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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n pray_v prayer_n supplication_n 6,912 5 11.1562 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A45370 The private Christian's witness for Christianity to the notional and erroneous apprehensions of the Arminian, Socinian, and Deist of the age : with the easy and true means leading the prophane, meer professor, and lazy Christian, to the same experience, as preservative against the infection of each, and against the ill example of the practical blemishes in lazy Christians conversation. Hamilton, David, Sir, 1663-1721. 1697 (1697) Wing H477; ESTC R9357 136,639 289

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that_o duty_n the_o spirit_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o intelligencer_n of_o heaven_n he_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o most_o favourable_a season_n and_o by_o soft_a whisper_v and_o warm_a impulse_n bring_v we_o in_o god_n presence_n to_o pray_v for_o mercy_n when_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o bestow_v they_o he_o do_v with_o sensible_a enlargement_n open_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o as_o under_o the_o law_n when_o fire_n fall_v from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n acceptance_n so_o when_o a_o sacred_a fire_n kindle_v our_o affection_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n our_o request_n be_v accept_v he_o mix_v in_o our_o prayer_n reverence_n with_o filial_a confidence_n resignation_n to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o reliance_n upon_o his_o love_n and_o power_n and_o when_o a_o mercy_n be_v bestow_v the_o spirit_n convert_v our_o prayer_n into_o praise_n and_o by_o the_o mercy_n confirm_v our_o faith_n inflame_v our_o love_n and_o endear_v obedience_n to_o we_o concern_v the_o person_n of_o who_o the_o follow_a paper_n give_v a_o account_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v he_o be_v a_o christian_n inward_o who_o have_v have_v a_o state_v intercourse_n with_o heaven_n and_o have_v record_v the_o gracious_a passage_n of_o providence_n the_o rich_a return_v of_o prayer_n to_o he_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o continual_a succession_n of_o mercy_n through_o all_o the_o minute_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o can_v observe_v and_o remember_v but_o as_o there_o be_v a_o different_a glory_n in_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n one_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n another_o of_o the_o moon_n and_o another_o of_o the_o star_n so_o some_o be_v eminent_a and_o illustrious_a above_o other_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o solemnity_n of_o these_o mercy_n he_o have_v be_v deep_o sensible_a and_o can_v not_o be_v silent_a but_o open_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o experience_n and_o with_o david_n 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scripture_n accompany_v with_o great_a power_n to_o repel_v rise_n of_o corruption_n towards_o revenge_n and_o perfect_o to_o quiet_v my_o mind_n with_o a_o reliance_n upon_o god_n concern_v the_o matter_n the_o first_o experience_n whereof_o meet_v i_o in_o the_o street_n where_o hear_v of_o a_o false_a and_o unmerited_a aspersion_n upon_o myself_o at_o who_o hand_n i_o deserve_v better_o immediate_o a_o design_n of_o revenge_n be_v rise_v and_o be_v carry_v further_o on_o by_o meditate_v upon_o it_o till_o come_v home_o and_o enter_v my_o chamber_n and_o take_v the_o bible_n in_o my_o hand_n that_o very_a scripture_n be_v offer_v to_o my_o view_n and_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n make_v a_o assisting-instrument_n of_o quiet_a at_o the_o time_n and_o ever_o since_o a_o strong_a help_n to_o watch_v myself_o in_o the_o like_a case_n its_o suitableness_n to_o my_o circumstance_n its_o effectual_a power_n restrain_v i_o from_o comply_v with_o satan_n and_o inward_a corruption_n 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my_o prayer_n have_v be_v most_o convince_a and_o comfort_v evidence_n that_o god_n spirit_n be_v the_o indict_a of_o that_o prayer_n of_o which_o god_n be_v the_o fulfiller_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o censure_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o convince_o feel_v then_o express_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n pass_v all_o understanding_n and_o the_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o it_o can_v be_v full_o set_v forth_o by_o human_a language_n but_o the_o real_a enjoyment_n be_v far_o distant_a from_o enthusiasm_n the_o sincere_a christian_a know_v that_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v a_o heaven_n on_o earth_n though_o some_o who_o have_v only_o notional_a divinity_n think_v it_o be_v mere_o imagination_n without_o reality_n our_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o use_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n from_o the_o illusion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o distemper_a mind_n have_v give_v 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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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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 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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 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enjoy_v what_o be_v petition_v from_o god_n but_o in_o conversation_n i_o find_v their_o observation_n as_o too_o narrow_a and_o confine_v look_v upon_o that_o that_o may_v be_v a_o christian_n common_n food_n in_o the_o close_a continuance_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n as_o a_o extraordinary_a feast_n and_o mind_v it_o most_o concern_v the_o recovery_n or_o the_o die_n of_o friend_n and_o not_o extend_v it_o to_o all_o thing_n hope_v the_o life_n or_o fear_v the_o death_n of_o one_o from_o a_o minister_n pour_v forth_o his_o soul_n or_o from_o a_o private_a christian_n fervent_n address_n to_o god_n or_o the_o constraint_n of_o both_o it_o make_v i_o remember_v how_o extraordinary_o amaze_a and_o delightful_a such_o experience_n be_v when_o at_o first_o observe_v by_o i_o in_o the_o more_o tender_a day_n of_o my_o knowledge_n in_o experimental_a christianity_n and_o make_v i_o great_o afraid_a that_o however_o notional_a knowledge_n abound_v among_o minister_n and_o people_n that_o 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answerable_a to_o this_o once_o observe_v spirituality_n appear_v some_o real_a amendment_n at_o the_o time_n yet_o often_o without_o the_o continuance_n of_o prayer_n thus_o spiritual_a their_o amendment_n fall_v off_o and_o suitable_a to_o their_o omission_n of_o further_a pray_v thus_o their_o friend_n die_v unless_o god_n act_n in_o a_o stream_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_o condescension_n to_o weak_a christian_n i_o know_v not_o