Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

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

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
B08803	Several discourses concerning the actual Providence of God. Divided into three parts. The first, treating concerning the notion of it, establshing the doctrine of it, opening the principal acts of it, preservation and government of created beings. With the particular acts, by which it so preserveth and governeth them. The second, concerning the specialities of it, the unseachable things of it, and several observable things in its motions. The third, concerning the dysnoēta, or hard chapters of it, in which an attempt is made to solve several appearances of difficulty in the motions of Providence, and to vindicate the justice, wisdom, and holiness of God, with the reasonableness of his dealing in such motions. / By John Collinges ...	Collinges, John, 1623-1690.	1678 (1678)	Wing C5335; ESTC R233164	689,844	860

providence_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v open_v the_o observation_n to_o you_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o application_n use_v 1_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o observation_n afford_v we_o another_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n i_o observe_v to_o you_o before_o that_o we_o have_v general_o a_o curiosity_n to_o know_v what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o future_a time_n how_o it_o shall_v go_v to_o know_v both_o what_o god_n be_v do_v with_o his_o church_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v with_o it_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v he_o that_o make_v this_o observation_n will_v in_o this_o point_n be_v spiritual_o wise_a and_o will_v also_o understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n as_o to_o family_n and_o person_n observe_v but_o what_o those_o be_v who_o god_n set_v over_o they_o or_o suffer_v to_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o and_o you_o will_v understand_v much_o of_o this_o if_o god_n intend_v mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o any_o nation_n or_o any_o church_n he_o give_v they_o judge_n and_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n eccl._n 10.16_o 17._o wo_n to_o thou_o o_o land_n when_o thy_o king_n be_v a_o child_n and_o prince_n eat_v in_o the_o morning_n bless_a be_v thou_o o_o land_n when_o thy_o king_n be_v the_o son_n of_o noble_n and_o thy_o prince_n eat_v in_o due_a season_n for_o strength_n and_o not_o for_o drunkenness_n observe_v but_o in_o the_o state_n who_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o magistrate_n whether_o they_o be_v man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n or_o man_n of_o little_a wisdom_n rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a man_n man_n of_o little_a knowledge_n man_n that_o will_v take_v bribe_n and_o oppress_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a in_o judgement_n not_o suffer_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o stand_v in_o judgement_n and_o you_o may_v easy_o judge_v what_o god_n be_v about_o with_o that_o nation_n look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o observe_v what_o person_n they_o be_v that_o be_v in_o the_o ministry_n whether_o they_o be_v man_n that_o be_v able_a and_o faithful_a to_o teach_v skill_v in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n able_a to_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o people_n to_o pray_v and_o to_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n unto_o god_n in_o supplication_n or_o man_n that_o be_v aptiores_fw-la ad_fw-la stivam_fw-la as_o beza_n sometime_o say_v i_o may_v add_v ad_fw-la cauponam_fw-la vel_fw-la tabernam_fw-la fit_a for_o a_o plow-tail_n for_o a_o alehouse_n a_o tavern_n or_o a_o victualling-house_n and_o it_o need_v no_o interpreter_n to_o you_o what_o god_n be_v about_o to_o do_v with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n look_v into_o family_n look_v upon_o particular_a person_n observe_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n be_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o husband_n wife_n parent_n child_n and_o you_o may_v easy_o know_v god_n present_a design_n or_o what_o he_o be_v after_o like_a to_o do_v in_o such_o family_n or_o as_o to_o such_o person_n where_o god_n intend_v mercy_n he_o fit_v person_n for_o their_o respective_a relation_n in_o all_o humane_a society_n use_v 2._o hence_o again_o in_o the_o second_o place_n each_o one_o may_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o himself_o whether_o god_n have_v call_v he_o to_o this_o or_o that_o work_n this_o or_o that_o relation_n a_o man_n can_v have_v little_a comfort_n in_o any_o relation_n to_o which_o he_o can_v see_v himself_o call_v of_o god_n be_v it_o magistracy_n or_o ministry_n or_o any_o other_o relation_n when_o we_o see_v god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o we_o may_v look_v for_o god_n blessing_n upon_o we_o in_o it_o ay_o and_o we_o may_v in_o that_o case_n also_o expect_v god_n protection_n his_o stand_n by_o we_o and_o stand_v up_o for_o we_o against_o opposition_n now_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v in_o other_o cause_n be_v expect_v i_o say_v 1._o a_o person_n call_v of_o god_n to_o any_o work_n any_o relation_n may_v reasonable_o expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o in_o it_o if_o he_o be_v a_o magistrate_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v his_o government_n peaceable_a and_o prosperous_a subdue_a the_o people_n under_o he_o and_o subject_v their_o spirit_n to_o his_o government_n if_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n that_o god_n shall_v direct_v his_o meditation_n assist_v his_o heart_n in_o endite_v new_a matter_n and_o his_o tongue_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o tongue_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n bless_v his_o labour_n and_o give_v in_o to_o his_o ministry_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n he_o may_v expect_v god_n protection_n and_o defence_n of_o he_o against_o the_o opposition_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n you_o ordinary_o meet_v with_o annex_v to_o precept_n by_o which_o god_n have_v commission_v man_n to_o be_v minister_n i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o it_o be_v what_o god_n say_v to_o jeremiah_n to_o ezechiel_n what_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n i_o will_v say_v he_o be_v with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n now_o that_o promise_n reach_v to_o both_o these_o both_o assistance_n and_o protection_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a concern_v to_o such_o as_o engage_v in_o great_a work_n or_o be_v put_v into_o any_o great_a relation_n to_o see_v god_n call_v of_o they_o to_o that_o work_n or_o relation_n without_o a_o view_n of_o that_o i_o