they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v live_v without_o it_o but_o they_o have_v delight_n in_o it_o and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o their_o daily_a food_n and_o refreshment_n now_o we_o can_v have_v no_o delight_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o have_v find_v some_o sweetness_n rest_v and_o complacency_n in_o without_o any_o such_o experience_n we_o may_v do_v or_o use_v any_o thing_n but_o can_v do_v it_o with_o delight_n and_o it_o arise_v 1._o from_o the_o approach_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o god_n therein_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o access_n unto_o god_n on_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n ephes._n 2.18_o heb._n 10.19_o 20._o and_o when_o this_o access_n be_v animate_v by_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n the_o soul_n have_v a_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o a_o nearness_n in_o that_o approach_n now_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o spiritual_a refreshment_n rest_v and_o complacency_n and_o in_o such_o a_o access_n unto_o he_o there_o be_v a_o refresh_a taste_n of_o they_o communicate_v unto_o the_o soul_n psal._n 36.7_o 8_o 9_o how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o love_a kindness_n o_o god_n therefore_o the_o child_n of_o man_n put_v their_o trust_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n they_o shall_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o the_o fatness_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o thou_o shall_v make_v they_o drink_v of_o the_o river_n of_o thy_o pleasure_n for_o with_o thou_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o thy_o light_n we_o shall_v see_v light_n god_n be_v propose_v in_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o love_a kindness_n which_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o his_o goodness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o so_o be_v he_o also_o as_o the_o spring_n of_o life_n and_o light_n all_o spiritual_a power_n and_o joy_n those_o that_o believe_v be_v describe_v by_o their_o trust_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n in_o his_o worship_n the_o fatness_n of_o his_o house_n they_o make_v their_o approach_n unto_o he_o and_o the_o fruit_n hereof_o be_v that_o he_o make_v they_o to_o drink_v of_o the_o river_n of_o his_o pleasure_n the_o satisfy_n refresh_a stream_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n they_o approach_v unto_o he_o as_o unto_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n so_o as_o to_o drink_v of_o that_o fountain_n in_o renew_a communication_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n to_o see_v light_n in_o satisfy_v joy_n in_o these_o thing_n do_v consist_v and_o from_o they_o do_v arise_v that_o spiritual_a complacency_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v find_v in_o their_o duty_n 2._o from_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n the_o grace_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n do_v principal_o consist_v there_o be_v a_o suitableness_n unto_o our_o natural_a constitution_n and_o a_o secret_a complacency_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o life_n natural_a for_o its_o own_o preservation_n and_o increase_n there_o be_v so_o in_o our_o spiritual_a constitution_n in_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n unto_o its_o preservation_n and_o increase_n these_o grace_n in_o their_o due_a exercise_n do_v compose_v and_o refresh_v the_o mind_n as_o those_o which_o be_v perfective_a of_o its_o state_n which_o quell_v and_o cast_v out_o whatever_o trouble_v it_o thence_o a_o bless_a satisfaction_n and_o complacency_n befall_v the_o soul_n herein_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o beside_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v never_o real_o act_v on_o christ_n but_o they_o prepare_v and_o make_v meet_v the_o soul_n to_o receive_v communication_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n from_o he_o which_o it_o never_o fail_v of_o although_o it_o be_v not_o always_o sensible_a thereof_o 3._o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n unto_o our_o sincerity_n both_o in_o aim_n end_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n hence_o a_o gracious_a repose_n of_o mind_n and_o great_a satisfactoriness_n do_v ensue_v if_o we_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o walk_v at_o random_n in_o the_o best_a of_o our_o duty_n for_o they_o be_v among_o the_o principal_a thing_n that_o we_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o experience_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o prayer_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o neither_o have_v advantage_n by_o they_o nor_o give_v glory_n unto_o god_n in_o they_o but_o yet_o here_o as_o in_o most_o other_o spiritual_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n be_v ready_a to_o impose_v itself_o in_o the_o room_n and_o place_n of_o the_o best_a of_o our_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v self-pleasing_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n this_o instead_o of_o a_o grace_n steep_v in_o humility_n as_o all_o true_a grace_n be_v be_v a_o vile_a effect_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n or_o the_o offering_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o our_o own_o net_n and_o drag_v it_o be_v a_o glory_v in_o the_o flesh_n for_o whatever_o of_o self_n any_o do_v glory_n in_o it_o be_v but_o flesh._n when_o man_n have_v have_v enlargement_n in_o their_o expression_n and_o especial_o when_o they_o apprehend_v that_o other_o be_v satisfy_v or_o affect_v therewith_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v a_o secret_a self-pleasing_a in_o what_o they_o have_v do_v which_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a turn_n into_o pride_n and_o a_o noxious_a elation_n of_o mind_n the_o same_o may_v befall_v man_n in_o their_o most_o secret_a duty_n perform_v outward_o by_o the_o aid_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o this_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o and_o contrary_n unto_o that_o spiritual_a complacency_n in_o duty_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o which_o yet_o it_o will_v pretend_v unto_o until_o it_o be_v diligent_o examine_v the_o language_n of_o this_o spiritual_a complacency_n be_v i_o will_v go_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n i_o will_v make_v mention_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n of_o thy_o only_a psal._n 71.16_o that_o of_o spiritual_a pride_n be_v god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o have_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v express_v by_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi that_o be_v in_o god_n alone_o this_o be_v in_o self_n that_o draw_v forth_o the_o savour_n of_o all_o grace_n this_o immediate_o cover_v and_o bury_v they_o all_o if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o sâ—ul_a that_o fill_v the_o soul_n eminent_o with_o humility_n and_o