but_o the_o reliance_n upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o one_o prayer_n spiritual_o put_v up_o for_o a_o person_n be_v recovery_n may_v occasion_v carelessness_n in_o the_o duty_n afterward_o and_o so_o hinder_v the_o obtain_v the_o blessing_n that_o be_v think_v to_o be_v come_v to_o we_o i_o remember_v a_o holy_a christian_a who_o be_v in_o great_a thoughtfulness_n concern_v the_o recovery_n of_o his_o wife_n for_o who_o he_o have_v so_o near_a access_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o he_o have_v great_a hope_n of_o her_o life_n but_o she_o die_v give_v he_o 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occasion_v great_a mistake_n if_o i_o have_v not_o record_v my_o word_n as_o well_o as_o frame_v in_o prayer_n spiritual_o perform_v which_o be_v center_a in_o one_o petition_n without_o the_o least_o deviate_a from_o it_o throughout_o the_o whole_a four_o night_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v spare_v his_o life_n and_o that_o his_o life_n may_v be_v precious_a in_o his_o sight_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o desire_n or_o word_n in_o prayer_n for_o health_n or_o recovery_n when_o a_o prayer_n spiritual_o put_v up_o be_v remark_v as_o such_o and_o correspond_v with_o a_o return_n of_o amendment_n but_o follow_v with_o after-laziness_n and_o forbearance_n of_o the_o same_o diligence_n no_o wonder_n the_o return_n stop_v and_o a_o contrary_a effect_n to_o what_o be_v desire_v or_o imminent_a appear_v if_o therefore_o your_o heavenly_a frame_n in_o petition_v health_n or_o the_o like_a be_v once_o observe_v and_o continue_v in_o i_o never_o know_v such_o petition_n return_v to_o fail_v but_o if_o this_o frame_n be_v obtain_v but_o once_o and_o afterward_o it_o go_v off_o you_o will_v undoubted_o find_v amendment_n answerable_a to_o the_o time_n of_o have_v strength_n spiritual_o to_o petition_v it_o but_o such_o a_o frame_n go_v off_o either_o through_o the_o intermission_n of_o your_o own_o endeavour_n after_o or_o god_n withhold_a it_o nothing_o else_o but_o disappointment_n to_o your_o expectation_n and_o desire_n and_o just_o to_o your_o dependence_n upon_o once_o experience_v the_o frame_n fall_v out_o it_o be_v laziness_n in_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o mean_n and_o not_o continue_v therein_o that_o keep_v off_o the_o many_o experience_n of_o inward_a religion_n or_o occasion_n the_o mistake_n that_o abound_v concern_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o inward_a religion_n however_o some_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o ill_a usage_n of_o that_o proposition_n god_n way_n be_v in_o the_o depth_n it_o be_v from_o multitude_n of_o instance_n experience_v that_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v forth_o in_o prayer_n for_o any_o friend_n ill_a that_o suitable_a thereto_o there_o be_v many_o time_n visible_a hope_n but_o if_o this_o frame_n be_v not_o continue_v in_o the_o friend_n do_v decline_v and_o die_v i_o know_v that_o once_o feel_v this_o hopeful_a frame_n have_v make_v some_o christian_n lazy_a and_o secure_a and_o not_o by_o serious_a address_n afterward_o lay_v themselves_o in_o god_n way_n to_o obtain_v the_o continuance_n of_o this_o frame_n and_o so_o their_o health_n and_o life_n have_v go_v to_o conclude_v thence_o that_o return_n be_v not_o always_o suit_v to_o spirituality_n of_o frame_n be_v mistake_v and_o erroneous_a and_o evidence_n of_o your_o lazy_a unexactness_n in_o observation_n of_o god_n with_o the_o soul_n right_a observation_n hereof_o will_v discover_v condescend_v mercy_n in_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v the_o christian_n continual_o hold_v on_o that_o duty_n of_o prayer_n till_o the_o final_a determination_n issue_v which_o meet_v common_o with_o great_a reward_n though_o the_o continuance_n and_o spirituality_n of_o prayer_n continue_v in_o be_v his_o own_o work_n in_o the_o soul_n a_o second_o cautionary_a instruction_n be_v not_o to_o be_v peremptory_a in_o judge_v the_o spirituality_n of_o another_o man_n frame_n or_o a_o event_n answerable_a thereto_o but_o to_o be_v strict_a and_o diligent_a in_o judge_v your_o own_o frame_n and_o event_n consequential_a to_o it_o i_o will_v advise_v great_a carefulness_n in_o judge_v another_o man_n spirituality_n in_o prayer_n as_o presage_v of_o certain_a return_n answerable_a to_o the_o spirituality_n suppose_v in_o his_o frame_n 1._o first_o because_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o judge_v another_o man_n heart_n in_o prayer_n it_o require_v exactness_n of_o observation_n to_o raise_v a_o christian_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o know_v his_o own_o frame_n when_o spiritual_a or_o to_o raise_v he_o to_o a_o establishment_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o correspondency_n between_o his_o prayer_n spirituality_n and_o its_o certain_a return_n but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o another_o man_n heavenliness_n i_o have_v know_v many_o under_o no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n than_o what_o be_v notional_a acquaint_v with_o no_o other_o power_n in_o perform_v duty_n than_o that_o of_o education_n and_o self-strength_n and_o yet_o pray_v with_o that_o sense_n distinctness_n and_o outward_o appear_v heavenliness_n that_o the_o hearer_n have_v be_v affect_v with_o a_o good_a hope_n of_o the_o person_n and_o a_o delightful_a thought_n of_o their_o spiritual_a seriousness_n in_o prayer_n yea_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a part_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n may_v heat_v the_o affection_n and_o may_v persuade_v a_o person_n and_o other_o that_o he_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o therefore_o you_o may_v hear_v a_o prayer_n from_o a_o mere_a professor_n so_o near_o resemble_v a_o christian_n prayer_n influence_v by_o christ_n spirit_n
begin_v your_o morning_n duty_n with_o read_v a_o psalm_n or_o a_o chapter_n by_o pool_n annotation_n observe_v the_o word_n and_o sentence_n thereof_o that_o impress_v your_o mind_n most_o with_o serious_a advertency_n to_o they_o observe_v the_o thought_n that_o thence_o arise_v at_o the_o time_n if_o tend_v to_o explain_v what_o former_o you_o be_v ignorant_a of_o if_o tend_v to_o establish_v you_o in_o what_o former_o you_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o if_o tend_v to_o make_v you_o resolve_v you_o will_v conform_v to_o it_o or_o if_o tend_v to_o comfort_v you_o as_o have_v walk_v conform_v to_o it_o and_o thereby_o discover_v yourself_o in_o the_o read_n such_o a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n three_o enter_v upon_o private_a prayer_n with_o a_o serious_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n favour_n in_o conduct_v you_o through_o the_o night_n and_o with_o a_o sincere_a supplication_n to_o he_o for_o his_o conduct_n through_o the_o day_n by_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o