again_o tell_v you_o they_o can_v expect_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n no_o way_n neither_o blessing_n nor_o protect_v they_o now_o from_o this_o observation_n upon_o the_o motion_n of_o actual_a providence_n you_o may_v make_v up_o a_o judgement_n of_o that_o actual_a providence_n fit_v they_o for_o that_o work_n and_o relation_n who_o god_n call_v to_o it_o it_o do_v not_o fit_a every_o one_o for_o it_o who_o it_o suffer_v to_o creep_v into_o it_o but_o it_o fit_v all_o for_o their_o work_n who_o god_n direct_v into_o it_o and_o who_o be_v like_a to_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o their_o correlate_n and_o those_o who_o can_v find_v themselves_o fit_v of_o god_n for_o the_o work_n and_o act_n of_o that_o relation_n wherein_o they_o be_v may_v conclude_v that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o that_o station_n without_o god_n yet_o god_n have_v nothing_o further_a to_o do_v with_o they_o in_o their_o station_n but_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o get_v into_o it_o for_o a_o plague_n and_o scourge_v to_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v in_o relation_n and_o for_o their_o own_o damnation_n and_o confusion_n at_o the_o last_o be_v any_o one_o a_o minister_n to_o instance_n only_o in_o that_o relation_n he_o stand_v most_o high_o concern_v of_o all_o man_n live_v to_o see_v his_o call_n the_o charge_n of_o soul_n man_n will_v at_o last_o find_v a_o great_a and_o burdensome_a charge_n if_o he_o be_v faithful_a he_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o the_o great_a opposition_n imaginable_a in_o that_o work_n he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o great_a assistance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o it_o he_o can_v look_v for_o neither_o unless_o he_o can_v find_v that_o god_n have_v call_v he_o to_o his_o work_n the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n be_v pray_v and_o preach_v pray_v for_o the_o people_n preach_v that_o be_v open_v the_o scripture_n the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n unto_o people_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o their_o conscience_n will_v thou_o know_v now_o whether_o thou_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o aaron_n be_v examine_v then_o whether_o god_n have_v fit_v thou_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n have_v god_n give_v thou_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n have_v god_n give_v thou_o a_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o thou_o be_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o apollo_n mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n such_o a_o one_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v if_o god_n providence_n have_v give_v thou_o a_o willingness_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o it_o and_o a_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o have_v also_o thus_o qualify_v thou_o for_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o than_o thou_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n have_v call_v thou_o to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o patron_n presentation_n that_o will_v make_v up_o the_o call_n of_o god_n no_o nor_o yet_o the_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o person_n that_o will_v venture_v upon_o the_o great_a employment_n the_o world_n afford_v i_o say_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v do_v it_o a_o man_n own_o needs_o and_o not_o know_v how_o to_o live_v

upon_o you_o to_o honour_n god_n more_o than_o other_o god_n have_v do_v infinite_o more_o for_o you_o than_o for_o heathen_n now_o what_o a_o shame_n it_o be_v that_o a_o heathen_a shall_v outdo_v you_o in_o any_o thing_n yet_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o while_o you_o only_o do_v some_o action_n that_o be_v material_o good_a not_o formal_o and_o true_o many_o heathen_n have_v do_v as_o much_o as_o you_o a_o heathen_a may_v do_v and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o with_o some_o good_a intention_n action_n material_o good_a that_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o god_n command_v many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v eminent_a instance_n of_o moral_a virtue_n justice_n charity_n temperance_n liberality_n etc._n etc._n many_o of_o they_o have_v profess_v to_o love_v virtue_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o virtue_n wherein_o can_v you_o excel_v they_o but_o by_o do_v action_n which_o be_v formal_o good_a design_v god_n glory_n act_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v regulate_v yourselves_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n by_o god_n word_n you_o have_v the_o word_n the_o gospel_n of_o god_n oh_o how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o our_o conversation_n shall_v be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o heathen_a else_o that_o live_v up_o to_o his_o light_n of_o nature_n outdo_v we_o and_o it_o will_v as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o we_o 3._o but_o last_o let_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n see_v what_o a_o obligation_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o duty_n and_o holiness_n lie_v upon_o their_o soul_n they_o be_v the_o most_o special_a object_n of_o special_a providence_n god_n take_v more_o care_n for_o all_o man_n than_o for_o ox_n or_o for_o the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n he_o exercise_v a_o more_o special_a providence_n for_o that_o body_n of_o people_n which_o make_v up_o his_o visible_a church_n than_o for_o all_o the_o earth_n beside_o but_o yet_o what_o be_v that_o special_a providence_n which_o god_n exercise_v for_o mere_a formal_a professor_n or_o for_o any_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o have_v experience_v any_o thing_n of_o more_o special_a distinguish_a grace_n be_v a_o great_a specialty_n of_o providence_n and_o that_o in_o the_o best_a and_o high_a sort_n of_o good_a thing_n viz._n those_o which_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n oh_o what_o do_v god_n expect_v what_o do_v god_n require_v from_o you_o what_o shall_v you_o do_v more_o than_o other_o more_o particular_o this_o doctrine_n of_o special_a providence_n call_v to_o you_o 1._o for_o more_o extraordinary_a degree_n of_o love_n 2._o for_o more_o special_a act_n of_o faith_n 1._o for_o more_o eminent_a degree_n of_o love_n psal_n 31.23_o o_o love_v you_o the_o lord_n all_o you_o his_o saint_n for_o the_o lord_n preserve_v the_o faithful_a and_o plentiful_o reward_v the_o proud_a doer_n reason_n argue_v thus_o with_o we_o that_o the_o reciprocation_n of_o our_o love_n ought_v to_o bear_v proportion_n to_o love_v receive_v if_o say_v our_o saviour_n you_o love_v they_o that_o love_v you_o what_o reward_n have_v you_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n command_v we_o to_o love_v and_o