bless_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v bless_v and_o promise_v they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5._o 6._o righteousness_n impute_v be_v and_o that_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n prize_v by_o believer_n and_o righteousness_n inherent_a be_v earnest_o desire_v they_o long_o to_o be_v make_v more_o holy_a more_o holy_a in_o heart_n more_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o have_v clean_a hand_n heart_n pure_a they_o groan_v earnest_o to_o be_v sanctify_v throughout_o in_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v establish_v unblameable_a in_o holiness_n to_o the_o end_n do_v thou_o vehement_o desire_v to_o be_v better_v by_o every_o mercy_n to_o be_v refine_v more_o and_o more_o every_o time_n thou_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n and_o to_o become_v more_o holy_a by_o every_o ordinance_n thou_o engage_a in_o this_o sacra_fw-la fame_fw-la holy_a hunger_n be_v in_o thou_o and_o thou_o be_v bless_v 6._o those_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n who_o prize_v the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n all_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o desire_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o hark_v to_o our_o lord_n joh._n 8._o 47._o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n with_o good_a reason_n do_v gracious_a soul_n value_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o incorruptible_a seed_n whereof_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o it_o be_v the_o food_n whereby_o they_o be_v nourish_v it_o be_v the_o physic_n whereby_o they_o be_v heal_v it_o be_v the_o cordial_a whereby_o they_o be_v revive_v it_o be_v the_o weapon_n wherewith_o they_o defend_v themselves_o against_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n final_o it_o be_v the_o main_a deed_n they_o have_v to_o show_v for_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n if_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v understand_v believe_v and_o receive_v by_o thou_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o desire_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o mould_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o conform_v to_o it_o if_o david_n language_n be_v thou_o psal_n 119._o 33_o 34_o 35._o teach_v i_o o_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v it_o to_o the_o end_n give_v i_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v thy_o law_n yea_o i_o shall_v observe_v it_o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n make_v i_o to_o go_v in_o the_o path_n of_o thy_o commandment_n for_o therein_o do_v i_o delight_v this_o will_v argue_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n indeed_o 7._o those_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n the_o apostle_n paul_n assoon_o as_o ever_o translate_v into_o this_o state_n have_v this_o character_n behold_v he_o pray_v act._n 9_o 11._o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a he_o have_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o prayer_n many_o a_o time_n before_o while_o he_o be_v a_o zealous_a son_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o now_o he_o pray_v in_o god_n account_n now_o he_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o that_o be_v hypocrite_n may_v excel_v in_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n god_n may_v be_v much_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o their_o expression_n may_v be_v fluent_a and_o seem_o affectionate_a when_o yet_o he_o be_v far_o from_o their_o reins_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o saint_n now_o such_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n their_o desire_n be_v draw_v forth_o with_o great_a strength_n and_o fervour_n after_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n they_o entreat_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n they_o beg_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n fear_v and_o love_n and_o every_o other_o grace_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v deliver_v from_o every_o evil_a work_n they_o may_v be_v preserve_v to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n thus_o the_o spirit_n make_v intercession_n for_o they_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n rom._n 8._o 26_o 27._o 8._o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n who_o love_v the_o brethren_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o hereby_o we_o know_v we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n now_o right_a love_n to_o the_o brethren_n be_v love_n with_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v a_o fervent_a love_n it_o be_v love_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n though_o but_o poor_a in_o the_o world_n though_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v love_v wherever_o it_o be_v find_v and_o the_o more_o of_o it_o be_v find_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o more_o lovely_a it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o love_v the_o saint_n because_o they_o be_v good_a nature_a because_o they_o be_v beautiful_a because_o they_o be_v bountiful_a because_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o discreet_a and_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o love_v