spirit_n that_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o both_o through_o the_o day_n you_o may_v discover_v his_o special_a favour_n to_o your_o soul_n as_o a_o comfortable_a evening_n cordial_a and_o that_o by_o his_o supply_n of_o grace_n throughout_o the_o day_n you_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o bless_a improvement_n of_o both_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o trust_n in_o and_o love_n to_o the_o godhead_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n observe_v your_o frame_n of_o soul_n throughout_o this_o prayer_n observe_v if_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o seriousness_n throughout_o the_o whole_a or_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o various_a petition_n put_v up_o observe_v and_o record_v the_o different_a frames_n and_o different_a petition_n four_o go_v forth_o thus_o prepare_v to_o your_o lawful_a business_n and_o conversation_n in_o your_o business_n through_o the_o day_n observe_v first_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n that_o seem_v to_o bring_v undertake_n to_o your_o hand_n 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seriousness_n if_o observe_v to_o be_v unserious_a or_o to_o a_o great_a seriousness_n than_o the_o degree_n of_o seriousness_n at_o first_o observe_v yea_o perhaps_o to_o great_a heavenliness_n the_o improvement_n whereof_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n he_o have_v prescribe_v and_o a_o fix_a resolution_n to_o walk_v therein_o and_o perhaps_o daily_a continuance_n may_v bring_v in_o daily_a addition_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o grace_n and_o preserve_v the_o christian_a in_o daily_a heavenliness_n of_o soul_n as_o bulwark_n against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o day_n with_o honour_n to_o god_n and_o great_a inward_a peace_n second_o reflect_v upon_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n round_o you_o through_o the_o day_n and_o first_o of_o all_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n you_o read_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o to_o the_o thought_n that_o then_o most_o impress_v your_o mind_n to_o see_v whether_o or_o not_o these_o passage_n of_o divine_a providence_n afford_v you_o some_o discovery_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n thus_o observe_v establish_v your_o faith_n in_o it_o the_o improvement_n whereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o resolution_n to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o morning_n before_o the_o enter_v upon_o the_o business_n of_o the_o day_n and_o perhaps_o there_o will_v arise_v to_o your_o sensible_a experience_n great_a knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n than_o ever_o yet_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o you_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o outward_a instruction_n yea_o such_o establishment_n to_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n as_o can_v not_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o the_o strong_a arguing_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o into_o which_o the_o strong_a dart_n of_o erroneous_a sophistry_n can_v never_o pierce_v enable_v your_o soul_n not_o only_o to_o see_v the_o reality_n but_o even_o harmony_n of_o god_n word_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o spirit_n second_o compare_v the_o providence_n of_o the_o day_n to_o your_o morning-duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n to_o the_o petition_n therein_o put_v up_o and_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o soul_n you_o be_v then_o under_o that_o you_o may_v discover_v what_o passage_n of_o providence_n seem_v to_o be_v afford_v you_o in_o return_n to_o prayer_n and_o what_o frame_n your_o soul_n be_v in_o and_o what_o be_v your_o utterance_n in_o that_o prayer_n or_o part_v thereof_o that_o be_v return_v the_o improvement_n whereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v always_o in_o that_o frame_n wherein_o you_o be_v when_o you_o pray_v that_o prayer_n that_o be_v so_o visible_o return_v it_o will_v help_v you_o to_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o one_o kind_n of_o prayer_n and_o another_o between_o a_o prayer_n with_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n between_o a_o prayer_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n enable_v to_o ask_v sincere_o and_o a_o prayer_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n give_v the_o soul_n the_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o such_o and_o discover_v the_o reality_n of_o a_o divine_a strength_n above_o ourselves_o both_o bring_v the_o providence_n of_o the_o day_n to_o we_o and_o bring_v forth_o the_o improvement_n thereof_o in_o we_o by_o a_o gradual_a advancement_n of_o reliance_n upon_o and_o love_n to_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n by_o who_o satisfaction_n this_o once-sealed_a fountain_n be_v open_v and_o by_o who_o spirit_n its_o water_n of_o spiritual_a life_n continual_o flow_v upon_o we_o and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o duty_n apply_v to_o we_o three_o reflect_v upon_o your_o own_o way_n of_o manage_v business_n and_o conversation_n with_o other_o that_o so_o you_o may_v not_o only_o discover_v a_o special_a providence_n round_o you_o but_o the_o act_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n within_o you_o and_o that_o by_o compare_v first_o your_o frame_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n lay_v undertake_n in_o your_o way_n through_o the_o day_n reflect_v whether_o god_n be_v observe_v in_o bring_v they_o about_o as_o a_o discovery_n of_o divine_a strength_n in_o you_o carry_v your_o observation_n beyond_o the_o enjoyment_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o second_o by_o compare_v your_o frame_n of_o soul_n to_o your_o method_n of_o use_v mean_n and_o manage_v endeavour_n thus_o providential_o lay_v in_o your_o way_n not_o only_o whether_o god_n be_v regard_v therein_o lay_v providence_n in_o your_o way_n or_o help_v you_o to_o observe_v he_o but_o whether_o your_o concern_n run_v out_o chief_o upon_o do_v duty_n neither_o design_v ill_a end_n nor_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v about_o any_o purpose_n in_o the_o use_n of_o ill_a mean_n but_o regard_v duty_n to_o he_o in_o all_o three_o compare_v your_o frame_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o event_n of_o such_o undertake_n thus_o providential_o lay_v in_o your_o way_n and_o thus_o faithful_o manage_v by_o you_o if_o they_o be_v according_a to_o expectation_n or_o better_a than_o expectation_n reflect_v whether_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o such_o a_o discovery_n and_o a_o fix_a resolution_n to_o keep_v on_o in_o the_o same_o lawful_a use_n of_o mean_n with_o a_o trust_n to_o divine_a supply_n for_o event_n as_o full_a evidence_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o your_o soul_n and_o of_o your_o be_v under_o his_o spiritual_a conduct_n in_o conversation_n with_o other_o 1._o reflect_v upon_o your_o entrance_n to_o it_o whether_o its_o occasion_n be_v necessity_n and_o innocent_a recreation_n with_o a_o previous_a address_n for_o divine_a conduct_n in_o it_o 2._o reflect_v upon_o your_o carriage_n in_o it_o thus_o prepare_v the_o temptation_n