by_o action_n of_o kindness_n and_o duty_n to_o express_v our_o love_n to_o they_o who_o have_v express_v their_o kindness_n to_o we_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n require_v the_o reciprocation_n of_o love_n to_o be_v proportionable_a god_n therefore_o declare_v especial_a love_n to_o you_o you_o be_v bind_v in_o a_o special_a duty_n to_o he_o let_v our_o saviour_n question_n be_v often_o in_o your_o thought_n what_o do_v you_o do_v more_o than_o other_o if_o you_o for_o who_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v and_o into_o who_o heart_n he_o have_v send_v his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n supplication_n consolation_n and_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v from_o the_o womb_n watch_v over_o and_o preserve_v by_o a_o more_o special_a peculiar_a providence_n bear_v you_o as_o upon_o eagle_n wing_n and_o gather_v you_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n i_o say_v if_o you_o do_v no_o more_o for_o god_n than_o other_o do_v not_o under_o such_o influence_n nor_o such_o providence_n you_o must_v certain_o act_v beneath_o and_o short_a of_o your_o duty_n this_o depend_v upon_o what_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o reciprocation_n of_o love_n in_o some_o commensurate_a proportion_n 2._o it_o call_v to_o they_o who_o fear_n god_n for_o special_a exercise_n of_o faith_n you_o have_v reason_n more_o to_o trust_v and_o depend_v upon_o god_n than_o other_o because_o god_n have_v declare_v a_o more_o special_a care_n and_o providence_n for_o you_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n now_o special_a promise_n call_v for_o a_o more_o special_a and_o peculiar_a faith_n what_o though_o another_o man_n can_v trust_v god_n contrary_a to_o a_o sensible_a or_o reasonable_a appearance_n yet_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v it_o because_o god_n have_v declare_v more_o his_o care_n for_o you_o and_o the_o working_n of_o his_o providence_n for_o your_o preservation_n and_o deliverance_n than_o for_o other_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o save_v defend_v and_o deliver_v you_o not_o after_o the_o working_n of_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n you_o may_v therefore_o say_v with_o david_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o light_n and_o my_o salvation_n who_o shall_v i_o fear_v he_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o life_n of_o who_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a psalm_n 27.1.3_o though_o a_o host_n shall_v encamp_v against_o i_o my_o heart_n shall_v not_o fear_v though_o war_n shall_v rise_v against_o i_o in_o this_o i_o will_v be_v confident_a but_o thus_o much_o shall_v serve_v to_o have_v discourse_v concern_v the_o specialty_n of_o divine_a providence_n sermon_n xii_o xiii_o rom_n xi_o 33._o o_o the_o depth_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o principal_a act_n of_o divine_a providence_n both_o general_o and_o special_o i_o have_v discourse_v concern_v god_n general_a act_n in_o preserve_v and_o govern_v all_o his_o creature_n and_o concern_v god_n more_o special_a preserve_n and_o govern_v of_o some_o creature_n i_o be_o now_o come_v to_o discourse_v concern_v the_o method_n of_o it_o concern_v which_o we_o must_v cry_v out_o with_o this_o great_a apostle_n o_o the_o depth_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o my_o text_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o exceed_a deep_a discourse_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v concern_v the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o he_o prove_v to_o be_v neither_o total_a nor_o final_a in_o the_o ten_o first_o verse_n he_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o total_a v._o 2_o god_n do_v not_o cast_v off_o his_o people_n who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v v._o 5_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n according_a to_o election_n as_o it_o be_v in_o elias_n time_n he_o think_v and_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v leave_v alone_o and_o they_o seek_v his_o life_n also_o but_o he_o be_v mistake_v god_n at_o that_o time_n have_v seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n v._o 7_o he_o say_v the_o election_n have_v obtain_v though_o some_o though_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v reject_v yet_o the_o elect_a among_o they_o be_v not_o reject_v and_o this_o he_o prove_v to_o have_v be_v but_o according_a to_o what_o be_v prophesy_v v._o 11_o he_o prove_v that_o this_o rejection_n shall_v not_o be_v final_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o fullness_n of_o they_o v._o 12._o receive_v of_o they_o v._o 15._o they_o shall_v be_v again_o graft_v in_o v._o 23_o 24._o it_o be_v but_o v._o 25._o till_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v and_o then_o all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v this_o discourse_n be_v mix_v with_o several_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o assertion_n and_o with_o several_a reflection_n upon_o the_o gentile_n who_o present_a state_n be_v better_a than_o they_o show_v they_o their_o duty_n negative_o and_o positive_o not_o to_o be_v high-minded_a but_o humble_a to_o fear_v etc._n etc._n now_o look_v as_o a_o man_n wade_v in_o deep_a water_n when_o he_o find_v the_o water_n go_v over_o his_o head_n and_o trip_v up_o his_o heel_n he_o cry_v out_o o_o i_o shall_v be_v drown_v and_o endeavour_n to_o get_v back_o again_o so_o do_v the_o bless_a apostle_n he_o have_v be_v wade_v into_o the_o great_a deep_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o way_n

lord_n of_o life_n it_o be_v a_o dispensation_n that_o have_v often_o put_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n into_o unseemly_a passion_n james_n and_o john_n will_v have_v have_v fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o in_o elijah_n time_n to_o have_v destroy_v the_o samaritan_n peter_n be_v out_o of_o patience_n to_o see_v the_o informer_n come_v with_o a_o company_n with_o sword_n and_o staff_n to_o take_v his_o master_n and_o in_o his_o passion_n draw_v a_o sword_n and_o with_o it_o cut_v off_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n david_n himself_o when_o god_n offer_v he_o the_o choice_n of_o three_o judgement_n desire_v rather_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n than_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n i_o say_v it_o be_v and_o have_v often_o be_v a_o very_a sore_a temptation_n advantage_v partly_o from_o nature_n partly_o from_o some_o religious_a reflection_n that_o which_o in_o humane_a nature_n advantage_v this_o temptation_n be_v 1._o the_o disdain_n every_o man_n natural_o have_v to_o suffer_v a_o injury_n from_o one_o beneath_o himself_o when_o gideon_n will_v have_v have_v his_o son_n jether_o have_v fall_v upon_o those_o two_o eastern_a prince_n zeba_n and_o zalmuna_fw-la they_o say_v rise_v thou_o