o supplication_n to_o god_n for_o all_o thing_n take_v for_o the_o support_n of_o life_n and_o in_o as_o serious_a a_o manner_n as_o for_o matter_n of_o high_a concern_n god_n be_v the_o same_o when_o then_o address_v to_o as_o when_o by_o solemn_a long_a and_o numerous_a petition_n and_o though_o to_o other_o food_n come_v in_o a_o common_a way_n of_o providence_n yet_o to_o god_n own_o child_n in_o a_o line_n of_o special_a favour_n and_o therefore_o more_o obligatory_a upon_o they_o to_o show_v their_o trust_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n seem_o in_o common_a with_o other_o as_o well_o as_o for_o more_o special_a concern_v and_o that_o in_o a_o way_n become_v the_o god_n they_o be_v more_o especial_o acquaint_v with_o and_o the_o great_a trust_n they_o pretend_v and_o do_v give_v to_o god_n than_o other_o who_o only_o enjoy_v all_o those_o favour_n as_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o general_a provider_n in_o a_o common_a way_n of_o distribution_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o instruction_n reproof_n and_o resolution_n have_v be_v in_o myself_o to_o avoid_v all_o opportunity_n of_o public_a petition_v a_o divine_a blessing_n upon_o these_o outward_a favour_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o follow_a account_n first_o because_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o go_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n if_o my_o resolution_n be_v faithful_o perform_v and_o any_o thing_n uncommon_a either_o in_o spiritual_a or_o outward_a thing_n draw_v forth_o many_o time_n reproaching_n from_o carnal_a person_n yea_o the_o very_a apprehension_n of_o such_o person_n present_a to_o my_o certain_a experience_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o mar_v a_o serious_a spiritual_a petition_v god_n divine_a blessing_n the_o common_a road_n of_o professor_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v form_n and_o brevity_n and_o consider_v the_o mix_a company_n this_o duty_n be_v often_o to_o be_v perform_v with_o a_o petition_n for_o god_n divine_a blessing_n with_o the_o serious_a thoughtfulness_n upon_o what_o be_v express_v many_o time_n prevent_v the_o mock_n that_o attend_v a_o spiritual_a posture_n of_o soul_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n without_o a_o form_n there_o be_v many_o conversant_a with_o we_o at_o meal_n who_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o power_n of_o education_n and_o fear_n of_o reproach_n will_v please_v their_o palate_n without_o any_o blessing_n petition_v thereupon_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a with_o great_a comfort_n than_o when_o burden_v with_o a_o serious_a address_n to_o god_n or_o religious_a conversation_n among_o themselves_o i_o rather_o therefore_o eschew_v the_o opportunity_n than_o spoil_v my_o serious_a address_n to_o god_n have_v little_a satisfaction_n in_o perform_v this_o duty_n unspiritual_o and_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o mind_n confine_v to_o a_o form_n of_o thought_n and_o word_n aforehand_o must_v needs_o lay_v occasion_n of_o restraint_n upon_o the_o breathe_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n which_o run_v with_o strong_a force_n of_o thought_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o great_a extension_n of_o word_n as_o any_o acquaint_v therewith_o will_v witness_v of_o i_o i_o grant_v a_o seriousness_n of_o thought_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o a_o form_n in_o this_o duty_n but_o far_o different_a from_o that_o spirituality_n of_o soul_n evidential_a sensible_a of_o christ_n spirit_n act_v therewith_o yea_o from_o my_o own_o experience_n i_o can_v witness_v that_o i_o have_v have_v my_o frame_n of_o mind_n that_o have_v be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a posture_n allay_v with_o a_o overly_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n brevity_n i_o accuse_v as_o mar_v of_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n i_o must_v testify_v that_o sometime_o i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n cold_a and_o lazy_a in_o the_o frame_n of_o my_o soul_n but_o in_o the_o progress_n thereof_o a_o holy_a heat_n have_v be_v diffuse_v in_o my_o affection_n and_o therefore_o just_o may_v fear_v that_o if_o my_o frame_n be_v cold_a pass_v immediate_o from_o the_o world_n to_o this_o duty_n a_o repeat_v some_o short_a sentence_n in_o a_o form_n will_v be_v over_o before_o spirituality_n have_v seize_v my_o thought_n and_o so_o prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o prevent_a