they_o because_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o true_o if_o the_o more_o holy_a they_o be_v the_o more_o we_o love_v they_o and_o the_o more_o plain_o they_o deal_v with_o we_o by_o reprehension_n and_o advice_n in_o order_n unto_o our_o progress_n in_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n the_o more_o and_o better_o we_o like_v they_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o solid_a evidence_n of_o our_o be_v saint_n ourselves_o moreover_o true_a saint_n be_v of_o a_o public_a spirit_n they_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n militant_a and_o cry_v aloud_o that_o she_o may_v be_v preserve_v in_o purity_n unity_n and_o love_n and_o may_v more_o than_o conquer_v all_o enemy_n and_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v triumphant_a 9_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n who_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v not_o weary_a of_o well-doing_n he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v say_v christ_n and_o if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o joh._n 8._o 31._o the_o sincere_o righteous_a one_o not_o withstand_v all_o difficulty_n opposition_n trial_n tribulation_n hold_v on_o their_o way_n and_o they_o that_o have_v clean_a hand_n do_v wax_v strong_a and_o strong_a job_n 17._o 9_o they_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o last_o breath_n and_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a they_o seek_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o at_o last_o lie_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n rom._n 2._o 7._o thus_o you_o have_v the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o word_n to_o prove_v yourselves_o by_o and_o what_o this_o word_n bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n what_o this_o word_n lose_v on_o earth_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n which_o this_o word_n pronounce_v bad_a you_o will_v certain_o be_v condemn_v but_o if_o your_o state_n be_v such_o as_o this_o word_n declare_v good_a you_o will_v as_o certain_o be_v acquit_v reward_v and_o crown_v at_o the_o great_a approach_a day_n in_o the_o six_o place_n i_o be_o to_o inform_v you_o of_o the_o special_a season_n when_o this_o duty_n of_o self-proving_a be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o the_o season_n be_v these_o 1._o we_o ought_v to_o prove_v ourselves_o before_o we_o engage_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o must_v be_v a_o spiritual_a life_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v a_o fitness_n to_o be_v a_o guest_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n a_o dead_a corpse_n set_v at_o a_o feast_n will_v be_v a_o frightful_a spectacle_n to_o all_o there_o neither_o can_v a_o dead_a body_n eat_v any_o of_o the_o dainty_n prepare_v he_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n be_v not_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a for_o he_o want_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v as_o the_o eye_n to_o discern_v the_o hand_n to_o receive_v and_o the_o mouth_n to_o eat_v the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o a_o ordinance_n design_v to_o work_v the_o first_o grace_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v exclude_v the_o great_a sinner_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o convert_v ordinance_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v and_o make_v more_o and_o more_o evident_a that_o grace_n which_o be_v already_o wrought_v therefore_o we_o must_v prove_v what_o we_o be_v before_o we_o engage_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 28_o 29._o but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o
so_o after_o death_n they_o will_v call_v themselves_o by_o that_o name_n and_o curse_v their_o folly_n everlasting_o 7._o we_o must_v examine_v what_o we_o elect_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o as_o our_o chief_a good_a and_o take_v up_o with_o we_o the_o best_a portion_n the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v content_v with_o a_o portion_n here_o in_o this_o life_n here_o they_o receive_v all_o their_o consolation_n they_o live_v as_o they_o think_v very_o well_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o care_v to_o know_v to_o serve_v or_o to_o enjoy_v he_o but_o if_o we_o be_v saint_n we_o follow_v other_o counsel_n we_o choose_v the_o lord_n for_o our_o portion_n and_o resolve_n to_o obey_v he_o psal_n 119._o 57_o thou_o be_v my_o portion_n o_o lord_n i_o have_v say_v that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o word_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o his_o al-sufficient_a goodness_n which_o be_v abundant_o communicative_a of_o itself_o and_o desire_v he_o above_o all_o and_o the_o lord_n himself_o be_v our_o portion_n we_o be_v please_v we_o be_v satisfy_v we_o rejoice_v and_o conclude_v the_o line_n be_v fall_v to_o we_o in_o pleasant_a place_n and_o that_o we_o have_v a_o very_a goodly_a heritage_n psal_n 16._o 5_o 6._o 8._o we_o must_v examine_v whether_o our_o natural_o belove_a sin_n be_v now_o loathe_v they_o that_o be_v sincere_a be_v make_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o find_v out_o their_o dilectum_fw-la delictum_fw-la darling_n iniquity_n or_o if_o more_o than_o one_o have_v be_v their_o darling_n