up_o and_o fall_v upon_o we_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a disdain_n and_o scorn_n to_o suffer_v from_o their_o inferior_n we_o see_v it_o in_o every_o day_n experience_n now_o although_o every_o child_n of_o god_n be_v low_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o in_o honour_n prefer_v every_o saint_n before_o himself_o yet_o as_o st._n paul_n sometime_o magnify_v his_o office_n against_o the_o false_a apostle_n and_o counterfeit_v of_o his_o age_n though_o he_o judge_v himself_o the_o least_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o unworthy_a of_o that_o great_a name_n so_o they_o can_v but_o magnify_v themselves_o in_o comparison_n of_o open_a profane_a miscreant_n that_o be_v the_o scum_n and_o off_o scour_v of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o live_v such_o as_o be_v common_a drunkard_n liar_n swearer_n sabbath-breaker_n and_o guilty_a of_o other_o debauchery_n the_o very_a scab_n of_o the_o body_n politic_a and_o spot_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v 2._o every_o man_n natural_o have_v a_o regret_n at_o the_o receive_n of_o injury_n from_o those_o from_o who_o he_o have_v deserve_v no_o such_o thing_n now_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v person_n of_o innocence_n who_o have_v do_v no_o wrong_n to_o their_o worst_a enemy_n they_o have_v love_v their_o enemy_n pray_v for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v any_o office_n of_o love_n to_o they_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o bear_v a_o injury_n from_o those_o to_o who_o they_o have_v do_v no_o wrong_n this_o be_v that_o which_o trouble_v david_n spirit_n psal_n 35.12_o 13._o they_o reward_v i_o evil_n for_o good_a to_o the_o spoil_n of_o my_o soul_n but_o as_o for_o i_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a my_o clothing_n be_v sackcloth_n i_o humble_v my_o soul_n with_o fast_v and_o my_o prayer_n return_v into_o my_o own_o bosom_n i_o behave_v myself_o as_o though_o he_o have_v be_v my_o friend_n or_o brother_n i_o bow_v down_o heavy_o as_o one_o that_o mourn_v for_o my_o mother_n but_o in_o my_o adversity_n they_o rejoice_v and_o gather_v themselves_o together_o yea_o the_o abject_n gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o i_o and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o yea_o they_o do_v tear_v i_o and_o cease_v not_o with_o hypocritical_a mocker_n at_o feast_n they_o gnash_v upon_o i_o with_o their_o tooth_n lord_z how_o long_o will_v thou_o look_v on_o rescue_v my_o soul_n from_o their_o destruction_n 2._o this_o temptation_n be_v likewise_o advantage_v from_o some_o religious_a reflection_n 1._o from_o a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n o_o lord_n say_v our_o prophet_n in_o my_o text_n thou_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n then_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n how_o a_o just_a and_o pure_a and_o holy_a god_n shall_v look_v on_o and_o hold_v his_o peace_n to_o see_v a_o company_n of_o vile_a wretch_n tear_v and_o devour_v his_o own_o people_n this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n at_o first_o view_n too_o wonderful_a for_o they_o 2._o from_o a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n they_o look_v into_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o find_v that_o full_a of_o promise_n of_o good_a to_o god_n people_n of_o threaten_n of_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n to_o wicked_a man_n instead_o of_o this_o they_o see_v vile_a man_n build_v up_o palace_n to_o themselves_o upon_o their_o ruin_n and_o adorn_v themselves_o with_o their_o ornament_n the_o house_n of_o the_o profane_a furnish_v and_o adorn_v with_o that_o which_o be_v not_o they_o instead_o of_o the_o wicked_a man_n prepare_v garment_n and_o the_o just_a man_n put_v they_o on_o as_o job_n speak_v they_o see_v good_a and_o righteous_a man_n prepare_v garment_n and_o lewd_a and_o ungodly_a man_n put_v they_o on_o they_o see_v the_o spoil_n of_o such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o tent_n of_o lewd_a and_o ungodly_a man_n 3._o from_o a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n o_o lord_n say_v our_o prophet_n thou_o have_v ordain_v they_o for_o destruction_n o_o mighty_a god_n thou_o have_v establish_v they_o for_o correction_n they_o consider_v lewd_a and_o wicked_a man_n as_o man_n who_o god_n by_o a_o fix_a act_n of_o his_o will_n have_v ordain_v to_o judgement_n as_o person_n who_o by_o the_o establish_a counsel_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o they_o can_v expound_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o a_o consistency_n with_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n when_o they_o see_v they_o not_o only_o live_v prosper_v and_o grow_v old_a but_o also_o live_v by_o the_o death_n of_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n and_o build_v their_o nest_n on_o high_a with_o feather_n which_o they_o have_v pluck_v from_o their_o wing_n from_o these_o and_o other_o cause_n arise_v this_o trouble_n and_o coil_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n people_n fluctus_fw-la est_fw-la tentatio_fw-la est_fw-la as_o augustine_n say_v it_o be_v a_o great_a wave_n a_o great_a temptation_n and_o trouble_n and_o even_o god_n own_o people_n here_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v they_o see_v a_o knot_n in_o the_o thread_n of_o providence_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n in_o the_o even_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n deal_v let_v i_o endeavour_v in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o untie_v this_o knot_n to_o remove_v this_o stone_n four_o or_o five_o thing_n i_o shall_v speak_v one_o or_o other_o of_o which_o or_o all_o together_o will_v make_v this_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n plain_a to_o every_o sober_a and_o understand_a christian_n 1._o how_o be_v god_n to_o his_o people_n more_o hard_a or_o unrighteous_a in_o such_o a_o dispensation_n than_o he_o be_v to_o the_o son_n of_o his_o dear_a love_n our_o bless_a lord_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n nor_o the_o servant_n above_o his_o lord_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o disciple_n that_o he_o be_v as_o his_o master_n and_o the_o servant_n as_o his_o lord_n matt._n 10.24_o 25._o it_o be_v true_a the_o chief_a informer_n against_o our_o lord_n be_v one_o of_o his_o household_n judas_n but_o he_o be_v a_o son_n of_o perdition_n the_o only_a ill_a member_n of_o all_o the_o 12._o who_o be_v his_o witness_n but_o a_o company_n of_o perjure_a wretch_n who_o can_v not_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n who_o mock_v he_o and_o scourge_v he_o herod_n a_o monster_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n who_o be_v they_o that_o spit_v upon_o he_o that_o cry_v out_o crucify_v he_o crucify_v he_o that_o give_v he_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n