spirituality_n but_o for_o a_o serious_a spiritual_a soul_n i_o think_v he_o hardly_o capable_a of_o perform_v this_o duty_n with_o common_a brevity_n he_o be_v carry_v out_o many_o time_n beyond_o design_n and_o word_n both_o expose_v he_o and_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o mock_v of_o such_o if_o then_o present_a and_o therefore_o reservedness_n in_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o great_o affect_v take_v therefore_o my_o reason_n thus_o for_o eschew_v the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o i_o may_v neither_o keep_v off_o divine_a influence_n by_o form_n nor_o short'n_o the_o sweetness_n thereof_o by_o brevity_n nor_o expose_v myself_o and_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o ridicul_v of_o those_o who_o either_o will_v willing_o feast_v upon_o god_n good_a thing_n without_o ever_o acknowledge_v he_o the_o giver_n or_o petition_v his_o blessing_n to_o follow_v they_o rather_o than_o cool_v the_o victual_n a_o degree-more_a than_o suit_v their_o palate_n and_o gratify_v the_o sensual_a appetite_n a_o second_o reason_n of_o eschew_v public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n have_v be_v because_o of_o this_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o heavenliness_n of_o mind_n i_o endeavour_v after_o throughout_o the_o day_n out_o of_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o in_o duty_n which_o hinder_v a_o rush_n from_o worldly_a discourse_n to_o a_o petition_v of_o god_n with_o three_o or_o four_o sentence_n by_o roat_n and_o set_v forth_o a_o duty_n proceed_v from_o a_o mind_n spiritual_a and_o actual_o serious_a beside_o when_o at_o any_o time_n i_o be_o heaven_o carry_v out_o petition_v god_n in_o any_o duty_n i_o find_v that_o often_o petition_n and_o expression_n will_v run_v upon_o matter_n that_o i_o have_v be_v former_o plead_v for_o throughout_o the_o day_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o willing_o desire_v any_o company_n perhaps_o to_o know_v of_o and_o to_o restrain_v myself_o in_o this_o frame_n be_v what_o will_v great_o burden_v my_o soul_n and_o rather_o incline_v i_o to_o lose_v such_o comfort_n though_o never_o so_o grateful_a to_o sense_n my_o method_n therefore_o and_o great_a endeavour_n be_v that_o whether_o other_o perform_v this_o duty_n or_o myself_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a meet_v with_o nothing_o that_o may_v occasion_v its_o unspiritual_a performance_n and_o when_o other_o be_v so_o short_a my_o soul_n be_v not_o at_o ease_n till_o i_o have_v serious_o ejaculate_v my_o thought_n to_o heaven_n easy_o do_v without_o the_o least_o knowledge_n to_o the_o shortsighted_a professor_n round_n and_o privacy_n to_o myself_o i_o make_v choice_n of_o unless_o family-relation_n engage_v i_o that_o so_o neither_o form_n nor_o brevity_n may_v hinder_v i_o of_o so_o sweet_a a_o enjoyment_n as_o spiritual_a frame_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o that_o what_o bear_v most_o in_o my_o thought_n towards_o god_n through_o the_o day_n may_v not_o be_v prevent_v from_o be_v utter_v through_o the_o fear_n of_o other_o know_v it_o or_o ridicul_v the_o duty_n because_o of_o it_o three_o another_o scripture_n be_v bear_v home_o upon_o my_o soul_n by_o way_n of_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n when_o one_o day_n i_o happen_v to_o be_v out_o of_o all_o business_n respect_v my_o call_v and_o discover_v one_o of_o the_o same_o way_n with_o myself_o in_o great_a hurry_n therein_o some_o repine_a melancholy_a thought_n begin_v to_o spring_v up_o of_o which_o i_o be_v concerned_o sensible_a at_o the_o time_n and_o anxious_a how_o to_o suppress_v they_o but_o after_o walk_v some_o four_o or_o five_o pace_n i_o see_v the_o bible_n before_o i_o which_o i_o take_v up_o without_o any_o design_n of_o serious_a read_n therein_o but_o the_o first_o verse_n that_o my_o eye_n fix_v upon_o be_v that_o of_o the_o 9th_o verse_n of_o the_o 5_o chapter_n of_o james_n grudge_v not_o one_o against_o the_o other_o which_o immediate_o bear_v home_n upon_o i_o with_o astonish_a amazement_n that_o so_o exact_o it_o shall_v suit_v my_o circumstance_n which_o perhaps_o may_v have_v from_o lust_n within_o and_o satan_n without_o occasion_v the_o neglect_n of_o regard_v