they_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o they_o and_o though_o they_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o whole_a kind_n of_o sin_n yet_o with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a vehemency_n they_o desire_v the_o mortification_n of_o the_o lust_n or_o lust_n which_o be_v former_o most_o beloved_a because_o these_o have_v so_o load_v they_o with_o guilt_n have_v most_o of_o all_o defile_v they_o and_o provoke_v the_o lord_n most_o bitter_o against_o they_o david_n prove_v his_o uprightness_n this_o way_n psal_n 18._o 23._o i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o thou_o and_o i_o keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o resolve_v to_o spare_v their_o darling_n corruption_n they_o be_v unsound_a these_o lust_n will_v cost_v they_o the_o life_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v not_o those_o prodigy_n of_o folly_n who_o love_n sin_n so_o well_o as_o to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o if_o herod_n will_v keep_v his_o herodias_n still_o against_o the_o admonition_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n it_o plain_o argue_v that_o he_o be_v void_a of_o grace_n though_o he_o hear_v glad_o and_o in_o part_n practise_v the_o word_n he_o hear_v 9_o we_o must_v examine_v what_o pre-eminence_n heaven_n have_v above_o earth_n in_o our_o affection_n a_o wicked_a man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v will_v prefer_v heaven_n before_o hell_n but_o a_o saint_n prefer_v heaven_n before_o earth_n and_o when_o his_o heart_n treacherous_o hanker_n after_o earthly_a thing_n he_o check_v and_o chide_v it_o he_o go_v unto_o god_n and_o complain_v of_o this_o and_o pray_v to_o be_v make_v more_o heavenly_a mind_v he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n and_o fade_a nature_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o choose_v the_o better_a and_o endure_a substance_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n we_o be_v enlighten_v and_o renew_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n be_v when_o we_o speak_v his_o language_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 18._o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 10._o we_o must_v examine_v what_o be_v our_o great_a end_n and_o design_n the_o wicked_a man_n be_v sway_v by_o carnal_a sinful_a and_o worldly_a self_n worldly_a honour_n pleasure_n and_o advantage_n be_v the_o high_a indeed_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o seek_v if_o our_o end_n be_v not_o right_a we_o can_v possible_o be_v upright_o ourselves_o now_o our_o end_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o glorify_v of_o god_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o whatever_o you_o do_v say_v the_o apostle_n do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o this_o shall_v still_o be_v in_o the_o christian_n eye_n and_o aim_n and_o true_o the_o design_v of_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o wherein_o our_o own_o glory_n and_o happiness_n do_v consist_v those_o that_o honour_n god_n he_o will_v honour_v whatever_o thwart_v this_o high_a great_a end_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v with_o the_o great_a care_n for_o we_o can_v dishonour_v or_o despise_v the_o lord_n but_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la we_o degrade_v and_o prejudice_v ourselves_o 11._o we_o must_v examine_v whether_o we_o be_v not_o grieve_v at_o all_o discover_v defect_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o desirous_a to_o have_v every_o thing_n amiss_o rectify_v and_o amend_v though_o upon_o search_n we_o find_v much_o out_o of_o order_n nay_o nothing_o in_o such_o order_n every_o way_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v if_o this_o be_v our_o serious_a trouble_n and_o we_o long_o indeed_o to_o be_v turn_v long_o to_o be_v save_o change_v long_o to_o be_v thorough_o heal_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o some_o hopeful_a beginning_n if_o they_o do_v but_o hold_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v as_o a_o bullock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n he_o find_v a_o great_a reluctancy_n in_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o loathness_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o god_n he_o be_v trouble_v at_o it_o and_o fall_v a_o pray_v for_o convert_v grace_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v his_o prayer_n be_v hear_v he_o be_v turn_v he_o be_v instruct_v he_o repent_v he_o be_v adopt_v and_o assure_v at_o last_o of_o mercy_n be_v ephraim_n my_o dear_a son_n be_v he_o a_o pleasant_a child_n for_o since_o i_o speak_v against_o he_o i_o do_v earnest_o remember_v he_o still_o therefore_o my_o bowel_n be_v trouble_v for_o he_o and_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n on_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31._o 18_o 19_o 21._o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o be_o to_o inform_v you_o concern_v what_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v ourselves_o and_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o insist_v on_o those_o two_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n in_o the_o context_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o whether_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o