self-abasement_n this_o with_o a_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o proud_a self-conceit_n that_o cast_v out_o all_o remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v ourselves_o retain_v only_o a_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n of_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n this_o blot_n out_o all_o remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o have_v free_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o retain_v only_o what_o we_o have_v do_v ourselves_o wherever_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o due_a sense_n either_o of_o the_o greatness_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o they_o for_o their_o part_n be_v cut_v off_o they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o any_o such_o spiritual_a rest_n and_o complacency_n in_o god_n in_o or_o after_o their_o prayer_n at_o the_o best_a they_o begin_v they_o with_o tear_n and_o end_v they_o in_o sorrow_n and_o sometime_o they_o know_v not_o what_o be_v become_v of_o they_o but_o fear_v that_o god_n be_v not_o glorify_v by_o they_o nor_o their_o own_o soul_n better_v i_o answer_v 1._o there_o be_v great_a spiritual_a refreshment_n in_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o be_v at_o work_n in_o our_o prayer_n where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n he_o cause_v mourn_v and_o in_o that_o mourn_a there_o be_v joy_n 2._o the_o secret_a encouragement_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o pray_v to_o adhere_v unto_o god_n constant_o in_o prayer_n arise_v from_o some_o experience_n of_o this_o holy_a complacency_n though_o we_o have_v not_o a_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o it_o 3._o perhaps_o some_o of_o they_o who_o make_v this_o complaint_n if_o they_o will_v awaken_v and_o consider_v will_v find_v that_o their_o soul_n at_o least_o sometime_o have_v be_v thus_o refresh_v and_o bring_v unto_o a_o holy_a rest_n in_o god_n 4._o then_o shall_v you_o know_v the_o lord_n if_o you_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v he_o abide_v in_o seek_v after_o this_o complacency_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v attain_v it_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n that_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o our_o supplication_n be_v from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v not_o mere_o occasion_v by_o the_o
duty_n itself_o when_o we_o find_v the_o daily_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o a_o holy_a humble_a watchful_a frame_n innumerable_a be_v the_o advantage_n benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v common_o speak_v unto_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o consolation_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o they_o where_o there_o be_v continuance_n in_o prayer_n there_o will_v be_v spiritual_a growth_n in_o some_o proportion_n for_o man_n to_o be_v earnest_a in_o prayer_n and_o thriftless_a in_o grace_n be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o prevalent_a corruption_n and_o want_v of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a in_o prayer_n itself_o if_o a_o man_n eat_v his_o daily_a food_n let_v he_o eat_v never_o so_o much_o or_o so_o often_o if_o he_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o it_o his_o body_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o prevalent_a distemper_n and_o so_o be_v his_o spiritual_a constitution_n who_o thrive_v not_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o food_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n but_o that_o which_o i_o fix_v upon_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o present_a enquiry_n be_v the_o frame_n that_o it_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o it_o will_v keep_v it_o humble_a and_o upon_o a_o diligent_a watch_n as_o unto_o its_o disposition_n and_o act_n he_o who_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v will_v endeavour_v to_o live_v as_o he_o pray_v this_o none_o can_v do_v who_o do_v not_o with_o diligence_n keep_v his_o heart_n unto_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v pray_v about_o to_o pray_v earnest_o and_o live_v careless_o be_v to_o proclaim_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v in_o his_o prayer_n hereby_o than_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o those_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o our_o mind_n be_v exercise_v withal_o in_o our_o supplication_n if_o they_o be_v influence_v unto_o a_o constant_a daily_a watch_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o frame_n of_o spirit_n those_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o they_o be_v from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o be_v general_o a_o unsuitableness_n in_o our_o mind_n unto_o what_o we_o seem_v to_o contend_v for_o in_o our_o prayer_n the_o gift_n may_v be_v in_o exercise_n but_o the_o grace_n be_v want_v if_o a_o man_n be_v every_o day_n on_o the_o exchange_n and_o there_o talk_v diligent_o and_o earnest_o about_o merchandise_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o trade_n but_o when_o he_o come_v home_n think_v no_o more_o of_o they_o because_o indeed_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v no_o interest_n in_o they_o he_o may_v be_v a_o very_a poor_a man_n notwithstanding_o his_o pretence_n and_o he_o may_v be_v spiritual_o very_o poor_a who_o be_v on_o occasion_n fervent_a in_o prayer_n if_o when_o he_o retire_v unto_o himself_o he_o be_v not_o careful_a and_o diligent_a about_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 4._o when_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o due_a preparation_n of_o heart_n unto_o the_o duty_n do_v excite_v and_o animate_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o the_o gift_n make_v impression_n on_o the_o affection_n then_o be_v we_o spiritual_o mind_a therein_o gift_n be_v servant_n not_o ruler_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o grace_n not_o to_o lead_v it_o but_o to_o follow_v it_o and_o to_o be_v ready_a with_o their_o assistance_n on_o its_o exercise_n for_o the_o most_o part_n where_o they_o lead_v all_o they_o be_v all_o alone_a this_o be_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o these_o thing_n grace_n habitual_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o heart_n unto_o this_o duty_n providence_n and_o rule_n give_v the_o occasion_n for_o its_o excercise_n sense_n of_o duty_n call_v for_o preparation_n grace_n come_v into_o actual_a exercise_n gift_n come_v in_o with_o their_o assistance_n if_o they_o lead_v all_o all_o be_v out_o of_o order_n it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o sometime_o a_o person_n indispose_v and_o lifeless_a engage_v into_o prayer_n in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n upon_o conviction_n of_o duty_n may_v in_o and_o by_o the_o gift_n have_v his_o affection_n excite_v and_o grace_n engage_v unto_o its_o proper_a work_n it_o may_v be_v so_o i_o say_v but_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o trust_v unto_o this_o