prayer_n and_o of_o the_o correspondency_n thereof_o to_o god_n return_n second_o experience_n of_o god_n method_n of_o work_v sensible_o and_o fructify_a faith_n and_o reliance_n upon_o himself_o three_o experience_n of_o the_o withhold_a divine_a influence_n in_o prayer_n four_o experience_n of_o god_n method_n of_o train_v the_o soul_n to_o right_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n experience_n of_o the_o first_o take_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n my_o first_o experience_n lead_v i_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v express_v above_o be_v that_o when_o providential_o call_v to_o the_o undertake_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o great_a concern_v and_o difficulty_n that_o then_o according_a to_o the_o fervency_n and_o powerfulness_n of_o soul_n carry_v i_o forth_o to_o supplicate_v so_o encouragement_n have_v accompany_v the_o management_n of_o such_o a_o affair_n and_o when_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o according_a to_o the_o continuance_n or_o intermission_n of_o this_o frame_n so_o encouragement_n or_o discouragement_n have_v appear_v some_o instance_n whereof_o i_o have_v experience_v in_o the_o follow_a method_n where_o the_o endeavour_n have_v be_v of_o three_o day_n duration_n the_o first_o day_n i_o have_v be_v heaven_o carry_v out_o in_o prayer_n the_o next_o two_o day_n this_o frame_n have_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o matter_n either_o neglect_v in_o prayer_n or_o superficial_o give_v up_o to_o god_n and_o upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o success_n of_o mean_n throughout_o those_o three_o day_n i_o have_v sound_a eminent_a success_n the_o companion_n of_o the_o first_o day_n endeavour_v but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o two_o follow_a day_n endeavour_v a_o perfect_a discouragement_n and_o that_o exact_o answer_v the_o two_o different_a posture_n of_o soul_n that_o prayer_n in_o these_o different_a day_n be_v put_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o a_o second_o experience_n be_v when_o in_o one_o prayer_n i_o have_v petition_v the_o lord_n concern_v two_o different_a matter_n and_o plead_v for_o the_o one_o my_o thought_n have_v be_v ravish_o carry_v forth_o but_o supplicate_v for_o the_o other_o a_o damp_n have_v be_v upon_o my_o mind_n and_o neither_o life_n or_o vigour_n in_o its_o frame_n nor_o freedom_n of_o word_n in_o utterance_n concern_v it_o pray_v then_o no_o otherwise_o than_o while_n under_o the_o power_n of_o education_n and_o ignorant_a of_o any_o inward_a change_n of_o soul_n by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o enquiry_n have_v find_v that_o the_o design_n and_o desire_v spiritual_o give_v up_o to_o god_n divine_a conduct_n have_v be_v successful_o bring_v about_o but_o that_o the_o other_o be_v without_o imminent_a probability_n or_o real_a and_o certain_a success_n a_o three_o experience_n be_v when_o my_o frame_n of_o mind_n have_v be_v cold_a listless_a and_o lazy_a continue_v thus_o throughout_o a_o prayer_n except_v one_o petition_n that_o sudden_o have_v seize_v my_o thought_n and_o have_v be_v in_o sweet_a heavenliness_n of_o frame_n put_v up_o yea_o so_o serious_o and_o powerful_o put_v up_o to_o god_n unconceivable_a by_o any_o unacquainted_a with_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o petition_n before_o and_o after_o have_v be_v ask_v of_o god_n with_o great_a coldness_n of_o frame_n and_o constraint_n of_o word_n but_o this_o to_o which_o god_n be_v to_o return_v a_o answer_n and_o for_o which_o strength_n be_v convey_v to_o petition_v correspond_v a_o visible_a and_o eminent_a return_n of_o prayer_n without_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o prayer_n thus_o cold_o give_v up_o to_o god_n many_o instance_n of_o these_o experience_n i_o can_v bring_v forth_o and_o that_o full_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o more_o plain_o but_o fear_v of_o be_v know_v confine_v i_o i_o shall_v only_o lay_v before_o you_o one_o which_o be_v marvellous_a in_o my_o eye_n at_o the_o time_n and_o have_v often_o be_v repeat_v in_o my_o experience_n since_o have_v be_v for_o some_o day_n engage_v in_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o design_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o all_o visible_a mean_n that_o only_o except_v of_o give_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n i_o resolve_v one_o afternoon_n to_o go_v abroad_o on_o purpose_n to_o know_v the_o success_n of_o mean_n make_v use_v of_o but_o after_o walk_v down_o one_o pair_n of_o stair_n there_o sudden_o seize_v i_o a_o unexpressible_a force_n to_o return_v that_o i_o may_v first_o petition_v the_o lord_n concern_v it_o and_o bow_v my_o knee_n a_o sweet_a serious_a frame_n seize_v my_o mind_n and_o my_o thought_n be_v carry_v forth_o with_o great_a warmth_n and_o freedom_n of_o utterance_n concern_v the_o matter_n after_o this_o address_n to_o god_n and_o go_v forth_o i_o find_v that_o the_o least_o degree_n or_o shadow_n of_o success_n have_v never_o appear_v till_o that_o very_a time_n in_o which_o i_o be_v under_o so_o undesign_v and_o sudden_a a_o force_n to_o prayer_n and_o with_o so_o heavenly_a a_o frame_n therein_o the_o time_n of_o both_o so_o exact_o answer_v one_o another_o that_o i_o be_v under_o a_o meaning_n meditation_n of_o the_o thing_n clear_o evince_v of_o a_o power_n above_o one_o self_n the_o circumstance_n in_o this_o instance_n most_o remarkable_a be_v first_o sudden_a and_o prevalent_a force_n to_o prayer_n undesign_v by_o previous_a meditation_n and_o altogether_o different_a from_o that_o of_o a_o sudden_a remembrance_n of_o any_o thing_n forget_v but_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o exciting-method_n of_o christ_n spirit_n and_o quicken_a influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n raise_v it_o out_o of_o a_o dead_a frame_n or_o exciting_a it_o to_o duty_n omit_v or_o careless_o perform_v psal_n 65.4_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o cause_v to_o approach_v unto_o thou_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o cause_v i_o to_o approach_v he_o never_o any_o motion_n be_v visible_a by_o the_o sudden_a and_o strong_a excitement_n to_o that_o duty_n former_o omit_v and_o by_o impart_v divine_a strength_n to_o petition_v concern_v it_o in_o prayer_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o corrupt_a reluctancy_n to_o it_o a_o second_o thing_n remarkable_a in_o the_o instance_n be_v the_o struggle_n in_o myself_o at_o the_o first_o excitement_n to_o prayer_n