yea_o or_o no_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o prove_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n sometime_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o we_o because_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n into_o our_o heart_n with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n rom._n 10._o 10._o sometime_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o other_o that_o be_v unregenerate_a who_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o this_o phrase_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v in_o faith_n because_o faith_n do_v clothe_v they_o with_o a_o justify_v righteousness_n and_o be_v a_o shield_n to_o cover_v they_o and_o to_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o evil_a one_o now_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v thus_o prove_v 1._o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n truth_n be_v firm_o believe_v will_v be_v particular_o apply_v our_o assent_n will_v be_v firm_a unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o as_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n so_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o he_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o particular_a this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o word_n we_o read_v of_o job_n 5._o ult_n lo_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v see_v it_o and_o know_v it_o for_o thy_o good_a a_o medicine_n if_o not_o apply_v will_v not_o heal_v and_o the_o word_n if_o not_o apply_v by_o faith_n will_v not_o profit_v heb._n 4._o 2._o but_o the_o word_n preach_v do_v not_o profit_v they_o not_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o when_o divine_a command_n be_v particular_o apply_v we_o shall_v look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o great_a lawgiver_n who_o have_v power_n to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v when_o commination_n and_o threaten_n be_v apply_v unto_o our_o sin_n in_o particular_a we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o allow_v of_o those_o sin_n which_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o lash_n of_o threaten_n so_o very_o dreadful_a and_o as_o for_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v particular_o apply_v how_o certain_o will_v
so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n for_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n we_o ought_v to_o prove_v our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o examine_v our_o proficiency_n and_o eye_n the_o present_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o though_o upon_o trial_n we_o can_v absolute_o say_v we_o have_v grace_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o black_a and_o apparent_a mark_n of_o unregeneracy_n and_o only_o probable_a sign_n of_o our_o be_v sanctify_v yet_o we_o ought_v to_o come_v to_o the_o table_n that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v strengthen_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n carry_v on_o and_o ourselves_o in_o that_o seal_a ordinance_n seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n be_v we_o willing_a that_o every_o sin_n shall_v die_v be_v we_o willing_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v throw_v out_o of_o the_o high_a room_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v we_o willing_a to_o receive_v christ_n and_o all_o the_o benefit_n he_o give_v forth_o in_o this_o ordinance_n be_v we_o willing_a to_o resign_v and_o render_v our_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o we_o even_o our_o whole_a man_n to_o he_o if_o we_o can_v answer_v in_o the_o affirmative_a to_o all_o upon_o our_o come_n to_o the_o table_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v welcome_a whatever_o a_o unbelieving_a heart_n may_v fear_v and_o suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_n 2._o we_o ought_v to_o prove_v ourselves_o before_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o humiliation_n in_o solemn_a supplication_n solomon_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o necessary_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v understand_v the_o plague_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n when_o he_o spread_v forth_o his_o hand_n towards_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o king_n 8._o 38._o now_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v examine_v what_o it_o ail_v that_o the_o plague_n of_o it_o may_v be_v find_v out_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o look_v again_o and_o again_o upon_o the_o person_n suspect_v of_o leprosy_n the_o plague_n of_o the_o heart_n lie_v deep_a many_o time_n and_o be_v not_o easy_o discern_v there_o must_v be_v the_o more_o heedful_a examination_n and_o as_o we_o be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o plague_n of_o our_o heart_n so_o all_o our_o want_n and_o weakness_n and_o all_o be_v to_o be_v spread_v before_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n who_o can_v because_o most_o high_a perform_v all_o thing_n for_o we_o and_o cure_v every_o malady_n and_o supply_v all_o our_o needs_o according_a to_o his_o riches_n in_o glory_n by_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o we_o ought_v to_o prove_v ourselves_o after_o fall_n though_o believer_n