god_n in_o all_o event_n and_o the_o attribute_v this_o to_o chance_n or_o some_o external_a accident_n if_o i_o have_v not_o discover_v god_n own_a hand_n in_o the_o matter_n for_o beside_o god_n adapt_a it_o so_o suitable_o to_o my_o present_a case_n by_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n there_o immediate_o issue_v relief_n to_o my_o anxiety_n and_o full_a quiet_a of_o mind_n and_o comfortable_a satisfaction_n without_o the_o least_o repine_v and_o i_o still_o find_v upon_o the_o occurrence_n of_o the_o like_a temptation_n a_o power_n not_o reduceable_a to_o myself_o as_o the_o fountain_n but_o proceed_v from_o christ_n and_o convey_v by_o his_o spirit_n work_v mighty_o in_o my_o soul_n let_v therefore_o these_o prosper_v and_o other_o excel_v i_o my_o satisfaction_n be_v found_v on_o god_n special_a conduct_n of_o providence_n round_o i_o god_n overrule_a all_o event_n for_o such_o a_o end_n as_o the_o dethron_n of_o corruption_n and_o the_o raise_n of_o grace_n to_o such_o perfection_n of_o faith_n and_o meetness_n for_o heaven_n as_o will_v be_v reward_v with_o a_o abundant_a entrance_n into_o that_o bless_a kingdom_n this_o divine_a calm_a of_o mind_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o great_a comforter_n for_o mere_a reason_n and_o natural_a constitution_n can_v quiet_v we_o upon_o such_o motive_n and_o be_v but_o weak_a bulwark_n to_o defend_v against_o disquiet_v impression_n when_o difficulty_n occur_v four_o have_v set_v apart_o some_o time_n for_o private_a prayer_n concern_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a affair_n and_o read_v some_o scripture_n before_o it_o one_o verse_n thereof_o affect_v my_o thought_n by_o way_n of_o instruction_n more_o than_o the_o other_o part_n of_o that_o portion_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 10_o chapter_n of_o ecclesiastes_n curse_v not_o the_o king_n in_o thy_o thought_n nor_o the_o rich_a in_o thy_o bedchamber_n for_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n shall_v declare_v the_o voice_n and_o the_o fowl_n with_o wing_n shall_v tell_v the_o matter_n in_o the_o read_n whereof_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n accompany_v i_o that_o set_v i_o a_o resolve_v from_o that_o moment_n to_o eschew_v speak_v evil_a private_o and_o that_o by_o way_n of_o whisper_n against_o my_o superior_n and_o other_o and_o to_o leave_v whatever_o may_v be_v express_v against_o myself_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n to_o the_o permission_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n under_o who_o especial_a conduct_n i_o have_v some_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o be_v state_v have_v at_o this_o very_a time_n often_o and_o often_o experience_v that_o upon_o report_v any_o thing_n injurious_a to_o other_o either_o from_o a_o foundation_n of_o self-applause_n or_o of_o spread_v a_o reproach_n with_o that_o privacy_n that_o i_o have_v imagine_v it_o impossible_a the_o reproach_n can_v ever_o reach_v their_o ear_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o and_o providential_o return_v i_o with_o the_o just_a 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christian_n yea_o nation_n and_o church_n to_o great_a imminent_a danger_n before_o he_o pour_v out_o his_o smile_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o that_o regard_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o his_o providence_n round_o we_o of_o our_o duty_n to_o cry_v unto_o he_o in_o public_a and_o closet-address_n and_o if_o these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o trouble_n at_o this_o day_n if_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o far_o great_a pinch_n of_o extremity_n than_o we_o be_v or_o can_v be_v at_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v but_o to_o behold_v the_o return_v of_o providential_a smile_v upon_o our_o outward_a thing_n and_o spiritual_a influence_n upon_o our_o soul_n with_o riches_n and_o inward_a peace_n among_o christian_n yet_o in_o our_o land_n it_o be_v but_o this_o summer_n when_o god_n providential_o by_o the_o great_a and_o continue_a rain_n threaten_a scarcity_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o merciful_a condescension_n suffer_v it_o to_o fall_v out_o when_o a_o fast_o be_v 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power_n and_o godhead_n the_o exact_a observer_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n find_v as_o true_o his_o compassionate_a care_n in_o answer_v their_o request_n for_o small_a thing_n as_o in_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o their_o life_n yea_o that_o when_o mattea_n of_o small_a moment_n have_v be_v manage_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n with_o dependence_n and_o resignation_n to_o he_o they_o have_v then_o have_v both_o a_o better_a event_n than_o if_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o humane_a power_n