order_n and_o method_n for_o where_o it_o be_v so_o there_o may_v be_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o all_o their_o fervour_n and_o commotion_n of_o affection_n but_o when_o the_o genuine_a act_n of_o faith_n love_n holy_a reverence_n and_o gracious_a desire_n do_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n unto_o its_o exercise_n call_v in_o its_o assistance_n unto_o the_o expression_n of_o themselves_o then_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o their_o proper_a order_n 5._o it_o be_v so_o when_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v equal_o regard_v and_o attend_v unto_o with_o prayer_n itself_o he_o all_o who_o religion_n lie_v in_o prayer_n and_o hearing_n have_v none_o at_o all_o god_n have_v a_o equal_a respect_n unto_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o so_o must_v we_o have_v also_o so_o be_v it_o express_v as_o unto_o the_o instance_n of_o alm_n act_v 10.31_o and_o james_n place_v all_o religion_n herein_o because_o there_o be_v none_o without_o it_o jam._n 1.27_o i_o shall_v not_o value_v his_o prayer_n at_o all_o be_v he_o never_o so_o earnest_a and_o frequent_a in_o they_o who_o give_v not_o alm_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o this_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v require_v of_o we_o who_o be_v minister_n that_o we_o be_v not_o like_o a_o hand_n set_v up_o in_o cross_a way_n direct_v other_o which_o way_n to_o go_v but_o stay_v behind_o itself_o this_o digression_n about_o the_o rise_n and_o spring_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n in_o prayer_n i_o judge_v not_o unnecessary_a in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o jealous_a lest_o gift_n impose_v themselves_o in_o the_o room_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v careful_a that_o they_o be_v employ_v only_o unto_o their_o proper_a end_n which_o be_v to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n and_o not_o otherwise_o 3._o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o they_o do_v not_o spring_v from_o a_o live_a principle_n within_o and_o so_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o this_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o other_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v speak_v one_o to_o another_o of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o his_o glory_n be_v concern_v mal._n 3.16_o to_o declare_v the_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o delight_n of_o his_o saint_n psal._n 145._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o his_o greatness_n be_v unsearchable_a one_o generation_n shall_v praise_v thy_o work_n to_o another_o and_o shall_v declare_v thy_o mighty_a work_n i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o thy_o majesty_n and_o of_o thy_o wondrous_a work_n and_o man_n shall_v speak_v of_o the_o might_n of_o thy_o terrible_a act_n and_o i_o will_v declare_v thy_o greatness_n they_o shall_v abundant_o utter_v the_o memory_n of_o thy_o great_a goodness_n and_o shall_v sing_v of_o thy_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n and_o according_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o be_v speak_v or_o make_v mention_n of_o thing_n divine_a spiritual_a and_o holy_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o they_o all_o the_o flagitious_a sin_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o be_v not_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v grow_v unusual_a yea_o a_o shame_n or_o scorn_v for_o man_n to_o speak_v together_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o when_o religion_n be_v in_o its_o primitive_a power_n and_o glory_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o with_o they_o who_o real_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n some_o i_o say_v there_o be_v who_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o spiritual_a communication_n those_o with_o who_o they_o do_v converse_v if_o they_o be_v not_o profligate_v if_o they_o have_v any_o spiritual_a light_n can_v but_o so_o far_o comply_v with_o what_o they_o say_v as_o to_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n speak_v which_o be_v spiritual_a oft_o time_n the_o track_n and_o course_n of_o man_n thought_n lie_v so_o out_o of_o the_o way_n be_v so_o contrary_a unto_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o they_o give_v they_o no_o entertainment_n you_o do_v but_o cross_v their_o way_n with_o such_o discourse_n whereon_o they_o stand_v still_o a_o little_a and_o
obstruction_n unto_o fruitfulness_n thrnkfulness_n and_o consolation_n when_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o our_o meditation_n about_o the_o benefit_n that_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v thereby_o for_o while_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o we_o can_v neither_o value_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o grant_v we_o this_o inestimable_a privilege_n nor_o perform_v any_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o it_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n this_o render_v it_o a_o especial_a object_n of_o our_o affection_n as_o spiritual_o renew_v that_o secret_a love_n unto_o and_o heavenly_a delight_n in_o the_o statute_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n which_o david_n express_v psal_n 119._o arise_v from_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o they_o as_o he_o constant_o declare_v and_o the_o sole_a reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n why_o man_n grow_v so_o careless_a negligent_a and_o cold_a in_o their_o attendance_n unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o any_o spiritual_a benefit_n or_o advantage_n by_o it_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v unto_o it_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o another_o most_o by_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o mind_n have_v be_v various_o affect_v with_o it_o unto_o a_o joy_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o and_o readiness_n unto_o sundry_a duty_n of_o obedience_n but_o after_o a_o while_n when_o a_o sense_n of_o those_o temporary_a impression_n be_v wear_v off_o find_v no_o real_a spiritual_a benefit_n by_o it_o they_o lose_v all_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o become_v very_o indifferent_a as_o unto_o its_o enjoyment_n the_o frame_n which_o such_o person_n at_o length_n arrive_v unto_o be_v describe_v mal._n 1.13_o and_o 3.14_o and_o none_o can_v give_v any_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o or_o of_o their_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o saving-grace_n than_o when_o they_o apostatise_v from_o some_o degree_n of_o zeal_n for_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o such_o a_o curse_a indifferency_n as_o many_o be_v overtake_v withal_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o for_o see_v this_o be_v a_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n it_o will_v not_o be_v neglect_v but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o decay_n of_o all_o grace_n