between_o a_o inclination_n and_o aversion_n to_o return_v with_o the_o victorious_a strength_n of_o divine_a influence_n bring_v i_o to_o a_o willing_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o circumstance_n prove_v among_o the_o first_o to_o confirm_v my_o faith_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o the_o member_n war_a against_o that_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n a_o three_o circumstance_n in_o the_o instance_n be_v the_o exact_a correspondency_n of_o the_o time_n of_o excitement_n and_o heavenliness_n in_o prayer_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o real_a though_o unexpected_a success_n a_o circumstance_n great_o discover_v self-insufficiency_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n without_o divine_a conduct_n therein_o and_o trust_v to_o god_n for_o the_o event_n the_o four_o experience_n concern_v prayer_n be_v when_o any_o failure_n observe_v in_o thought_n word_n or_o action_n and_o accompany_v with_o concern_v of_o mind_n and_o great_a spirituality_n in_o prayer_n in_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o god_n that_o then_o i_o have_v find_v as_o its_o immediate_a concommitant_n the_o uneasiness_n and_o concern_v perfect_o go_v off_o with_o full_a quiet_a possess_v my_o thought_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o great_a watch_n its_o consequent_a confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o 6_o and_o seven_o verse_n of_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o philippian_n never_o experience_v either_o ease_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o event_n give_v up_o to_o divine_a conduct_n as_o to_o concern_v for_o sinful_a failure_n but_o when_o carry_v forth_o heaven_o in_o prayer_n for_o either_o i_o must_v subjoin_v hereto_o a_o experience_a circumstance_n that_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o my_o fear_n as_o to_o any_o event_n lead_v i_o the_o more_o frequent_o to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n and_o the_o less_o to_o confidence_n in_o outward_a mean_n the_o more_o unexpected_o eminent_a the_o return_n have_v be_v discover_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o psalmist_n method_n what_o time_n we_o be_v afraid_a we_o will_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o use_n of_o that_o bless_a mean_n of_o serious_a prayer_n i_o have_v oft_o experience_v that_o trust_v to_o a_o outward_a instrument_n for_o the_o bring_n about_o any_o design_n with_o a_o rest_v therein_o without_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o same_o end_n have_v make_v the_o mean_a that_o be_v successful_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o or_o that_o be_v in_o its_o self_n tend_v natural_o to_o a_o successful_a event_n of_o none_o effect_v to_o i_o a_o five_o experience_n be_v
account_n receive_v have_v exact_o answer_v the_o petition_n and_o utterance_n actual_o put_v forth_o and_o not_o to_o they_o only_o design_v to_o be_v express_v in_o prayer_n a_o nine_o experience_n of_o certainty_n of_o access_n to_o god_n and_o of_o his_o spirit_n be_v breathe_v power_n on_o the_o soul_n to_o ask_v what_o he_o know_v be_v to_o be_v return_v have_v be_v concern_v a_o design_n of_o three_o different_a endeavour_n at_o one_o time_n and_o prayer_n for_o guidance_n a_o mean_v make_v use_n of_o i_o have_v find_v all_o shadow_n of_o spiritual_a enlargement_n in_o prayer_n concern_v it_o strong_o withhold_v and_o so_o indeed_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o successful_a endeavour_n but_o for_o the_o second_o enlargement_n only_o once_o suitable_a to_o which_o successful_a endeavour_n in_o one_o circumstance_n thereof_o and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n do_v occur_v and_o for_o the_o three_o such_o heavenliness_n of_o frame_n in_o petition_v not_o only_o once_o but_o all_o along_o continue_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o successful_a endeavour_n without_o one_o cloud_n prove_v the_o issue_n plain_a expression_n i_o can_v well_o use_v and_o instance_n i_o must_v forbear_v leave_v it_o occasion_v the_o discovery_n of_o myself_o a_o ten_o experience_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v exciting_a and_o prepare_v to_o ask_v what_o he_o be_v in_o his_o good_a pleasure_n to_o return_v be_v that_o of_o his_o exciting_a and_o powerful_o strengthen_v of_o my_o soul_n for_o a_o continue_a time_n to_o pray_v for_o self-abasement_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n no_o outward_a temptation_n have_v be_v my_o motive_n thereto_o though_o soon_o after_o have_v appear_v some_o outward_a advancement_n and_o correspondent_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o love_a care_n of_o christ_n spirit_n enable_v i_o to_o ask_v the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n self-loathing_a have_v always_o accompany_v such_o outward_a smile_n yea_o from_o observation_n of_o this_o experience_n i_o have_v imagine_v a_o smile_a providence_n eminent_a from_o the_o frequency_n of_o this_o suit_n to_o the_o lord_n undesign_v but_o great_o assist_v to_o petition_v it_o i_o have_v often_o experience_v that_o when_o my_o soul_n have_v not_o be_v thus_o carry_v out_o to_o petition_v lowness_n of_o mind_n either_o before_o or_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o outward_a advancement_n that_o either_o security_n therein_o have_v fall_v out_o afterward_o embitter_v my_o thought_n or_o some_o circumstance_n in_o the_o thing_n enjoy_v that_o have_v embitter_v its_o sweetness_n or_o remove_v its_o satisfaction_n nothing_o be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o a_o christian_a soul_n as_o the_o reception_n of_o a_o outward_a favour_n by_o special_a step_n of_o providence_n argument_n of_o divine_a favour_n accompany_v with_o such_o strength_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n as_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o improve_v it_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n and_o reliance_n upon_o the_o bestower_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o soul_n satisfaction_n therein_o in_o its_o true_a bound_n more_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n love_n thereby_o than_o upon_o the_o thing_n itself_o enjoy_v as_o the_o experience_n already_o lay_v before_o you_o relate_v to_o outward_a enjoyment_n so_o now_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o experience_n respect_v spiritual_a enjoyment_n answerable_a to_o christ_n spirit_n breathe_v influencing-strength_n to_o petition_v they_o a_o first_o experience_n thereof_o be_v when_o spiritual_o carry_v out_o to_o ask_v for_o humility_n previous_a to_o any_o spiritual_a improvement_n as_o well_o as_o before_o any_o temporal_a enjoyment_n and_o when_o security_n accompany_v with_o the_o intermission_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v follow_v any_o inward_a advancement_n then_o have_v a_o cloudy_v of_o what_o be_v a_o