and_o policy_n have_v be_v trust_v to_o or_o ill_a mean_n make_v use_v of_o for_o its_o obtain_n and_o that_o the_o honour_v of_o god_n so_o faithful_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n and_o true_a reliance_n upon_o he_o for_o the_o event_n of_o a_o small_a concern_v have_v be_v encourage_v by_o god_n lay_v a_o great_a matter_n in_o their_o way_n and_o great_o honour_v they_o therein_o it_o be_v therefore_o your_o duty_n to_o trust_v god_n in_o all_o circumstance_n afflict_v or_o 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the_o method_n bring_v it_o about_o lose_v thereby_o the_o actual_a excitement_n of_o the_o excellent_a grace_n and_o so_o miss_v of_o much_o comfort_n and_o light_n that_o other_o enjoy_v four_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o your_o prayer_n by_o the_o never-failing_a correspondency_n between_o a_o prayer_n perform_v as_o be_v express_v and_o a_o return_n thereto_o this_o be_v according_a to_o god_n own_o word_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o diligent_a true_a observe_v christian_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o among_o thousand_o of_o experience_n train_v i_o to_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o establishment_n therein_o i_o shall_v have_v meet_v with_o one_o contradict_v it_o i_o know_v i_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o passage_n upon_o my_o advancement_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n way_n that_o at_o first_o view_n seem_v great_o oppose_v of_o this_o and_o if_o a_o strict_a observation_n have_v be_v intermit_v 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god_n and_o by_o wrestle_v with_o he_o we_o get_v a_o holy_a heat_n of_o affection_n though_o in_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v but_o cold_o affect_v these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o hindrance_n which_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o watch_v against_o and_o there_o be_v many_o other_o which_o the_o observe_a christian_n will_v discover_v and_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v concern_v the_o other_o to_o wit_n the_o occasion_n of_o mistake_v the_o natural_a work_n of_o the_o affection_n for_o the_o spirit_n be_v work_n in_o prayer_n i_o shall_v first_o in_o general_n say_v that_o the_o not_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n first_o design_v to_o pray_v in_o pray_v and_o after_o prayer_n lead_v into_o many_o mistake_n according_a to_o the_o inward_a and_o habitual_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n such_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o affection_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o usual_o such_o be_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n second_o the_o judge_v that_o common_a seriousness_n in_o christian_a duty_n be_v all_o the_o spirituality_n that_o be_v necessary_a or_o attainable_a may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o mistake_n for_o this_o will_v make_v they_o content_a without_o seek_v for_o supernatural_a influence_n and_o without_o the_o perception_n of_o they_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o often_o use_v of_o prayer_n be_v the_o best_a help_n to_o train_v this_o soul_n in_o the_o further_a knowledge_n of_o the_o breathe_n of_o christ_n spirit_n three_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a seriousness_n from_o the_o ardent_a desire_n of_o obtain_v the_o thing_n petition_v for_o may_v impose_v upon_o some_o with_o its_o resemblance_n to_o spirituality_n as_o also_o a_fw-fr christian_n indifferency_n in_o obtain_v a_o thing_n pray_v for_o may_v impose_v a_o resemblance_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o straighten_n in_o prayer_n through_o christ_n withdrawing_n four_o the_o rational_a hope_n of_o obtain_v our_o petition_n or_o the_o rational_a improbability_n of_o obtain_v may_v sometime_o impose_v a_o resemblance_n of_o spirituality_n and_o constraint_n in_o prayer_n a_o experience_n whereof_o i_o have_v have_v concern_v friend_n dangerous_o ill_a who_o in_o my_o thought_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o physician_n have_v be_v die_v from_o which_o seem_v certainty_n of_o their_o die_v i_o have_v have_v a_o unwillingness_n as_o be_v altogether_o needless_a to_o pray_v for_o they_o i_o remember_v of_o a_o child_n who_o be_v dangerous_o ill_a without_o sensible_a pulse_n cold_a as_o clay_n and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o die_v or_o dead_a which_o rational_a conjecture_n so_o impress_v i_o as_o to_o restrain_v i_o