however_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o other_o pretence_n and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o ensnare_v every_o foolish_a prejudice_n every_o provocation_n every_o wanton_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n will_v confirm_v they_o in_o and_o increase_v their_o gradual_a backslide_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o believer_n as_o unto_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_n so_o it_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o degree_n of_o advantage_n which_o they_o find_v by_o it_o when_o man_n have_v enjoy_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n spiritual_a and_o effectual_a if_o they_o can_v be_v content_a to_o forego_v it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v more_o cold_a and_o lifeless_a provide_v it_o possess_v the_o same_o time_n and_o outward_a form_n with_o the_o other_o it_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o their_o soul_n do_v prosper_v it_o be_v therefore_o those_o alone_a who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n on_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o all_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o it_o who_o cleave_v unto_o it_o with_o spiritual_a love_n and_o delight_n they_o continual_o remember_v what_o holy_a impression_n it_o have_v make_v on_o they_o what_o engagement_n it_o have_v bring_v their_o soul_n into_o what_o encouragement_n unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o have_v furnish_v they_o withal_o and_o long_o after_o renew_v sense_n of_o its_o enjoyment_n when_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o ourselves_o this_o foundation_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v renew_v so_o also_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o communion_n which_o it_o have_v have_v with_o god_n in_o they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o of_o the_o spiritual_a refreshment_n which_o it_o have_v have_v from_o they_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o in_o recovery_n from_o temptation_n snare_n despondency_n in_o victory_n over_o sin_n and_o satan_n in_o spiritual_a impression_n work_v it_o unto_o a_o holy_a watchful_a frame_n which_o have_v abode_n with_o it_o in_o other_o way_n and_o occasion_n with_o the_o like_a advantage_n wherewith_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n and_o sincere_a heavenly_a meditation_n be_v accompany_v it_o can_v but_o have_v love_n unto_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o but_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o find_v not_o these_o advantage_n in_o and_o by_o these_o duty_n they_o can_v but_o be_v a_o burden_n unto_o we_o nor_o do_v serve_v unto_o any_o other_o end_v but_o to_o satisfy_v conviction_n he_o who_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o serene_a and_o wholesome_a air_n in_o a_o recovery_n from_o many_o disease_n and_o distemper_n with_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o health_n so_o obtain_v will_v love_v it_o and_o prize_v it_o and_o so_o will_v he_o these_o duty_n who_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o any_o of_o these_o save_v mercy_n and_o privilege_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v some_o have_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o worst_a of_o temptation_n and_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o their_o prevalency_n as_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o by_o a_o sudden_a remembrance_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o intimation_n of_o god_n love_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o prayer_n at_o such_o a_o time_n some_o have_v have_v the_o same_o deliverance_n from_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n when_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v away_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o corruption_n and_o all_o circumstance_n have_v concur_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o a_o sudden_a thought_n of_o such_o a_o prayer_n or_o meditation_n with_o the_o engagement_n they_o make_v of_o themselves_o therein_o unto_o god_n have_v cause_v all_o the_o weapon_n of_o sin_n to_o fall_v out_o of_o its_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o its_o allurement_n to_o disappear_v when_o other_o have_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o dispondency_n and_o disconsolation_n as_o that_o no_o present_a tender_n of_o relief_n can_v approach_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v be_v sudden_o raise_v and_o refresh_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o intimate_a love_n and_o kindness_n between_o christ_n and_o their_o soul_n that_o have_v evidence_v itself_o in_o former_a duty_n multitude_n in_o fear_n distress_n and_o temptation_n have_v find_v relief_n unto_o their_o spirit_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o return_v they_o have_v have_v unto_o former_a supplication_n in_o the_o like_a distress_n these_o be_v ground_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n in_o these_o duty_n heartless_n lifeless_a wordy_a prayer_n the_o fruit_n of_o conviction_n and_o gift_n or_o of_o custom_n and_o outward_a occasion_n however_o multiply_v and_o whatever_o devotion_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v accompany_v withal_o will_v never_o engage_v spiritual_a affection_n unto_o they_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v absent_a when_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o experience_n of_o they_o prayer_n be_v but_o a_o lifeless_a form_n a_o dead_a carcase_n which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o torment_n unto_o a_o soul_n spiritual_o alive_a to_o be_v tie_v unto_o there_o may_v be_v a_o season_n indeed_o when_o god_n will_v seem_v to_o hide_v himself_o from_o believer_n in_o their_o prayer_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v neither_o find_v that_o life_n in_o themselves_o which_o they_o have_v do_v former_o nor_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o gracious_a communication_n from_o he_o but_o this_o be_v do_v only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o principal_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o unto_o that_o fervency_n and_o preseverance_n in_o prayer_n as_o may_v recover_v they_o into_o their_o former_a or_o a_o better_a estate_n than_o yet_o they_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n four_o believer_n who_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n great_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o be_v the_o great_a institute_v way_n whereby_o they_o may_v give_v glory_n unto_o god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o respect_v divine_a appointment_n namely_o to_o ascribe_v and_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o glory_n that_o be_v his_o due_n for_o in_o they_o all_o acknowledgement_n be_v make_v of_o all_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n