shall_v never_o fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n yet_o they_o may_v fall_v into_o several_a act_n of_o sin_n and_o when_o their_o fall_n be_v more_o foul_a and_o scandalous_a their_o peace_n be_v break_v the_o holy_a spirit_n their_o comforter_n be_v grieve_v their_o comfort_n and_o joy_n take_v wing_n and_o fly_v away_o the_o guilt_n they_o contract_v fill_v they_o with_o fear_n and_o bring_v they_o under_o great_a bondage_n their_o evidence_n be_v blot_v and_o their_o state_n seemsto_o be_v very_o questionable_a now_o therefore_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o prove_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v find_v out_o the_o lurk_a corruption_n that_o betray_v they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o heinous_a nature_n and_o high_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v that_o be_v true_o humble_v they_o may_v cry_v with_o fervency_n for_o pardon_n and_o cleanse_v and_o that_o the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n may_v be_v restore_v david_n after_o he_o have_v defile_v bathsheba_n the_o wife_n and_o murder_v vriah_n the_o husband_n he_o renew_v the_o search_n into_o himself_o he_o trace_n these_o filthy_a stream_n till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o fountain_n the_o original_a corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n he_o be_v sensible_a what_o a_o impure_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n he_o have_v and_o therefore_o cry_v out_o create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o psal_n 51._o 10._o he_o find_v that_o his_o fall_n have_v fill_v he_o with_o anguish_n and_o very_o much_o enfeeble_v he_o therefore_o he_o pray_v restore_v unto_o i_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n and_o uphold_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n v._o 12._o his_o sin_n stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n and_o he_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o it_o and_o withal_o he_o offer_v the_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n to_o he_o 4._o we_o ought_v to_o prove_v ourselves_o in_o the_o time_n of_o spiritual_a desertion_n when_o god_n have_v withdraw_v from_o the_o psalmist_n and_o so_o far_o withdraw_v as_o that_o he_o almost_o question_v whether_o ever_o he_o will_v return_v again_o and_o therefore_o cry_v out_o will_v the_o lord_n cast_v off_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o be_v favourable_a no_o more_o then_o he_o commune_v with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o his_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n psal_n 77._o 6_o 7._o david_n inquire_v why_o his_o god_n have_v forsake_v he_o and_o why_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v he_o and_o from_o the_o word_n of_o his_o roar_n psal_n 22._o 1._o and_o job_n under_o desertion_n cry_v out_o why_o have_v thou_o set_v i_o as_o a_o mark_n against_o thou_o so_o that_o i_o be_o a_o burden_n to_o myself_o job_n 7._o 20._o spiritual_a desertion_n be_v very_o uncomfortable_a these_o be_v the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n buffet_v believer_n and_o unbelief_n and_o deadness_n and_o corruption_n prevail_v saint_n therefore_o shall_v question_v themselves_o severe_o what_o they_o have_v be_v and_o do_v which_o have_v grieve_v and_o quench_v the_o bless_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v lament_v their_o sin_n and_o loss_n and_o lament_v after_o god_n they_o be_v also_o to_o reflect_v upon_o former_a experience_n of_o special_a kindness_n and_o call_v to_o remembrance_n their_o song_n in_o the_o night_n and_o the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n unchangeable_a love_n and_o his_o sure_a and_o everlasting_a covenant_n shall_v keep_v they_o from_o sink_v into_o despondency_n final_o they_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o withdraw_v and_o be_v the_o more_o humble_a distrustful_a of_o themselves_o depend_v on_o their_o belove_a lord_n and_o the_o more_o thankful_a and_o fruitful_a prize_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o more_o high_o ever_o after_o 5._o we_o ought_v to_o prove_v ourselves_o in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n so_o say_v the_o prophet_n lam._n 3._o 39_o 40._o wherefore_o do_v a_o live_a man_n complain_v a_o man_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n let_v we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_n unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n conscience_n be_v many_o time_n awaken_v by_o affliction_n we_o shall_v not_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v busy_a and_o pry_v but_o harken_v to_o it_o whatever_o it_o speak_v to_o we_o joseph_n brethren_n make_v light_a of_o their_o cruelty_n towards_o their_o brother_n for_o many_o year_n together_o but_o when_o they_o be_v in_o distress_n in_o egypt_n than_o they_o look_v into_o themselves_o and_o they_o have_v a_o smart_n and_o sting_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o unmercifulness_n and_o they_o cry_v out_o we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n affliction_n shall_v cause_v we_o to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o though_o sin_n be_v palliate_v and_o excuse_v before_o yet_o than_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v we_o be_v very_o