from_o prayer_n concern_v it_o but_o next_o morning_n in_o my_o closet_n prayer_n not_o design_v a_o petition_n for_o the_o child_n suppose_v it_o then_o assure_o dead_a a_o sudden_a seriousness_n and_o spirituality_n seize_v i_o carry_v i_o forth_o in_o prayer_n for_o this_o child_n which_o at_o first_o astonish_v my_o thought_n till_o send_v to_o know_v if_o alive_a i_o hear_v of_o its_o life_n and_o great_a amendment_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o infinite_a condescension_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o direction_n as_o preventive_a of_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n accompany_v it_o and_o that_o as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o weak_a christian_n to_o use_v these_o mean_n without_o fear_n or_o doubt_v of_o god_n wise_a and_o love_a conduct_n of_o they_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o error_n unless_o god_n permission_n thereof_o be_v for_o the_o christian_n good_n take_v that_o way_n to_o establish_v grace_n strong_a in_o the_o soul_n first_o his_o impress_v i_o at_o the_o time_n with_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o matter_n that_o never_o to_o my_o remembrance_n be_v i_o under_o false_a resemblance_n of_o spirituality_n or_o constraint_n in_o prayer_n but_o at_o the_o time_n i_o have_v some_o discovery_n of_o it_o second_o such_o danger_n never_o occur_v to_o my_o experience_n till_o god_n have_v establish_v my_o right_a knowledge_n both_o of_o spirituality_n and_o constraint_n in_o prayer_n and_o that_o by_o experience_n in_o abundance_n a_o part_n of_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o say_v this_o as_o a_o witness_n for_o god_n condescension_n and_o wisdom_n in_o train_v the_o sincere_a diligent_a christian_a groan_v after_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n way_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o mean_n yet_o i_o say_v it_o not_o to_o encourage_v laziness_n either_o in_o the_o beginning_n or_o more_o grow_v christian_a but_o excite_v they_o to_o more_o serious_a and_o strict_a observation_n of_o their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v i_o find_v it_o more_o common_a with_o private_a christian_n than_o former_o to_o observe_v enlargement_n in_o prayer_n and_o constraint_n therein_o as_o forerunner_n of_o their_o enjoy_v or_o not_o
then_o to_o be_v sure_o a_o real_a christian_n serious_o perform_v a_o prayer_n with_o a_o natural_a affect_a way_n of_o expression_n may_v make_v a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n like_v unto_o that_o sensible_a preparation_n give_v in_o by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n to_o ask_v what_o god_n be_v to_o return_v now_o to_o judge_n either_o of_o these_o prayer_n seem_o put_v up_o in_o spirituality_n as_o real_o spiritual_a and_o to_o expect_v from_o thence_o the_o health_n and_o life_n of_o your_o friend_n upon_o that_o sure_a foundation_n of_o god_n word_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o prepare_v the_o christian_n to_o ask_v when_o he_o be_v to_o incline_v his_o ear_n and_o yet_o the_o person_n do_v not_o recover_v may_v great_o tend_v to_o make_v they_o mistake_v when_o they_o judge_v it_o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n a_o failure_n in_o god_n truth_n rather_o than_o a_o failure_n in_o themselves_o in_o judge_v that_o prayer_n spiritual_a and_o presage_v a_o gracious_a return_n which_o real_o bear_v no_o evidence_n of_o either_o but_o if_o you_o observe_v the_o prayer_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o other_o christian_n in_o public_a put_v up_o spiritual_o and_o judge_v it_o as_o god_n token_n give_v you_o for_o good_a you_o that_o be_v concern_v and_o real_o acquaint_v with_o experimental_a christianity_n do_v not_o only_o find_v a_o sense_n and_o impression_n at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o prayer_n as_o its_o be_v god_n evidence_n of_o good_a but_o retire_v yourselves_o to_o your_o private_a prayer_n you_o will_v find_v the_o same_o frame_n upon_o your_o own_o soul_n as_o evidence_n both_o of_o god_n return_v it_o and_o of_o the_o other_o perform_n it_o spiritual_o and_o that_o your_o judgement_n therefore_o be_v right_a when_o a_o return_n be_v in_o god_n design_n though_o his_o spirit_n be_v one_o yet_o he_o influence_n many_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o ask_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o god_n thus_o there_o be_v more_o witness_n to_o his_o mercy_n and_o its_o greatness_n appear_v the_o more_o and_o he_o be_v the_o more_o honour_a