unto_o our_o own_o soul_n they_o be_v of_o no_o other_o advantage_n or_o benefit_n but_o to_o stir_v up_o grace_n unto_o its_o proper_a exercise_n and_o to_o be_v a_o vehicle_n to_o carry_v it_o on_o in_o its_o proper_a use_n if_o we_o do_v not_o always_o regard_v this_o in_o their_o exercise_n we_o have_v better_o be_v without_o they_o if_o instead_o hereof_o they_o once_o begin_v to_o impose_v themselves_o practical_o upon_o we_o so_o as_o that_o we_o rest_v in_o spiritual_a light_n act_v our_o invention_n memory_n and_o judgement_n with_o a_o ready_a utterance_n or_o such_o as_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n can_v be_v more_o prejudicial_a unto_o our_o soul_n as_o wine_n if_o take_v moderate_o and_o seasonable_o help_v the_o stomach_n in_o digestion_n and_o quicken_v the_o natural_a spirit_n enable_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n unto_o their_o duty_n be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a unto_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o excess_n it_o do_v not_o help_v nature_n but_o oppress_v it_o and_o take_v on_o itself_o to_o do_v what_o nature_n shall_v be_v assist_v unto_o it_o fill_v man_n carcase_n with_o disease_n as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n with_o sin_n so_o while_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v use_v and_o employ_v only_o to_o excite_v aid_n and_o assist_v grace_n in_o its_o operation_n they_o be_v unutterable_o useful_a but_o if_o they_o put_v themselves_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o to_o do_v all_o that_o grace_n shall_v do_v they_o be_v hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a we_o have_v need_v therefore_o to_o be_v very_o diligent_a in_o this_o enquiry_n whether_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n even_o in_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o rather_o occasion_v from_o the_o duty_n than_o spring_n from_o a_o gracious_a principle_n in_o our_o heart_n or_o be_v the_o act_n of_o real_a save_a grace_n 2._o where_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o prayer_n be_v occasional_a only_o in_o the_o way_n before_o describe_v such_o prayer_n will_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o spiritual_a growth_n unto_o the_o soul._n they_o will_v not_o make_v the_o soul_n humble_a holy_a watchful_a and_o diligent_a in_o universal_a obedience_n grace_n will_v not_o thrive_v under_o the_o great_a constancy_n in_o such_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o astonish_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o under_o frequency_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o seem_a fervency_n therein_o many_o of_o we_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n as_o to_o visible_a thrive_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v without_o any_o increase_n of_o strength_n in_o the_o root_n of_o it_o god_n hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v save_v nor_o his_o ear_n deafen_a that_o he_o can_v hear_v he_o be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a when_o our_o father_n cry_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v deliver_v when_o they_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o be_v not_o confound_v jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o prevalency_n while_o this_o world_n endure_v whence_o be_v it_o then_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o prayer_n among_o we_o and_o so_o little_a success_n i_o speak_v not_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n wherein_o god_n always_o act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o ofttimes_o give_v the_o most_o useful_a answer_n unto_o our_o prayer_n by_o deny_v our_o request_n i_o intend_v that_o only_o whereof_o the_o psalmist_n give_v we_o his_o experience_n psal._n 138.3_o in_o the_o day_n when_o i_o cry_v thou_o answer_v i_o and_o strengthn_v i_o with_o strength_n in_o my_o soul._n where_o prayer_n be_v effectual_a they_o will_v bring_v in_o spiritual_a strength_n but_o the_o prayer_n of_o many_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o spiritual_a and_o to_o express_v all_o conceivable_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o be_v persist_v in_o with_o constancy_n and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v hypocritical_a and_o whole_o insincere_a yet_o be_v there_o a_o defect_n somewhere_o which_o shall_v be_v inquire_v after_o for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o answer_v as_o that_o they_o who_o pray_v they_o be_v strengthen_v with_o strength_n in_o their_o soul_n there_o be_v not_o that_o spiritual_a thrive_a that_o growth_n in_o grace_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v to_o accompany_v such_o supplication_n i_o know_v that_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v often_o pray_v sincere_o and_o frequent_o for_o a_o especial_a mercy_n grace_n or_o deliverance_n from_o a_o particular_a temptation_n and_o yet_o no_o spiritual_a supply_n of_o strength_n unto_o his_o own_o experience_n come_v in_o thereby_o so_o paul_n pray_v thrice_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o temptation_n and_o yet_o have_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o may_v be_v no_o defect_n in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o the_o grace_n in_o particular_a aim_v at_o not_o be_v attain_v for_o god_n have_v other_o holy_a end_n to_o accomplish_v hereby_o on_o the_o soul_n but_o how_o person_n shall_v continue_v in_o prayer_n in_o general_a according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v outward_o discover_v and_o yet_o thrive_v not_o at_o all_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a strength_n in_o their_o soul_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o astonishable_a man_n abide_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o in_o constancy_n in_o their_o family_n and_o otherwise_o and_o yet_o live_v in_o know_a sin_n whatever_o spiritual_a thought_n such_o man_n have_v in_o and_o by_o their_o prayer_n they_o be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v shall_v we_o now_o say_v that_o all_o such_o person_n be_v gross_a hypocrite_n such_o as_o know_v they_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n and_o man_n know_v that_o they_o have_v not_o desire_v nor_o aim_n after_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o mention_v in_o their_o own_o prayer_n but_o do_v these_o thing_n either_o for_o some_o corrupt_a end_n or_o at_o best_a to_o satisfy_v their_o conviction_n can_v we_o thus_o resolve_v the_o whole_a difficulty_n of_o the_o case_n be_v take_v off_o for_o such_o double_a mind_a man_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 1.7_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o they_o never_o act_n faith_n with_o reference_n unto_o their_o own_o prayer_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o all_o of_o this_o sort_n some_o judge_n themselves_o sincere_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o their_o prayer_n not_o without_o some_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o success_n i_o will_v not_o say_v of_o all_o such_o person_n that_o they_o be_v among_o the_o number_n of_o they_o concern_v