to_o drink_v be_v they_o not_o the_o abject_n of_o the_o people_n thou_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v of_o god_n righteousness_n in_o give_v thou_o over_o and_o thy_o estate_n over_o to_o a_o renegado_n a_o apostate_n from_o his_o former_a profession_n to_o wretch_n who_o make_v no_o conscience_n what_o they_o say_v what_o they_o swear_v what_o they_o do_v how_o be_v he_o righteous_a in_o give_v over_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n to_o such_o wretch_n we_o be_v never_o so_o like_a to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o when_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o a_o judas_n inform_v against_o and_o testify_v against_o by_o false_a and_o perjure_a wretch_n mock_v and_o abuse_v by_o the_o abject_n and_o off_o scour_v of_o the_o people_n if_o god_n may_v be_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a god_n in_o suffer_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v to_o the_o green_a tree_n sure_o he_o may_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v do_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v dry_a tree_n thou_o be_v trouble_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v profane_a scoffer_n to_o call_v thou_o

second_o place_n get_v a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n two_o sort_n of_o promise_n you_o must_v be_v acquaint_v with_o if_o you_o will_v bring_v your_o heart_n into_o this_o frame_n of_o silent_a wait_v for_o god_n 1._o all_o those_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n for_o support_v and_o comfort_n in_o and_o under_o trouble_n and_o deliverance_n out_o of_o they_o of_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a such_o as_o these_o psal_n 94.14_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o cast_v off_o his_o people_n nor_o forsake_v his_o inheritance_n read_v at_o your_o leisure_n psal_n 128.6_o jer._n 29.10_o mic._n 4.4_o 11_o 12._o isa_n 27.5_o 7_o 8._o isa_n 33.20_o jer._n 33.6_o a_o second_o sort_n of_o promise_n be_v those_o that_o be_v special_o make_v to_o this_o wait_a upon_o god_n psal_n 37.9_o psal_n 27.14_o isa_n 40.13_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v your_o heart_n they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n like_o the_o eagle_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a the_o promise_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v very_o many_o these_o be_v but_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o they_o 3._o last_o labour_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o be_v to_o deal_v out_o dispensation_n of_o mercy_n to_o his_o people_n not_o present_o but_o after_o their_o wait_v upon_o he_o some_o time_n habakkuk_n 2.3_o the_o vision_n be_v yet_o for_o a_o appoint_a time_n but_o at_o the_o end_n it_o shall_v speak_v it_o shall_v not_o lie_v though_o it_o tarry_v wait_v for_o it_o because_o it_o will_v sure_o come_v it_o will_v not_o tarry_v the_o church_n in_o her_o song_n say_v lo_o this_o be_v our_o god_n we_o have_v wait_v for_o he_o to_o this_o be_v our_o god_n we_o have_v wait_v for_o he_o we_o will_v rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a in_o his_o salvation_n 2._o second_o beg_v of_o god_n a_o wait_a frame_n of_o spirit_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o sinful_a in_o itself_o nor_o more_o torment_v to_o ourselves_o in_o a_o evil_a day_n than_o a_o impatient_a hasty_a spirit_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o conducive_a to_o our_o glorify_v of_o god_n nor_o to_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o own_o spirit_n than_o a_o silent_a wait_a spirit_n this_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n must_v give_v and_o he_o give_v it_o to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o beg_v of_o god_n those_o grace_n which_o may_v dispose_v thou_o to_o this_o patient_a wait_a i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o habit_n of_o grace_n necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o this_o wait_a temper_n i_o will_v touch_v only_o upon_o 4_o or_o 5._o 1._o beg_v faith_n of_o god_n faith_n in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n he_o that_o believe_v make_v not_o haste_n the_o hastiness_n and_o impatience_n of_o the_o soul_n flow_v from_o its_o distrust_n in_o god_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o word_n 2._o hope_n be_v another_o gracious_a habit_n which_o dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o wait_v we_o hope_v for_o what_o we_o see_v not_o for_o what_o we_o see_v why_o do_v we_o any_o long_o wait_v for_o 3._o humility_n be_v a_o three_o the_o proud_a soul_n think_v much_o to_o wait_v he_o look_v upon_o mercy_n as_o his_o due_n and_o think_v that_o god_n wrong_v he_o while_o he_o withhold_v it_o from_o he_o the_o humble_a soul_n believe_v that_o it_o deserve_v nothing_o and_o be_v therefore_o willing_a upon_o the_o least_o crevice_n of_o hope_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n 4._o pray_v for_o patience_n a_o passive_a patience_n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o bear_n of_o evil_n last_o pray_v for_o meekness_n a_o froward_a spirit_n be_v always_o a_o hasty_a spirit_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o wait_v now_o to_o press_v this_o duty_n upon_o you_o i_o shall_v but_o name_n to_o you_o several_a consideration_n leave_v they_o to_o be_v digest_v and_o enlarge_v upon_o in_o your_o private_a thought_n 1._o consider_v first_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o day_n the_o question_n be_v what_o god_n will_v have_v a_o child_n of_o his_o do_v when_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v very_o high_a and_o rampant_a and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v low_a poor_a and_o afflict_v and_o god_n suffer_v wicked_a man_n to_o devour_v those_o who_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o as_o if_o man_n be_v under_o the_o same_o providence_n as_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o right_n or_o wrong_n the_o great_a devour_v the_o less_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o what_o shall_v a_o good_a and_o righteous_a man_n do_v let_v solomon_n answer_v prov._n 20.22_o say_v not_o i_o will_v recompense_v evil_a but_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v save_v you_o hence_o you_o shall_v everywhere_o in_o scripture_n find_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n resolve_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o instruct_v his_o people_n what_o to_o do_v in_o a_o evil_a day_n this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o direct_v isa_n 60.9_o zech._n 3.8_o hab._n 4.5_o isa_n 8.17_o 2._o it_o be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v alone_o leave_v for_o you_o to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o day_n our_o eye_n of_o sense_n in_o such_o a_o time_n be_v quite_o put_v