thereby_o both_o caution_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v by_o a_o late_a instance_n of_o my_o own_o experience_n among_o many_o i_o can_v produce_v which_o for_o brevity_n i_o must_v omit_v that_o thereby_o you_o may_v know_v how_o many_o time_n a_o christian_a be_v help_v by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n to_o ask_v of_o god_n for_o a_o friend_n recovery_n and_o yet_o unless_o continue_v through_o the_o whole_a illness_n the_o recovery_n have_v not_o issue_v thereby_o you_o may_v also_o know_v the_o right_n judge_v of_o another_o spiritual_a frame_n in_o prayer_n the_o instance_n be_v concern_v a_o friend_n of_o my_o own_o for_o who_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n address_v to_o by_o some_o minister_n who_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n they_o seem_o be_v wonderful_o carry_v out_o in_o prayer_n answerable_a to_o which_o there_o be_v a_o present_a relief_n appear_v but_o go_v off_o soon_o after_o and_o continue_v not_o throughout_o the_o course_n of_o their_o illness_n i_o find_v in_o myself_o in_o prayer_n a_o perfect_a dryness_n as_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n for_o they_o which_o make_v i_o continual_o express_v myself_o with_o fear_n of_o their_o death_n except_v one_o prayer_n in_o a_o evening_n in_o my_o closet_n which_o upon_o discourse_n with_o other_o friend_n i_o find_v to_o be_v the_o very_a exact_a time_n of_o other_o be_v unite_v to_o pray_v and_o the_o time_n of_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n of_o which_o joint_n and_o solemn_a prayer_n i_o know_v nothing_o at_o the_o time_n of_o my_o own_o observation_n which_o i_o have_v set_v down_o in_o my_o diary_n till_o afterward_o in_o discourse_n with_o friend_n and_o i_o have_v set_v it_o down_o with_o special_a remark_n but_o except_v that_o one_o prayer_n i_o find_v they_o lose_v in_o all_o my_o other_o petition_n and_o proclaim_v my_o fear_n when_o their_o physician_n have_v great_a hope_n and_o their_o symptom_n have_v some_o abatement_n with_o the_o wonder_v of_o friend_n what_o can_v be_v my_o reason_n move_v i_o to_o think_v this_o if_o any_o shall_v ask_v i_o after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v spirituality_n in_o prayer_n and_o its_o answerableness_n to_o return_v whether_o return_v from_o god_n be_v only_o to_o such_o petition_n breathe_v upon_o sensible_o by_o christ_n spirit_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o great_a heavenliness_n of_o thought_n and_o word_n than_o common_o or_o if_o extend_v to_o prayer_n perform_v with_o no_o other_o sensible_a seriousness_n than_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o a_o christian_n self_n before_o the_o answer_n i_o shall_v first_o lay_v down_o the_o difference_n between_o strengthen_v and_o comfort_v influence_n of_o christ_n spirit_n david_n have_v his_o withdrawing_n of_o comfortable_a influence_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n and_o to_o such_o a_o time_n as_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o psal_n 77.7_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o and_o in_o ver_fw-la 8._o do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n though_o insensible_a then_o thereof_o he_o be_v under_o the_o strengthen_n divine_a influence_n of_o christ_n spirit_n for_o when_o david_n come_v to_o himself_o after_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o return_v thence_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o comfort_v influence_n he_o say_v in_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o though_o i_o be_v so_o foolish_a and_o carry_v myself_o as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o nevertheless_o thou_o have_v hold_v i_o up_o by_o my_o right_a hand_n from_o whence_o i_o draw_v a_o caution_n to_o deject_a christian_n not_o to_o think_v that_o though_o god_n withdraw_v his_o comfort_a breathe_n former_o experience_a and_o that_o for_o holy_a end_n of_o reproof_n for_o not_o better_o entertain_v 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god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n when_o such_o a_o view_n of_o he_o will_v force_v their_o remembrance_n of_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n the_o adoration_n due_a to_o he_o as_o god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n though_o he_o humble_v himself_o that_o we_o may_v be_v exalt_v and_o may_v in_o heaven_n see_v his_o glory_n and_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o glorious_a likeness_n it_o will_v be_v righteous_a that_o those_o who_o vilify_v