who_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n say_v because_o i_o call_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o refuse_v they_o shall_v call_v on_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o and_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o prov._n 1.18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o and_o although_o we_o may_v say_v unto_o such_o person_n in_o general_a either_o leave_v your_o sin_v or_o leave_v your_o pray_v from_o psal._n 50.16_o 17._o and_o that_o with_o respect_n unto_o present_a scandal_n and_o certain_a miscarriage_n in_o the_o end_n if_o both_o be_v continue_v in_o yet_o in_o particular_a i_o will_v not_o advise_v any_o such_o person_n to_o leave_v off_o his_o pray_v until_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o sin_n this_o be_v to_o advise_v a_o sick_a man_n to_o use_v no_o remedy_n until_o he_o be_v well_o cure_v who_o know_v but_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v may_v take_v a_o time_n to_o animate_v these_o lifeless_a prayer_n and_o make_v they_o a_o mean_n of_o deliverance_n from_o the_o power_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o fault_n and_o gild_n be_v whole_o their_o own_o who_o have_v effect_v a_o consistency_n between_o a_o way_n in_o sin_v and_o a_o course_n in_o pray_v and_o it_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o have_v never_o labour_v to_o fill_v up_o their_o request_n with_o grace_n what_o there_o have_v be_v of_o earnestness_n or_o diligence_n in_o they_o have_v be_v from_o a_o force_n put_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o conviction_n and_o fear_n for_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o absolute_o prevail_v on_o by_o sin_n who_o pray_v for_o deliverance_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n every_o pray_v man_n that_o perish_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o judge_n otherwise_o wherefore_o the_o thought_n that_o such_o person_n have_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n even_o in_o their_o duty_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o within_o nor_o be_v a_o natural_a emanation_n of_o the_o frame_v of_o their_o
reveal_v we_o shall_v cheerful_o entertain_v every_o way_n and_o path_n that_o lead_v thereunto_o as_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n through_o this_o medium_fw-la we_o may_v look_v cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o on_o the_o loss_n of_o name_n reputation_n good_n liberty_n life_n itself_o as_o know_v in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v better_a and_o more_o abide_v comfort_n to_o betake_v ourselves_o unto_o and_o we_o can_v no_o other_o way_n glorify_v god_n by_o our_o alacrity_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o suffering_n than_o when_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o prospect_n into_o and_o valuation_n of_o those_o invisible_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v as_o a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o all_o we_o can_v lose_v in_o this_o world_n 2._o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o suffering_n be_v their_o long_a continuance_n without_o any_o rational_a appearance_n or_o hope_n of_o relief_n many_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o suffering_n with_o much_o courage_n and_o resolution_n have_v be_v weary_v and_o wear_v out_o with_o their_o continuance_n elijah_n himself_o be_v hereby_o reduce_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v take_v away_o his_o life_n to_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o his_o ministry_n and_o calamity_n and_o not_o a_o few_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v hereby_o so_o break_v in_o their_o natural_a spirit_n and_o so_o shake_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o confession_n in_o seek_v deliverance_n by_o sinful_a compliance_n in_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o although_o this_o may_v be_v do_v out_o of_o mere_a weariness_n as_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n to_o wear_v out_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a with_o reluctance_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o love_n yet_o remain_v unto_o the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n yet_o have_v it_o constant_o one_o of_o these_o two_o effect_n some_o by_o the_o overwhelm_a sorrow_n that_o befall_v they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o failure_n in_o profession_n and_o out_o of_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o unkindness_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v stir_v up_o immediate_o unto_o high_a act_n of_o confession_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o engage_v in_o and_o unto_o a_o high_a provocation_n of_o their_o adversary_n until_o their_o former_a trouble_n be_v double_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o frequent_o undergo_v with_o great_a satisfaction_n instance_n of_o this_o nature_n occur_v in_o all_o story_n of_o great_a persecution_n other_o be_v cow_v and_o discourage_v in_o their_o profession_n and_o perhaps_o neglect_v by_o they_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v rather_o to_o restore_v they_o have_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n give_v place_n to_o their_o declension_n and_o become_v vile_a apostate_n to_o prevent_v these_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o duration_n of_o suffering_n without_o a_o prospect_n of_o deliverance_n nothing_o be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o a_o constant_a contemplation_n on_o the_o future_a reward_n and_o glory_n so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v it_o heb._n 11.35_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o unseen_a glory_n of_o eternity_n it_o have_v in_o readiness_n what_o to_o lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o long_a continuance_n and_o duration_n of_o suffering_n which_o in_o comparison_n thereunto_o at_o their_o utmost_a extent_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a on_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o that_o be_v indeed_o spiritual_o mind_v chap._n viii_o spiritual_a thought_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o opposition_n unto_o they_o and_o neglect_v of_o they_o with_o their_o cause_n and_o the_o way_n of_o their_o prevalency_n predominant_a corruption_n expel_v due_a thought_n of_o god_n how_o to_o be_v discover_v etc._n etc._n thought_n of_o god_n of_o what_o nature_n and_o what_o they_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v withal_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v speak_v very_o brief_o unto_o the_o first_o particular_a instance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o namely_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n and_o i_o have_v do_v it_o on_o the_o reason_n before_o mention_v namely_o that_o i_o intend_v a_o peculiar_a treatise_n on_o that_o subject_n or_o and_o enquiry_n how_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n and_o