inward_a comfort_a evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n issue_v but_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v be_v carry_v forth_o to_o ask_v it_o before_o hand_n or_o in_o the_o time_n by_o way_n of_o return_n thereto_o the_o soul_n posture_n have_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o self-debasement_n and_o exultation_n of_o and_o dependence_n upon_o christ_n spirit_n for_o produce_v such_o a_o marvellous_a change_n in_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o least_o exalt_v think_v of_o self_n i_o remember_v that_o one_o day_n in_o conversation_n with_o that_o holy_a saint_n mention_v before_o i_o express_v myself_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o reality_n of_o my_o grace_n to_o which_o he_o humble_o reply_v i_o have_v not_o have_v the_o least_o cloud_n as_o to_o my_o interest_n in_o heaven_n but_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o experience_n that_o measure_n of_o confirm_v passage_n of_o god_n special_a love_n as_o i_o know_v you_o have_v enjoy_v the_o effect_n whereof_o i_o find_v some_o quiet_n of_o mind_n but_o by_o the_o wise_a overrule_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v follow_v with_o such_o cloudy_a darkness_n of_o mind_n lest_o satan_n have_v excite_v self-exultation_n or_o sinful_a security_n till_o in_o the_o follow_a evening-prayer_n god_n carry_v i_o forth_o to_o bless_v his_o name_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o love_n and_o to_o petition_v humility_n in_o their_o enjoyment_n the_o darkness_n disappear_v and_o his_o discourse_n be_v bear_v home_o with_o the_o alone_a effect_n of_o quiet_a of_o mind_n love_n to_o and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n and_o that_o with_o humble_a thought_n of_o self_n second_o i_o have_v find_v that_o previous_a to_o any_o victory_n over_o some_o particular_a sin_n i_o have_v be_v help_v wonderful_o to_o plead_v with_o god_n on_o this_o very_a account_n in_o a_o most_o near_o and_o sensible_a approach_n to_o he_o for_o conquest_n over_o sin_n that_o scripture_n be_v at_o the_o time_n often_o and_o comfortable_a in_o my_o thought_n nay_o more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o answerable_a to_o which_o temptation_n to_o these_o have_v occur_v sin_n but_o victory_n of_o they_o have_v be_v my_o mercy_n both_o as_o a_o 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
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 be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o malignant_a infection_n of_o reproach_v other_o five_o i_o experience_v a_o wonderful_a strength_n to_o pray_v for_o a_o continue_a sense_n of_o god_n all-seeing_a eye_n as_o well_o in_o conversation_n as_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n suitable_a to_o which_o not_o only_o awful_a thought_n of_o his_o majesty_n approach_v in_o duty_n prevent_v distraction_n therein_o seize_v i_o but_o even_o a_o powerful_a awe_n of_o god_n affect_v i_o in_o common_a and_o private_a action_n always_o consider_v any_o circumstance_n in_o the_o action_n as_o may_v destroy_v god_n accept_v thereof_o especial_o as_o to_o act_n of_o charity_n wherein_o i_o have_v find_v such_o a_o watch_n over_o myself_o as_o i_o can_v not_o have_v be_v satisfy_v without_o strict_a enquiry_n whether_o unwillingliness_n be_v not_o in_o the_o action_n whether_o some_o desire_n of_o applause_n or_o only_a pity_n and_o natural_a tenderness_n be_v 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 lord_n the_o constant_a remembrance_n whereof_o i_o have_v find_v great_o advance_v that_o gospel-perfection_n of_o a_o unfeigned_a sincerity_n both_o in_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o holy_a duty_n and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o common_a action_n and_o discourse_n six_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o that_o at_o another_o time_n i_o have_v be_v powerful_o help_v to_o petition_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o answerable_a to_o this_o i_o have_v be_v help_v in_o prayer_n and_o in_o worldly_a business_n to_o draw_v forth_o kindler_n of_o love_n to_o god_n from_o all_o sensible_a circumstance_n of_o myself_o and_o other_o even_o from_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o street_n both_o as_o to_o their_o poverty_n and_o imperfection_n of_o body_n bless_v the_o lord_n with_o sweet_a exercise_n of_o love_n to_o he_o yea_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n to_o god_n have_v be_v excite_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o fullness_n and_o prosperity_n in_o some_o but_o with_o great_a emptiness_n of_o the_o inward_a comfort_n of_o the_o experience_a christian_n soul_n for_o sensual_a pleasure_n divert_v their_o thought_n from_o the_o observation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v value_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o last_v in_o their_o duration_n at_o this_o very_a time_n happen_v to_o be_v alone_o in_o a_o coach_n remark_v such_o kindler_n of_o love_n from_o circumstance_n of_o other_o appear_v in_o the_o street_n sudden_o and_o strong_o this_o suggestion_n force_v itself_o upon_o my_o mind_n how_o be_v it_o that_o god_n do_v show_v such_o special_a favour_n to_o i_o beyond_o other_o yea_o to_o make_v i_o differ_v so_o much_o from_o myself_o in_o former_a time_n with_o amaze_a thought_n of_o the_o change_n upon_o my_o soul_n and_o immediate_o that_o scripture_n overawe_v i_o from_o corrupt_a rational_a argue_v or_o from_o satan_n darken_v or_o deviate_v i_o from_o right_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n i_o will_v have_v compassion_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n from_o whence_o happen_v such_o quiet_a of_o mind_n as_o have_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n still_v my_o thought_n perfect_o as_o to_o that_o great_a point_n of_o election_n which_o be_v the_o great_a effect_n of_o free_a unmerited_a mercy_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n bring_v the_o child_n of_o mercy_n safe_o to_o salvation_n this_o warm_o excite_v my_o love_n to_o god_n have_v a_o evidence_n of_o my_o share_n in_o his_o elect_v mercy_n by_o the_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n begin_v in_o i_o and_o prepare_v i_o for_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n a_o seven_o experience_n be_v when_o altogether_o insensible_a of_o the_o growth_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o marvellous_a method_n be_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o my_o soul_n even_o than_o i_o observe_v for_o some_o considerable_a time_n that_o i_o be_v carry_v out_o in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n with_o zealous_a affection_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v turn_v my_o eye_n and_o trust_v from_o sensible_a thing_n to_o a_o trust_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n himself_o as_o to_o all_o outward_a thing_n and_o as_o