guilty_a when_o our_o sin_n have_v find_v we_o out_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o out_o and_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v humble_v within_o we_o and_o turn_v to_o he_o that_o smite_v we_o 6._o we_o ought_v to_o prove_v ourselves_o after_o our_o engage_v in_o ordinance_n it_o be_v good_a to_o examine_v before_o what_o we_o want_v and_o after_o what_o we_o have_v gain_v ordinance_n be_v talent_n and_o a_o vast_a improvement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o they_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o our_o own_o interest_n merchant_n that_o drive_v a_o trade_n beyond_o the_o sea_n when_o the_o ship_n return_v they_o be_v careful_a to_o examine_v what_o be_v the_o produce_v of_o the_o venture_v they_o send_v so_o shall_v we_o in_o this_o spiritual_a trade_n we_o shall_v ask_v ourselves_o what_o we_o have_v gain_v and_o what_o be_v the_o produce_v of_o all_o our_o pray_n hear_v fast_a praise_a whether_o we_o be_v such_o wise_a merchant_n as_o to_o gain_v the_o pearl_n of_o price_n whether_o we_o thrive_v in_o grace_n and_o grow_v rich_a in_o faith_n rich_a in_o good_a work_n for_o this_o be_v to_o grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o true_o all_o the_o silver_n
for_o in_o his_o house_n ordinance_n be_v administer_v that_o they_o may_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n ps_n 27._o 4._o case_n 7._o the_o seven_o case_n follow_v what_o be_v the_o low_a degree_n of_o true_a grace_n grace_n in_o scripture_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o the_o field_n mat._n 13._o 31_o 32._o hereby_o there_o be_v a_o intimation_n give_v we_o that_o grace_n be_v but_o little_a in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o it_o and_o because_o small_a it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v discern_v yet_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a grace_n be_v of_o far_o great_a value_n and_o more_o precious_a than_o gold_n that_o perish_v it_o be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o touchstone_n that_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v and_o know_v before_o i_o resolve_v the_o case_n wherein_o i_o must_v be_v very_o wary_a lest_o the_o unsound_a presume_v and_o lest_o the_o sincere_a be_v discourage_v i_o shall_v premise_v these_o particular_n 1._o true_a grace_n have_v different_a degree_n and_o the_o high_a and_o low_a degree_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o each_o other_o such_o a_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o the_o plant_v grow_v up_o so_o that_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n may_v lodge_v in_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o such_o a_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o new_a bear_v infant_n and_o a_o man_n grow_v true_o such_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o weak_a and_o strong_a grace_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o infant_n have_v all_o the_o part_n which_o the_o man_n have_v and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o he_o so_o weak_a grace_n and_o strong_a grace_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o the_o weak_a be_v true_a and_o save_v as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n be_v evident_a some_o be_v babe_n and_o some_o be_v strong_a man_n heb._n 5._o 13_o 14._o some_o be_v style_v little_a child_n some_o young_a man_n and_o some_o be_v call_v father_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 12_o 13._o 2._o true_a grace_n be_v consistent_a with_o little_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o notional_a knowledge_n where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n at_o all_o and_o there_o may_v be_v true_a grace_n where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a weakness_n as_o to_o understanding_n the_o disciple_n when_o first_o they_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n understand_v but_o little_a of_o the_o gospel_n peter_n himself_o will_v have_v dissuade_v christ_n from_o die_v not_o know_v that_o his_o blood_n be_v to_o be_v the_o price_n of_o the_o church_n redemption_n mat._n 16._o 21_o 22._o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o wonder_v what_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v mean_v surely_n they_o have_v not_o then_o much_o light_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o though_o these_o and_o such_o like_a great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v more_o full_o reveal_v so_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o know_v they_o yet_o in_o some_o head_n the_o knowledge_n be_v but_o little_a where_o yet_o the_o heart_n be_v true_o turn_v unto_o god_n and_o prize_v christ_n above_o all_o 3._o where_o there_o be_v true_a grace_n there_o may_v be_v many_o doubt_n and_o fear_n our_o lord_n say_v unto_o peter_n o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o doubt_v mat._n 14._o 31._o and_o unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n he_o speak_v thus_o why_o be_v you_o fearful_a o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n mat._n 8._o 26._o i'faith_o they_o have_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a and_o this_o faith_n be_v own_a though_o accompany_v with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n doubt_v