how_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o unto_o eternity_n that_o which_o i_o have_v reserve_v unto_o the_o last_o place_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o thought_n about_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o absolute_a foundation_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n namely_o god_n himself_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n whence_o all_o these_o thing_n proceed_v and_o the_o ocean_n wherein_o they_o issue_n he_o be_v their_o centre_n and_o circumference_n wherein_o they_o all_o begin_v meet_v and_o end_v so_o the_o apostle_n issue_v his_o profound_a discourse_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 11.36_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o all_o thing_n arise_v from_o his_o power_n be_v all_o dispose_v by_o his_o wisdom_n into_o a_o tendency_n unto_o his_o glory_n of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n under_o that_o consideration_n alone_o be_v they_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o spiritual_a meditation_n namely_o as_o they_o come_v from_o he_o and_o tend_v unto_o he_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v finite_a and_o limit_v but_o they_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o that_o which_o be_v immense_a and_o infinite_a so_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all._n he_o therefore_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a absolute_a object_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o desire_n other_o thing_n be_v from_o and_o for_o he_o only_o where_o our_o thought_n do_v not_o either_o immediate_o and_o direct_o or_o mediate_o and_o by_o just_a consequence_n tend_v unto_o and_o end_v in_o he_o they_o be_v not_o spiritual_a 1._o pet._n 1.21_o to_o make_v way_n for_o direction_n how_o to_o exercise_v our_o thought_n on_o god_n himself_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v concern_v a_o sinful_a defect_n herein_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o great_a character_n of_o a_o man_n presumptuous_o and_o flagitious_o wicked_a that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n psal._n 10.4_o that_o be_v he_o be_v in_o none_o of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o want_n of_o thought_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o degree_n for_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o equal_o so_o forgetful_a of_o he_o 1._o some_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o atheistical_a thought_n they_o deny_v or_o question_n or_o do_v not_o avowed_o acknowledge_v the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o height_n of_o what_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n can_v rise_v unto_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n and_o yet_o to_o refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o law_n or_o will_n a_o man_n will_v think_v be_v as_o bad_a if_o not_o worse_o than_o to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v a_o rebellion_n against_o his_o authority_n this_o and_o hatred_n unto_o the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n truth_n and_o be_v and_o that_o because_o they_o can_v own_v it_o but_o withal_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v infinite_o righteous_a holy_a and_o powerful_a which_o will_v destroy_v all_o their_o desire_n and_o security_n such_o may_v be_v the_o person_n in_o the_o psalm_n for_o the_o word_n may_v be_v read_v all_z his_o thought_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n howbeit_o the_o context_n describe_v he_o as_o one_o who_o rather_o despise_v his_o providence_n than_o deny_v his_o be_v but_o such_o there_o be_v who_o the_o same_o psalmist_n elsewhere_o brand_v for_o fool_n though_o themselves_o seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o wisdom_n be_v bear_v and_o will_v die_v with_o they_o psal._n 14.1_o psal._n 53.1_o it_o may_v be_v never_o any_o age_n since_o the_o flood_n do_v more_o abound_v with_o open_a atheism_n among_o such_o as_o pretend_v unto_o the_o use_n and_o improvement_n of_o reason_n than_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v among_o the_o ancient_a civilise_a heathen_a we_o hear_v ever_o and_o anon_o of_o a_o person_n brand_v for_o a_o atheist_n yet_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o it_o be_v do_v just_o or_o no._n but_o in_o all_o nation_n of_o europe_n at_o this_o day_n city_n court_n town_n field_n army_n abound_v with_o person_n who_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v unto_o what_o they_o say_v or_o do_v believe_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o may_v be_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o now_o this_o be_v no_o other_o
be_v exhort_v unto_o 1_o cor._n 15_o 58._o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n transient_a affection_n with_o their_o occasional_a operation_n deceive_v multitude_n oft_o time_n they_o be_v pregnant_a in_o their_o act_n as_o those_o that_o be_v most_o sincere_a and_o many_o effect_n in_o joy_n in_o mourning_n in_o complaint_n they_o will_v produce_v especial_o when_o excite_v by_o any_o outward_a affliction_n sickness_n and_o the_o like_a but_o their_o goodness_n be_v like_o the_o early_a cloud_n or_o morning_n dew_n let_v none_o therefore_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o operation_n of_o transient_a affection_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v they_o never_o so_o urgent_a or_o so_o pleasant_a or_o so_o frequent_a in_o their_o return_n those_o that_o be_v sincere_a be_v at_o all_o time_n firm_a and_o stable_a 2_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v find_v a_o spiritual_a relish_n and_o savour_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o so_o adhere_v unto_o the_o affection_n be_v the_o palate_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o taste_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o it_o receive_v or_o refuse_v and_o it_o will_v not_o long_o cleave_v unto_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o find_v not_o a_o savour_n and_o relish_v in_o something_o be_v speak_v before_o of_o that_o sweetness_n which_o be_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o the_o taste_n of_o they_o consist_v in_o a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o their_o suitableness_n unto_o the_o affection_n inclination_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n hence_o they_o have_v no_o relish_n unto_o man_n of_o carnal_a mind_n whoever_o therefore_o will_v know_v whether_o his_o affection_n do_v sincere_o adhere_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n let_v he_o examine_v what_o relish_n what_o sweetness_n what_o savour_n he_o find_v in_o they_o when_o he_o be_v please_v with_o they_o as_o the_o palate_n with_o suitable_a and_o proper_a food_n when_o he_o find_v that_o he_o receive_v nourishment_n by_o they_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n then_o do_v he_o adhere_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n this_o spiritual_a taste_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o experience_n it_o be_v