out_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v at_o such_o a_o time_n but_o to_o stand_v still_o and_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n jer._n 14.22_o be_v there_o any_o among_o the_o gentile_n that_o can_v give_v rain_n therefore_o we_o will_v wait_v upon_o thou_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v we_o have_v none_o else_o we_o can_v wait_v upon_o therefore_o we_o will_v wait_v upon_o thou_o 3._o it_o be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o what_o they_o have_v call_v their_o soul_n to_o in_o evil_a time_n psal_n 52.9_o psal_n 62.5_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a business_n and_o life_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n mic._n 7.7_o and_o of_o job_n the_o saint_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o must_v wait_v for_o it_o 4._o thou_o have_v ground_n enough_o to_o do_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v certain_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o any_o soul_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v help_n and_o be_v so_o true_a that_o he_o can_v lie_v who_o be_v able_a to_o help_v and_o to_o do_v more_o abundant_o than_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o goodness_n and_o want_v no_o love_n to_o prompt_v he_o to_o come_v in_o to_o the_o relief_n and_o succour_n of_o his_o people_n 5._o wait_v upon_o god_n give_v god_n the_o honour_n of_o many_o attribute_n it_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n his_o wisdom_n his_o power_n his_o truth_n and_o his_o goodness_n 6._o it_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o your_o faith_n he_o that_o believe_v make_v not_o haste_n 7._o it_o be_v that_o which_o in_o a_o day_n of_o evil_n will_v distinguish_v you_o from_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n they_o can_v wait_v upon_o god_n but_o break_v out_o into_o fit_n of_o impatience_n etc._n etc._n 8._o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o effectual_a in_o a_o evil_a day_n to_o help_v thou_o to_o keep_v down_o thy_o corruption_n to_o silence_v thy_o temptation_n you_o have_v hear_v it_o in_o that_o to_o which_o many_o promise_n be_v make_v that_o your_o wait_v upon_o god_n be_v pleadable_a as_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o mercy_n which_o you_o desire_v in_o short_a there_o be_v very_o many_o argument_n may_v be_v use_v to_o persuade_v this_o silent_a wait_v upon_o god_n but_o i_o have_v before_o speak_v to_o many_o of_o they_o and_o shall_v therefore_o add_v no_o more_o to_o this_o discourse_n sermon_n xlix_o rom._n ix_o 15._o for_o he_o say_v unto_o moses_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n upon_o who_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n i_o be_o as_o you_o know_v attempt_v to_o expound_v the_o hard_a chapter_n of_o divine_a providence_n give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o those_o motion_n of_o it_o which_o to_o we_o appear_v most_o difficult_a i_o have_v bring_v these_o under_o some_o head_n propound_v to_o speak_v 1._o first_o to_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o exhibition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n after_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o eternal_a covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o grace_n and_o 2._o the_o exhibition_n or_o tender_a of_o grace_n to_o all_o indefinite_o after_o the_o decree_n of_o

a_o power_n to_o do_v with_o his_o own_o what_o he_o please_v and_o if_o grace_n be_v not_o for_o god_n own_o it_o will_v be_v no_o grace_n yet_o we_o be_v too_o too_o much_o like_o child_n who_o consider_v not_o their_o father_n power_n and_o prerogative_n nor_o it_o may_v be_v their_o own_o demerit_n and_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v such_o a_o favour_n nor_o possible_o their_o incapacity_n to_o receive_v enjoy_v or_o use_v it_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v child_n as_o well_o as_o their_o brethren_n and_o sister_n know_v not_o how_o to_o brook_v it_o that_o their_o father_n shall_v appear_v more_o kind_a to_o any_o of_o they_o than_o he_o be_v to_o they_o let_v i_o therefore_o attempt_v the_o vindication_n of_o god_n in_o the_o inequality_n of_o these_o dispensation_n and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v in_o what_o order_n to_o follow_v i_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o method_n 1._o first_o i_o will_v show_v you_o wherein_o this_o inequality_n lie_v 2._o second_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o make_v this_o unequal_a distribution_n 3._o last_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o application_n of_o it_o practical_o 1._o let_v we_o first_o inquire_v wherein_o this_o inequality_n lie_v in_o the_o general_a it_o lie_v not_o in_o any_o influx_n and_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n there_o be_v a_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o every_o believer_n in_o this_o union_n lie_v the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o the_o natural_a life_n lie_v in_o the_o union_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n so_o the_o spiritual_a life_n lie_v in_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o christ_n and_o as_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v preserve_v and_o maintain_v by_o bodily_a nourishment_n bless_v be_v god_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n so_o the_o spiritual_a union_n 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they_o will_v their_o fictitious_a purpose_n and_o council_n of_o god_n to_o love_v those_o that_o be_v believer_n will_v not_o salve_v this_o sore_a for_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o believer_n and_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n this_o month_n and_o a_o unbeliever_n and_o out_o of_o favour_n with_o god_n the_o next_o month_n and_o so_o god_n may_v love_v and_o hate_v the_o same_o person_n a_o thousand_o time_n in_o his_o life-time_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n let_v any_o one_o judge_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o common_a sense_n we_o therefore_o stand_v fix_v in_o this_o that_o god_n neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v want_v to_o any_o soul_n as_o to_o those_o influx_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o maintain_v the_o union_n and_o spiritual_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o way_n this_o well_o consider_v may_v much_o tend_v to_o satisfy_v a_o soul_n dissatisfy_v at_o god_n unequal_a distribution_n of_o special_a grace_n which_o although_o they_o be_v exceed_o sweet_a and_o of_o high_a advantage_n to_o gracious_a soul_n yet_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o necessary_n of_o salvation_n but_o only_o gradual_a manifestation_n and_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a accommodation_n and_o advantage_n to_o it_o in_o