the_o redeemer_n shall_v not_o reign_v with_o he_o and_o since_o they_o deny_v that_o he_o wash_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n with_o his_o blood_n it_o be_v righteous_a that_o their_o guilt_n shall_v remain_v on_o they_o for_o ever_o he_o that_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n strengthen_v he_o will_v notwithstanding_o the_o subtle_a cavil_n of_o other_o glorify_v he_o as_o the_o incarnate_a son_n of_o god_n who_o purchase_v grace_n and_o glory_n for_o he_o by_o his_o humiliation_n and_o confer_v it_o in_o his_o 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not_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o those_o only_o in_o young_a year_n but_o necessary_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o person_n of_o more_o mature_a age._n first_o i_o advise_v the_o young_a that_o they_o will_v not_o rest_v satisfy_v to_o answer_v their_o parent_n instruction_n or_o in_o the_o customary_a method_n of_o read_v so_o many_o chapter_n a_o day_n and_o that_o at_o their_o usual_a time_n but_o to_o consider_v what_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o conformity_n to_o it_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o by_o it_o that_o by_o right_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a will_n they_o be_v preserve_v from_o youthful_a lust_n from_o the_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o vicious_a and_o contagious_a example_n of_o other_o let_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o way_n be_v deep_o set_v in_o they_o before_o they_o read_v controversy_n in_o
it_o be_v entertain_v very_o cold_o or_o with_o contempt_n and_o derision_n as_o to_o recreation_n doubtful_a among_o christian_n play_v at_o card_n and_o the_o like_a whether_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a i_o think_v it_o be_v best_o to_o keep_v the_o judgement_n free_a from_o entangle_v scruple_n but_o to_o restrain_v our_o practice_n and_o according_o i_o desire_v to_o order_v my_o conversation_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o since_o nothing_o in_o christ_n command_n or_o example_n or_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v express_v herein_o i_o judge_v it_o best_o to_o regulate_v my_o practice_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a christian_n who_o i_o know_v have_v abstain_v from_o recreation_n of_o a_o suspect_a nature_n a_o second_o reason_n to_o i_o be_v that_o recreation_n though_o seem_v innocent_a have_v often_o be_v and_o be_v dangerous_a snare_n to_o man_n how_o many_o have_v resolve_v to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o a_o recreation_n 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spiritual_a state_n and_o their_o more_o apply_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v the_o character_n of_o their_o party_n than_o to_o preach_v truth_n suitable_a to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o congregation_n some_o preacher_n be_v call_v legal_a other_o evangelical_n and_o according_a to_o the_o different_a opinion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v censure_v or_o commend_v but_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n defame_v and_o pollute_v his_o profession_n who_o do_v not_o make_v it_o his_o sole_a end_n to_o glorify_v christ_n and_o save_v soul_n and_o for_o that_o end_n the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v discover_v the_o undo_v condition_n of_o sinner_n that_o they_o may_v come_v weary_a and_o heavy-laden_a to_o our_o compassionate_a saviour_n make_v he_o appear_v the_o more_o lovely_a to_o their_o view_n that_o they_o may_v with_o unfeigned_a willingness_n walk_v in_o those_o mean_n wherein_o his_o spirit_n may_v be_v find_v to_o apply_v christ_n with_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o the_o needy_a soul_n i_o can_v but_o mention_v what_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o myself_o that_o upon_o any_o stir_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n tend_v to_o puff_n i_o up_o after_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god_n or_o leave_v a_o kind_n of_o security_n in_o the_o follow_a duty_n what_o need_v i_o have_v have_v of_o reflect_v upon_o the_o law_n show_v thereby_o to_o myself_o how_o insufficient_a i_o be_v to_o give_v full_a obedience_n thereto_o or_o to_o perform_v any_o one_o part_n thereof_o aright_o unless_o by_o the_o continue_a assistance_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n to_o be_v obtain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v duty_n to_o be_v in_o the_o close_a work_n