not_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v or_o understand_v only_o but_o what_o we_o have_v try_v and_o taste_v whereof_o we_o have_v experience_n this_o make_v we_o long_o for_o what_o we_o have_v former_o enjoy_v and_o strengthen_v faith_n as_o unto_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o expect_v in_o every_o darkness_n in_o every_o damp_n of_o spirit_n under_o every_o apprehension_n of_o dreadness_n or_o the_o withdraw_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o soul_n know_v what_o it_o want_v and_o what_o it_o do_v desire_v oh_o say_v such_o a_o one_o that_o it_o be_v now_o with_o i_o as_o in_o former_a day_n i_o know_v he_o who_o then_o give_v i_o such_o refresh_a taste_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n who_o make_v every_o thing_n of_o himself_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o i_o can_v renew_v this_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o i_o he_o can_v give_v i_o a_o new_a spiritual_a appetite_n and_o relish_n and_o he_o can_v make_v all_o spiritual_a thing_n savoury_a unto_o i_o again_o as_o a_o man_n under_o a_o languish_v sickness_n or_o when_o he_o be_v chastened_a with_o strong_a pain_n so_o as_o that_o his_o soul_n abhor_v bread_n and_o his_o daily_a meat_n can_v remember_v what_o appetite_n he_o have_v with_o what_o gust_n and_o relish_v he_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v in_o his_o food_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o health_n which_o make_v he_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o condition_n and_o to_o desire_v a_o return_n unto_o it_o so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o sin_n sick_a soul_n it_o can_v find_v no_o relish_n no_o gust_n no_o sweetness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n he_o find_v no_o savour_n in_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o refreshment_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o yet_o in_o themselves_o be_v daily_a meat_n a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n and_o of_o wine_n well_o refine_v yet_o do_v it_o remember_v former_a day_n when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v sweet_a unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o spiritual_a life_n yet_o remain_v it_o will_v stir_v he_o up_o to_o seek_v with_o all_o diligence_n after_o a_o recovery_n how_o be_v it_o with_o you_o who_o be_v now_o under_o spiritual_a decay_n who_o find_v no_o taste_n nor_o relish_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n unto_o who_o the_o word_n be_v not_o savoury_a nor_o other_o ordinance_n powerful_a call_v to_o mind_v how_o it_o have_v be_v with_o you_o in_o former_a day_n and_o what_o you_o find_v in_o these_o thing_n if_o so_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a if_o you_o have_v not_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o you_o have_v never_o yet_o have_v the_o least_o sincere_a love_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n for_o where_o that_o be_v it_o will_v give_v a_o spiritual_a relish_n of_o they_o if_o you_o have_v how_o be_v it_o you_o can_v give_v yourselves_o rest_v one_o moment_n without_o a_o endeavour_n after_o the_o heal_n of_o your_o backslide_n 3_o it_o be_v require_v that_o our_o affection_n be_v so_o set_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o continual_a spring_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o meditation_n no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o forsake_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v any_o sincere_a affection_n for_o what_o he_o think_v little_o on_o or_o not_o at_o all_o or_o that_o he_o can_v have_v a_o true_a affection_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o stir_v up_o and_o ingenerate_a in_o he_o continual_a thought_n about_o it_o let_v man_n try_v themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o relation_n or_o their_o enjoyment_n or_o the_o object_n of_o their_o predominant_a lust_n and_o they_o will_v find_v how_o thing_n be_v state_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o all_o man_n pretend_v to_o love_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o know_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o they_o little_o think_v of_o they_o or_o meditate_v upon_o they_o both_o their_o pretence_n and_o religion_n be_v vain_a where_o our_o affection_n be_v due_o place_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n so_o as_o that_o we_o be_v indeed_o spiritual_o mind_a they_o will_v be_v a_o constant_a spring_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o meditation_n but_o this_o also_o have_v be_v before_o speak_v unto_o four_o when_o our_o affection_n be_v thus_o apply_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o will_v be_v prevalent_a and_o victorious_a against_o solicitation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a or_o allurement_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o unto_o any_o other_o object_n the_o work_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a adversary_n be_v to_o solicit_v and_o tempt_v our_o affection_n to_o divert_v they_o from_o their_o proper_a object_n there_o be_v some_o temptation_n of_o satan_n that_o make_v a_o immediate_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n such_o be_v his_o injection_n of_o diabolical_a blasphemous_a thought_n concern_v god_n his_o be_v nature_n and_o will_v and_o the_o distress_n which_o he_o reduce_v man_n unto_o in_o their_o conscience_n through_o darkness_n and_o misrepresentation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o goodness_n but_o the_o high_a road_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a adversary_n be_v by_o the_o solicitation_n of_o our_o affection_n unto_o object_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o or_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o they_o evil_a and_o sinful_a of_o the_o first_o be_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o drunkenness_n uncleanness_n gluttony_n chamber_v and_o wantonness_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v all_o our_o inordinate_a love_n unto_o self_n our_o family_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o unto_o this_o end_n every_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o may_v make_v provision_n for_o lust_n be_v make_v use_n of_o herein_o consist_v the_o nature_n and_o efficacy_n of_o most_o of_o those_o temptation_n which_o we_o have_v to_o conflict_n withal_o solicitation_n they_o be_v of_o our_o affection_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o to_o divert_v they_o unto_o other_o thing_n hereby_o do_v our_o enemy_n endeavour_n to_o beguile_v we_o as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n with_o fair_a and_o false_a representation_n of_o other_o belove_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o preserve_v as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n in_o all_o their_o affection_n for_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o be_v beguile_v by_o the_o specious_a pretence_n wherewith_o we_o be_v solicit_v that_o our_o