to_o the_o inward_a advancement_n of_o holiness_n as_o a_o mean_a tend_v to_o future_a salvation_n answerable_a to_o which_o god_n have_v discover_v himself_o marvellous_o in_o the_o step_n of_o outward_a providential_a dispensation_n and_o by_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o mean_n of_o sound_v and_o establish_v this_o grace_n of_o reliance_n in_o my_o soul_n which_o i_o hope_v shall_v be_v increase_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n till_o faith_n obtain_v its_o perfect_a end_n the_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o though_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v in_o humility_n that_o my_o soul_n be_v raise_v above_o sensible_a thing_n to_o look_v to_o thing_n unseen_a and_o to_o set_v my_o esteem_n and_o reliance_n with_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n upon_o they_o independent_o upon_o worldly_a thing_n yet_o i_o be_o ashamed_a for_o the_o small_a growth_n of_o reliance_n in_o i_o and_o that_o great_a improvement_n therein_o have_v not_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o condescend_v method_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o train_v i_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o perfection_n experience_n of_o god_n method_n in_o train_v i_o to_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o reliance_n with_o its_o further_a establishment_n and_o growth_n and_o that_o exact_o as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o record_n in_o my_o diary_n the_o first_o experience_n lead_v i_o to_o observe_v god_n follow_v method_n with_o i_o be_v that_o of_o carry_v i_o forth_o in_o prayer_n to_o petition_v establishment_n of_o faith_n in_o my_o soul_n which_o begin_v most_o remarkable_o after_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n and_o have_v continue_v to_o be_v upon_o my_o mind_n in_o all_o my_o suit_n great_a or_o lesser_a since_o that_o and_o i_o hope_v will_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o my_o militant_a warfare_n a_o second_o experience_n lead_v i_o to_o reliance_n upon_o god_n be_v by_o remove_v all_o dependence_n from_o these_o outward_a fabulous_a passage_n reckon_v as_o ominous_a of_o such_o and_o such_o certain_a event_n which_o undoubted_o be_v at_o first_o the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n among_o the_o heathen_a world_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o providence_n by_o visible_a thing_n the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n yet_o natural_a thing_n keep_v first_o in_o their_o view_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n and_o though_o we_o enjoy_v the_o discovery_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n so_o plain_o yet_o how_o do_v we_o retain_v the_o example_n in_o reduce_v those_o thing_n to_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v to_o be_v apply_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 when_o mean_n produce_v such_o event_n natural_o or_o probable_o turn_v their_o course_n and_o prove_v ineffectual_a no_o that_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o than_o height_n of_o ingratitude_n and_o what_o my_o love_a god_n have_v prevent_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v accompany_v his_o method_n of_o special_a outward_a providence_n and_o therefore_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o walk_v in_o a_o road_n of_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o he_o cry_v out_o oh_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o first_o design_v i_o such_o a_o mercy_n of_o reliance_n in_o bring_v it_o about_o and_o that_o in_o a_o method_n of_o outward_a providence_n evidence_v it_o sensible_o to_o myself_o as_o well_o as_o real_o work_v it_o in_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o spirit_n go_v along_o with_o his_o outward_a providence_n and_o in_o preserve_v this_o reliance_n notwithstanding_o the_o soul_n unwillingness_n when_o duty_n and_o interest_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n at_o the_o same_o time_n this_o very_a experience_n be_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o ignorant_a cavil_n of_o the_o irreligious_a and_o the_o doubt_n of_o some_o christian_n who_o with_o the_o psalmist_n be_v perplex_v how_o to_o understand_v right_o the_o inequality_n of_o divine_a providence_n towards_o the_o profane_a and_o the_o gracious_a christian_a the_o first_o abound_v in_o worldly_a pleasure_n while_o the_o other_o appear_v under_o cross_v afflict_v providence_n the_o private_a christian_n inward_a observe_v experience_n of_o god_n method_n with_o himself_o afford_v knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o strength_n to_o resist_v corrupt_a and_o satanical_a suggestion_n and_o peace_n and_o comfort_n even_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o outward_a disappointment_n when_o their_o friend_n be_v in_o concern_v on_o their_o very_a account_n or_o other_o in_o their_o circumstance_n ready_a to_o stagger_v as_o to_o god_n favour_n to_o they_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o observe_v christian_a the_o great_a token_n of_o divine_a special_a love_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o i_o will_v have_v you_o consider_v first_o that_o a_o christian_a renew_v from_o original_a corruption_n to_o grace_n be_v receive_v under_o a_o special_a conduct_n of_o god_n providence_n without_o as_o well_o as_o his_o spirit_n within_o and_o that_o great_o different_a from_o the_o common_a providence_n that_o attend_v the_o wicked_a of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 4.3_o but_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v apart_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o exod._n 11.7_o the_o outward_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o special_a towards_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o very_a dog_n be_v not_o to_o bark_n at_o they_o beside_o to_o be_v witness_n to_o three_o or_o four_o private_a christian_n impart_v god_n special_a conduct_n remark_v round_o each_o one_o of_o themselves_o one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o narrative_a of_o each_o 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 special_a conduct_n of_o providence_n than_o they_o alone_o must_v best_o judge_v of_o god_n wise_a procedure_n and_o witness_v for_o god_n that_o what_o the_o carnal_a world_n be_v apt_a to_o charge_v against_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o present_a affliction_n of_o his_o child_n be_v from_o ignorance_n for_o affliction_n be_v the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o love_n as_o a_o father_n and_o a_o physician_n to_o purge_v they_o from_o sin_n to_o make_v they_o more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a on_o earth_n and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o prepare_v to_o reign_v with_o he_o above_o though_o those_o who_o be_v only_o lead_v by_o sense_n see_v not_o good_a in_o