believer_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v the_o far_o major_a part_n of_o they_o sincere_a soul_n be_v prone_a to_o be_v jealous_a of_o themselves_o and_o they_o apprehend_v how_o much_o it_o stand_v they_o upon_o to_o make_v sure_a work_n for_o eternity_n hereupon_o satan_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o unbelief_n take_v the_o advantage_n and_o they_o be_v still_o question_v their_o state_n and_o be_v full_a of_o fear_n that_o nothing_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v common_a unto_o hypocrite_n 4._o where_o there_o be_v true_a grace_n there_o may_v be_v much_o corruption_n i_o grant_v that_o grace_n reign_v wherever_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o yet_o much_o sin_n may_v remain_v though_o it_o be_v a_o underling_n thus_o the_o oil_n be_v at_o the_o top_n of_o the_o vessel_n though_o the_o water_n which_o be_v under_o it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a quantity_n grace_n be_v compare_v unto_o smoke_a flax_n now_o in_o the_o smoke_a flax_n there_o be_v much_o of_o stench_n and_o cloudiness_n and_o but_o little_a heat_n and_o yet_o this_o heat_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o cherish_v and_o the_o promise_n be_v mat._n 12._o 20._o a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o smoke_a flax_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v till_o he_o send_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n 5._o those_o that_o have_v true_a grace_n may_v fall_v into_o sin_n that_o be_v foul_a and_o scandalous_a and_o by_o such_o fall_v they_o break_v their_o bone_n disturb_v their_o peace_n and_o wound_v their_o conscience_n and_o weaken_v themselves_o exceed_o so_o that_o they_o be_v the_o apt_a to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v again_o upon_o the_o next_o temptation_n when_o notorious_a sin_n be_v thus_o commit_v by_o believer_n grace_n be_v at_o a_o very_a low_a ebb_n and_o yet_o the_o live_a water_n which_o spring_v up_o to_o everlasting_a life_n so_o grace_n be_v call_v be_v not_o quite_o dry_v up_o it_o be_v strange_a yet_o not_o so_o strange_a as_o true_a that_o righteous_a lot_n who_o vex_v his_o soul_n from_o day_n to_o day_n because_o of_o the_o sodomite_n unlawful_a deed_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o drunkenness_n first_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strange_a that_o he_o shall_v commit_v incest_n afterward_o for_o he_o that_o be_v drunken_a know_v not_o what_o he_o do_v though_o he_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o sodom_n yet_o he_o carry_v but_o too_o much_o of_o sodom_n within_o he_o in_o his_o heart_n david_n a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n yet_o in_o his_o heart_n there_o do_v kindle_v a_o impure_a and_o hellish_a flame_n of_o lust_n whereby_o bathsheba_n be_v scorch_v and_o hurt_v as_o well_o as_o himself_o and_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o death_n of_o poor_a vrijah_n now_o though_o david_n joy_n be_v quite_o go_v yet_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n be_v not_o clean_o depart_v though_o his_o operation_n be_v for_o a_o while_n suspend_v therefore_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o restore_n of_o joy_n but_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v not_o be_v take_v away_o psal_n 51._o 11_o 12._o 6._o those_o that_o have_v true_a grace_n may_v send_v forth_o such_o sad_a complaint_n as_o speak_v a_o nearness_n to_o despair_v job_n cry_v out_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v within_o i_o the_o poison_n whereof_o drink_v up_o my_o spirit_n the_o terror_n of_o god_n do_v set_v themselves_o in_o array_n against_o i_o job_n 6._o 4._o the_o church_n complain_v lam._n 3._o god_n have_v set_v i_o in_o dark_a place_n as_o those_o that_o have_v be_v dead_a of_o old_a he_o have_v hedge_v i_o about_o that_o i_o can_v get_v out_o and_o make_v my_o chain_n heavy_a he_o have_v fill_v i_o with_o bitterness_n and_o make_v i_o drunken_a with_o wormwood_n also_o when_o i_o cry_v and_o shout_n he_o shut_v out_o my_o prayer_n this_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o to_o be_v in_o a_o deplorable_a case_n and_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v when_o cry_v for_o relief_n and_o pity_n eminent_a saint_n have_v sometime_o conclude_v themselves_o forsake_v and_o forget_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o that_o have_v weak_a grace_n confident_o affirm_v they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o as_o peremptory_o conclude_v they_o never_o shall_v have_v any_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o be_o to_o tell_v you_o which_o be_v the_o low_a degree_n of_o true_a grace_n 1._o a_o sense_n and_o weariness_n of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n argue_v some_o measure_n of_o true_a grace_n it_o show_v some_o life_n and_o softness_n when_o deadness_n and_o hardness_n be_v feel_v as_o a_o burden_n though_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v incomparable_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n yet_o this_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n be_v never_o sensible_a of_o nor_o desirous_a to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o though_o other_o plague_n they_o cry_v to_o have_v remove_v that_o be_v true_a