its_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o question_n negative_o i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v nore_z positive_o in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v such_o only_a as_o respect_v the_o porro_fw-la esse_fw-la or_o the_o advantage_n of_o spiritual_a life_n now_o what_o they_o be_v come_v next_o into_o our_o enquiry_n they_o be_v i_o think_v reducible_a to_o three_o head_n the_o influence_n of_o 1._o strengthen_v 2._o quicken_a 3._o consolatory_a grace_n that_o there_o be_v such_o influence_n and_o that_o all_o have_v not_o a_o like_a measure_n of_o they_o no_o nor_o the_o same_o soul_n at_o all_o time_n be_v so_o obvious_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o little_a need_n be_v say_v of_o it_o 1._o for_o strengthen_v grace_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o ephesian_n eph._n 3.16_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward-man_n and_o thus_o christ_n tell_v we_o john_n 15._o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o now_o the_o object_n of_o this_o influx_n of_o grace_n be_v duty_n or_o sin_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o 1._o duty_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n say_v paul_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o christian_n duty_n be_v various_a and_o lie_v in_o such_o motion_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o of_o the_o outward_a man_n both_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v as_o god_n have_v anywhere_o in_o his_o word_n require_v of_o we_o strengthen_v grace_n with_o respect_n unto_o duty_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o graeious_a influence_n of_o christ_n 4.7_o phil._n 1.3.14_o 2_o tim._n 4.7_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v more_o able_a both_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a variety_n and_o unequal_a dispensation_n of_o this_o influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n both_o to_o different_a soul_n and_o to_o the_o same_o soul_n at_o different_a time_n be_v so_o obvious_a as_o will_v be_v perfect_o needless_a to_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o neither_o do_v all_o soul_n find_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n nor_o do_v the_o same_o soul_n find_v it_o at_o all_o time_n 2._o another_o object_n about_o which_o strengthen_v grace_n be_v exercise_v be_v sin_n and_o motion_n and_o temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o which_o we_o call_v strengthen_v grace_n with_o reference_n to_o sin_n be_v a_o secret_a influx_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a find_v itself_o enable_v to_o resist_v its_o inward_a motion_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o repel_v temptation_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o every_o one_o be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v this_o be_v that_o which_o divine_n call_v tentationem_fw-la à_fw-la carne_fw-la a_o temptation_n from_o the_o flesh_n beside_o we_o know_v that_o the_o evil_a spirit_n have_v a_o power_n to_o make_v impression_n and_o to_o offer_v suggession_n to_o we_o and_o that_o either_o immediate_o or_o by_o wicked_a man_n and_o sinful_a instrument_n this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v tentationem_fw-la ab_fw-la host_n a_o temptation_n from_o our_o grand_a adversary_n and_o there_o be_v a_o temptation_n wherein_o both_o these_o concur_v this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o mix_a temptation_n now_o as_o to_o all_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o resist_v and_o this_o be_v the_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n the_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a combat_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n among_o christian_n than_o that_o some_o christian_n be_v more_o strong_a and_o able_a to_o resist_v motion_n to_o sin_n of_o any_o nature_n than_o other_o they_o be_v more_o able_a to_o mortify_v their_o member_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o rom._n 8._o through_o the_o spirit_n yea_o one_o and_o the_o same_o christian_n do_v not_o find_v the_o like_a degree_n of_o this_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o ability_n at_o all_o time_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o david_n complain_v that_o

power_n so_o as_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v do_v it_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v but_o a_o man_n have_v a_o power_n to_o deal_v just_o to_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o many_o other_o thing_n so_o as_o he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o pretend_v want_v of_o strength_n to_o many_o external_a action_n which_o god_n have_v command_v he_o which_o be_v but_o act_n of_o moral_a discipline_n hence_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n to_o hear_v the_o patron_n of_o freewill_n urge_v this_o as_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n but_o alas_o though_o this_o be_v his_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n our_o great_a duty_n to_o god_n lie_v as_o in_o external_a act_n of_o piety_n so_o in_o the_o internal_a government_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o heart_n affection_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n it_o lie_v in_o external_a action_n such_o as_o pray_v hear_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n but_o chief_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o inward_a man_n that_o we_o may_v perform_v all_o our_o action_n whether_o respect_v god_n or_o man_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o have_v require_v now_o that_o which_o we_o call_v strengthen_v grace_n be_v that_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o perform_v whatsoever_o god_n require_v of_o it_o both_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o such_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n as_o god_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n duty_n may_v be_v divide_v 1._o into_o such_o act_n which_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n as_o to_o the_o external_a act_n to_o perform_v without_o any_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o more_o special_a influence_n of_o grace_n thus_o a_o man_n may_v read_v the_o word_n he_o may_v hear_v sermon_n he_o may_v do_v act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o common_a providence_n of_o god_n keep_v up_o in_o man_n his_o natural_a faculty_n for_o this_o now_o there_o need_v none_o of_o that_o special_a strengthen_v grace_n about_o which_o i_o be_o discourse_v second_o 2._o such_o as_o a_o man_n may_v perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o common_a gift_n and_o influence_n such_o as_o knowledge_n utterance_n etc._n etc._n which_o although_o god_n do_v not_o give_v unto_o all_o yet_o he_o do_v give_v unto_o many_o who_o never_o