of_o use_v mean_n and_o to_o ascribe_v benefit_n obtain_v therein_o to_o the_o free_a and_o powerful_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o any_o disposition_n or_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o therefore_o the_o meditation_n of_o law_n and_o grace_n must_v be_v join_v the_o first_o lead_v to_o the_o other_o and_o great_o discover_v the_o efficacy_n thereof_o yea_o more_o than_o that_o contemplate_v alone_o shall_v i_o see_v the_o precious_a excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o see_v my_o lose_a corrupt_a deprave_a state_n shall_v i_o see_v the_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o work_v and_o plant_v grace_n not_o see_v my_o own_o insufficiency_n to_o act_v without_o it_o again_o before_o the_o close_a of_o the_o same_o evening_n i_o have_v be_v bring_v under_o such_o concern_n for_o one_o failure_n or_o other_o that_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n have_v convince_o and_o comfortable_o by_o serious_a reflection_n want_v to_o have_v be_v apply_v to_o my_o soul_n shall_v therefore_o one_o christian_a need_n the_o bear_n home_o of_o both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o one_o day_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v a_o congregation_n make_v up_o of_o christian_n whereof_o some_o be_v secure_a and_o other_o tender_a and_o self-condemning_a stand_v in_o need_n of_o sermon_n of_o both_o sort_n or_o of_o a_o sermon_n make_v up_o of_o both_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o minister_n to_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o by_o divine_a influence_n they_o may_v be_v direct_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o fit_a subject_n and_o assist_v in_o their_o preparatory_a study_n and_o in_o their_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o not_o with_o entice_a word_n only_o of_o man_n wisdom_n that_o it_o may_v be_v beneficial_a and_o save_v to_o their_o hearer_n the_o neglect_n of_o this_o method_n may_v occasion_v the_o choice_n of_o a_o unsuitable_a subject_n and_o its_o delivery_n to_o be_v unsavoury_a unless_o to_o the_o mere_a notional_a christian_a a_o minister_n of_o eminent_a holiness_n tell_v i_o that_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v his_o
all_o his_o way_n more_o strict_o and_o pray_v more_o frequent_o and_o fervent_o and_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o more_o application_n they_o will_v feel_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n revive_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o will_v show_v forth_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o conversation_n which_o will_v be_v convince_a of_o other_o that_o religion_n be_v a_o divine_a disposition_n productive_a of_o fruit_n suitable_a to_o it_o a_o holy_a habit_n of_o soul_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o business_n and_o diversion_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o constant_a converse_n with_o heaven_n every_o day_n you_o have_v two_o excellent_a motive_n to_o this_o exhortation_n first_o because_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o any_o hindrance_n to_o your_o business_n and_o lawful_a diversion_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o you_o enter_v into_o worldly_a affair_n to_o read_v a_o chapter_n with_o pool_n annotation_n and_o to_o give_v yourselves_o and_o 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that_o in_o such_o a_o endeavour_n you_o be_v keep_v serious_a with_o god_n in_o your_o thought_n and_o you_o be_v blessed_v according_o the_o remembrance_n whereof_o will_v make_v you_o ready_a in_o all_o your_o affair_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o divine_a blessing_n and_o depend_v upon_o god_n in_o do_v your_o duty_n and_o thankful_a for_o his_o succeed_v your_o endeavour_n the_o second_o be_v that_o this_o constant_a look_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n ejaculatory_a or_o solemn_a with_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o our_o ordinary_a calling_n with_o less_o trouble_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o toil_n to_o our_o body_n this_o will_v cure_v the_o anxiety_n of_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o event_n and_o consequent_o make_v we_o more_o moderate_a and_o orderly_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n it_o be_v the_o anxious_a desire_n of_o obtain_v a_o event_n the_o great_a fear_n of_o lose_v it_o that_o set_v people_n mind_n on_o the_o rack_n to_o contrive_v 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