affliction_n yet_o sincere_a believer_n who_o from_o constant_a observation_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n have_v improve_v affliction_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o comply_v with_o god_n end_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o appear_v and_o earnest_o pray_v for_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a issue_n if_o christian_n be_v serious_a in_o search_v out_o their_o sin_n before_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o how_o defective_a they_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v be_v assure_v not_o only_o from_o divine_a revelation_n but_o from_o their_o happy_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o all_o that_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n will_v outweigh_v all_o their_o suffering_n and_o sorrow_n a_o five_o method_n of_o god_n to_o advance_v reliance_n upon_o himself_o be_v by_o immediate_a specialty_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n in_o passage_n of_o providence_n in_o lay_v matter_n of_o great_a success_n in_o my_o way_n and_o that_o in_o the_o follow_a instance_n first_o by_o bring_v they_o about_o without_o the_o operation_n of_o second_o cause_n common_o make_v use_n of_o have_v in_o many_o instance_n experience_v such_o thing_n lay_v in_o my_o way_n wherein_o i_o have_v hardly_o be_v
in_o this_o ordinance_n that_o i_o may_v feel_v therein_o what_o other_o do_v or_o what_o i_o have_v feel_v in_o other_o duty_n i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v if_o i_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v it_o there_o again_o unbelief_n still_o work_v in_o i_o it_o please_v god_n in_o his_o wonderful_a condescension_n to_o comply_v with_o this_o desire_n and_o thereby_o to_o discover_v the_o greatness_n of_o my_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o advantage_n of_o reliance_n upon_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n without_o limit_v he_o to_o our_o desire_n for_o in_o the_o participate_v of_o the_o next_o sacrament_n i_o be_v admit_v to_o such_o a_o sweet_a ravish_a enjoyment_n that_o i_o never_o have_v before_o experience_v in_o that_o duty_n which_o persuade_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v but_o such_o a_o disquiet_v darkness_n be_v consequent_a both_o in_o my_o mind_n and_o outward_a affair_n that_o i_o by_o the_o rich_a mercy_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v then_o help_v sweet_o to_o resign_v my_o desire_n to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o supplicate_v for_o his_o influence_n as_o he_o please_v to_o dispense_v they_o never_o limit_v god_n to_o thing_n or_o time_n further_o than_o as_o suitable_a to_o his_o omniscient_a will_n by_o this_o experience_n i_o be_v help_v in_o all_o my_o concern_v less_o as_o well_o as_o great_a to_o cast_v they_o at_o heaven_n gate_n to_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n for_o they_o with_o this_o desire_n only_o that_o i_o may_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v assist_v to_o make_v know_v my_o request_n to_o god_n with_o faith_n and_o resignation_n so_o as_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o in_o this_o i_o find_v my_o heart_n ease_n i_o have_v since_o esteem_v it_o duty_n and_o have_v ardent_a desire_n of_o partake_v the_o lord_n supper_n every_o month._n while_o my_o religion_n be_v mere_o from_o education_n i_o think_v once_o in_o a_o year_n or_o two_o enough_o to_o partake_v of_o this_o ordinance_n but_o since_o my_o regard_n to_o my_o sovereign_n and_o saviour_n command_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o my_o performance_n in_o obedience_n to_o this_o command_n i_o have_v enjoy_v ravish_v sweetness_n in_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o this_o duty_n and_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o the_o frequent_a repeat_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v attend_v with_o great_a advantage_n for_o by_o preparatory_a examination_n i_o be_o more_o full_o acquaint_v with_o my_o spiritual_a state_n with_o my_o present_a corruption_n and_o grace_n strong_a or_o weak_a and_o the_o way_n how_o god_n make_v this_o duty_n a_o mean_a to_o suppress_v the_o one_o and_o raise_v the_o other_o with_o my_o defect_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o i_o have_v a_o full_a sight_n of_o christ_n in_o all-sufficient_a merit_n in_o his_o treasure_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v open_v to_o all_o that_o come_v with_o holy_a affection_n to_o he_o the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o christ_n in_o this_o ordinance_n will_v endear_v he_o to_o we_o and_o engage_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o and_o the_o warm_a impression_n of_o his_o love_n will_v be_v maintain_v in_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o cool_v and_o decline_v unless_o feed_v and_o revive_v by_o the_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o our_o crucify_a saviour_n seven_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n i_o have_v oft_o be_v in_o a_o cold_a frame_n but_o at_o the_o approach_n of_o the_o element_n this_o frame_n have_v change_v and_o my_o soul_n have_v be_v sweet_o carry_v forth_o to_o petition_n for_o the_o impart_v the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n body_n break_v and_o benefit_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o i_o have_v find_v from_o receive_v the_o element_n the_o strengthen_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n verify_v our_o saviour_n word_n that_o his_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o his_o blood_n drink_v indeed_o this_o have_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v i_o from_o anxiety_n and_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o frequent_a commemorate_n of_o christ_n death_n prescribe_v in_o his_o last_o will_n i_o also_o find_v that_o the_o more_o frequent_a renew_v my_o vow_n make_v i_o more_o careful_a to_o perform_v they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o our_o faithfulness_n to_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n or_o of_o our_o neglect_v once_o every_o month_n than_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a distance_n between_o the_o time_n of_o our_o receive_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o how_o correspondent_a our_o conversation_n have_v be_v to_o our_o covenant_n seal_v in_o that_o ordinance_n eight_o at_o the_o time_n of_o partake_v this_o ordinance_n i_o have_v often_o desire_v with_o ardent_a affection_n two_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v be_v spiritually-minded_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o my_o life_n and_o that_o holiness_n may_v be_v advance_v in_o my_o soul_n till_o i_o arrive_v at_o 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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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