taste_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o distinguish_a grace_n thus_o man_n may_v pray_v prithee_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a some_o have_v more_o ability_n unto_o these_o act_n than_o other_o and_o some_o christian_n at_o some_o time_n may_v find_v more_o strength_n and_o ability_n than_o at_o other_o time_n but_o this_o depend_v not_o upon_o any_o influence_n of_o special_a strengthen_v grace_n but_o upon_o the_o different_a temper_n and_o complexion_n of_o person_n upon_o their_o different_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o gift_n and_o part_n and_o their_o strength_n as_o to_o these_o act_n rise_v and_o fall_v as_o their_o gift_n and_o part_n increase_v hold_v or_o decay_v 3._o but_o three_o there_o be_v duty_n that_o be_v more_o internal_a such_o as_o meditate_v of_o god_n delight_v believe_v in_o he_o breathe_v after_o he_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o his_o service_n the_o right_a manner_n of_o perform_v all_o external_a act_n now_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o there_o need_v a_o special_a influence_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n beside_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o any_o man_n can_v have_v from_o natural_a part_n or_o gift_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o every_o christian_a justifi_v that_o god_n use_v a_o great_a variety_n in_o his_o dispensing_n of_o it_o some_o christian_n find_v much_o more_o than_o other_o do_v other_o find_v much_o more_o at_o one_o time_n than_o at_o a_o other_o both_o for_o the_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o mortification_n and_o of_o vivification_n the_o practice_n of_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o live_v to_o righteousness_n and_o also_o for_o the_o bear_v any_o burden_n which_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n lay_v upon_o he_o and_o go_v through_o any_o suffering_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v out_o for_o he_o and_o these_o gradual_a withdrawing_n of_o these_o divine_a assistance_n be_v what_o we_o call_v divine_a desertion_n as_o to_o these_o manifestation_n of_o grace_n now_o my_o next_o business_n must_v be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o wisdom_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o inequality_n of_o these_o dispensation_n which_o sometime_o prove_v matter_n of_o great_a trouble_n to_o god_n people_n 1._o for_o the_o difference_n of_o strength_n and_o ability_n to_o the_o more_o external_a act_n of_o our_o homage_n to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o within_o my_o subject_n to_o be_v discourse_v i_o shall_v therefore_o speak_v but_o short_o to_o it_o something_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o speak_v because_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o christian_n mistake_v this_o for_o strengthen_v grace_n this_o difference_n arise_v 1._o from_o a_o difference_n or_o decay_v in_o knowledge_n and_o other_o part_n and_o common_a gift_n knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o christian_n weak_a in_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o express_v themselves_o so_o free_o in_o prayer_n or_o in_o spiritual_a conference_n or_o any_o other_o exercise_n which_o depend_v upon_o knowledge_n as_o the_o more_o know_v christian_n can_v 2._o second_o as_o difference_n as_o to_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n be_v one_o cause_n so_o different_a frequency_n in_o practice_n be_v a_o other_o a_o man_n in_o practical_a thing_n be_v perfect_v by_o practice_n as_o he_o that_o never_o almost_o write_v will_v forget_v his_o hand_n and_o he_o that_o use_v not_o himself_o to_o read_v or_o speak_v latin_a or_o any_o other_o language_n will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n lose_v the_o very_a ability_n he_o once_o have_v to_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o who_o seldom_o or_o never_o pray_v shall_v lose_v his_o gift_n and_o ability_n to_o pray_v and_o he_o who_o seldom_o or_o never_o preach_v shall_v lose_v his_o gift_n and_o ability_n to_o preach_v we_o find_v by_o experience_n and_o may_v find_v it_o whenever_o we_o try_v it_o that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o excellent_a ability_n to_o pray_v neglect_v that_o gift_n in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v lose_v his_o gift_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o continue_v ten_o line_n of_o sense_n without_o a_o book_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o these_o performance_n do_v also_o depend_v upon_o other_o natural_a and_o common_a gift_n which_o if_o they_o fail_v through_o age_n or_o other_o infirmity_n it_o can_v without_o a_o miracle_n be_v expect_v but_o that_o this_o strength_n and_o ability_n shall_v abate_v also_o i_o know_v also_o that_o god_n may_v blast_v these_o gift_n and_o oft_o do_v for_o man_n sin_n their_o neglect_n of_o the_o use_n of_o they_o their_z not_o glorify_v of_o god_n with_o they_o but_o god_n usual_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v either_o by_o permit_v the_o decay_n of_o these_o gift_n upon_o which_o these_o exercise_n depend_v or_o leave_v the_o hypocrite_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o senslesness_n and_o sottishness_n in_o life_n as_o quite_o take_v he_o off_o from_o any_o regard_n of_o these_o piece_n of_o homage_n unto_o god_n but_o thus_o much_o shall_v serve_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o these_o variety_n and_o decay_n of_o strength_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n 2._o for_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o influx_n of_o divine_a and_o special_a grace_n it_o be_v certain_o reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v not_o dispense_v equal_a measure_n to_o all_o if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o all_o be_v not_o of_o a_o alike_o grow_v and_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o scripture_n than_o to_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o fold_n of_o sheep_n to_o a_o family_n etc._n etc._n now_o there_o be_v no_o fold_n where_o all_o be_v be_v grow_v sheep_n alike_o scarce_o any_o family_n where_o be_v not_o some_o infant_n or_o young_a child_n christ_n must_v carry_v the_o lamb_n in_o his_o arm_n while_o he_o feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o christian_n distinguish_v betwixt_o babe_n and_o grow_v person_n betwixt_o those_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o perfect_a such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o such_o as_o be_v carnal_a such_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o strong_a meat_n and_o such_o as_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n now_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o influx_n of_o grace_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ordinary_o work_v secundum_fw-la quod_fw-la nactus_fw-la