and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n after_o this_o thanksgiving_n consider_v brief_o with_o yourself_o the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o your_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n and_o how_o not_o only_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a but_o also_o hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o you_o all_o your_o past_a labour_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v without_o it_o and_o then_o conclude_v your_o morning_n devotion_n with_o this_o prayer_n for_o perseverance_n o_o god_n who_o art_n unchangeable_o holy_a and_o bless_a who_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o do_v never_o swerve_v or_o vary_v from_o the_o essential_a goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o thy_o own_o nature_n look_v down_o i_o beseech_v thou_o upon_o i_o a_o fickle_a weak_a and_o mutable_a creature_n who_o thou_o have_v redeem_v to_o thyself_o and_o hitherto_o conduct_v by_o thy_o grace_n and_o spirit_n thou_o know_v o_o lord_n the_o weakness_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o how_o unable_a i_o be_o without_o thy_o strength_n and_o assistance_n to_o finish_v the_o race_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v before_o i_o thou_o know_v what_o temptation_n i_o must_v struggle_v with_o and_o what_o difficulty_n i_o must_v yet_o overcome_v before_o i_o be_o seize_v of_o the_o bless_a prize_n i_o be_o contend_v for_o wherefore_o since_o thou_o have_v hitherto_o be_v my_o constant_a support_n and_o defence_n forsake_v i_o not_o now_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n but_o as_o thou_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o i_o so_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o finish_v and_o complete_a it_o to_o uphold_v my_o feeble_a soul_n by_o thy_o free_a spirit_n under_o all_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n that_o so_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n i_o may_v seek_v for_o and_o at_o last_o obtain_v honour_n and_o glory_n immortality_n and_o eternal_a life_n for_o which_o end_n o_o lord_n preserve_v i_o from_o be_v over-confident_a of_o my_o own_o ability_n and_o inspire_v i_o with_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n of_o myself_o that_o whilst_o i_o stand_v i_o may_v take_v heed_n lest_o i_o fall_v and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n i_o shall_v be_v so_o base_a and_o so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o offend_v thou_o wilful_o which_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o prevent_v for_o thy_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n sake_n o_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o sleep_v in_o my_o sin_n but_o recall_v i_o instant_o by_o the_o check_n of_o my_o conscience_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o spirit_n lest_o while_o i_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n and_o one_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n to_o another_o my_o lust_n shall_v regain_v their_o dominion_n over_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v angry_a with_o i_o and_o reject_v i_o from_o thy_o covenant_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o i_o may_v every_o day_n serve_v thou_o more_o free_o and_o steadfast_o wean_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o more_o and_o more_o from_o those_o temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o be_v round_o about_o i_o and_o give_v i_o such_o a_o true_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n as_o that_o neither_o the_o flattery_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o other_o may_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o withdraw_v i_o from_o my_o duty_n and_o lest_o while_o i_o be_o mortify_v my_o old_a sin_n i_o shall_v careless_o permit_v new_a one_o to_o spring_n up_o in_o my_o nature_n good_a god_n do_v thou_o mind_v i_o to_o search_v and_o try_v my_o own_o heart_n and_o take_v a_o severe_a account_n even_o of_o the_o small_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n within_o i_o that_o so_o i_o may_v correct_v and_o reform_v they_o in_o time_n before_o they_o be_v improve_v into_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v be_v always_o so_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o imperfection_n as_o that_o i_o may_v never_o rest_v in_o any_o present_a attainment_n but_o may_v still_o be_v press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n of_o my_o high_a call_n in_o jesus_n christ._n suggest_v to_o i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o frequent_a thought_n of_o my_o mortality_n that_o so_o while_o i_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n i_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o my_o departure_n hence_o and_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o die_a hour_n in_o order_n whereunto_o assist_v i_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o strict_o to_o examine_v and_o review_v my_o past_a sinful_a course_n that_o so_o if_o there_o be_v any_o remain_v of_o gild_n abide_v upon_o my_o conscience_n i_o may_v purge_v they_o away_o by_o proper_a act_n of_o repentance_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o see_v and_o grant_v that_o as_o i_o have_v former_o abound_v in_o sin_n so_o i_o may_v now_o redeem_v that_o precious_a time_n i_o have_v lose_v by_o abound_v in_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n that_o so_o as_o far_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v i_o may_v revoke_v and_o undo_v the_o multitude_n of_o my_o past_a sin_n by_o do_v all_o the_o good_a i_o be_o able_a for_o the_o future_a and_o that_o i_o may_v hold_v out_o and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n preserve_v and_o continue_v i_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o to_o fall_v from_o my_o own_o steadfastness_n and_o final_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o bless_a mean_n i_o may_v so_o far_o prevail_v over_o the_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n of_o my_o nature_n as_o that_o at_o last_o i_o may_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a feel_v of_o my_o own_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n towards_o thou_o that_o so_o be_v from_o thence_o assure_v of_o thy_o love_n and_o of_o my_o title_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n i_o may_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n more_o cheerful_o and_o at_o last_o finish_v my_o course_n with_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o now_o o_o lord_n i_o resign_v myself_o to_o thou_o take_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o into_o thy_o care_n and_o protection_n this_o day_n preserve_v i_o from_o all_o evil_a but_o especial_o from_o sin_n and_o quicken_v i_o by_o thy_o spirit_n unto_o every_o good_a work_n that_o so_o i_o may_v serve_v thou_o with_o a_o free_a and_o cheerful_a mind_n and_o make_v it_o my_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v thy_o blessed_a will_n all_o which_o i_o humble_o beg_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n in_o who_o name_n and_o mediation_n i_o further_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o evening_n when_o you_o enter_v into_o your_o closet_n consider_v what_o be_v the_o present_a frame_n and_o temper_v of_o your_o mind_n and_o upon_o enquiry_n you_o will_v perceive_v either_o that_o through_o the_o present_a prevalency_n of_o your_o corrupt_a nature_n you_o be_v averse_a to_o divine_a office_n or_o that_o through_o bodily_a infirmity_n you_o be_v indispose_v to_o they_o or_o that_o through_o worldly-mindedness_a and_o vanity_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v cold_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v distract_v in_o they_o or_o last_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v very_o much_o enlarge_v and_o your_o mind_n and_o affection_n vigorous_o dispose_v towards_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n if_o upon_o enquiry_n you_o find_v that_o through_o the_o present_a prevalency_n of_o your_o corrupt_a nature_n you_o be_v averse_a to_o divine_a office_n endeavour_v to_o affect_v yourself_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o by_o represent_v to_o your_o mind_n the_o great_a impiety_n and_o baseness_n the_o monstrous_a folly_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o this_o your_o present_a temper_n and_o then_o offer_v up_o this_o follow_a prayer_n o_o my_o most_o gracious_a god_n and_o most_o kind_a and_o merciful_a father_n thou_o be_v the_o best_a friend_n i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o have_v show_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o love_n to_o i_o than_o ever_o i_o show_v to_o myself_o but_o after_o all_o the_o vast_a and_o most_o indear_v obligation_n thou_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o this_o vile_a and_o ungrateful_a heart_n of_o i_o still_o retain_v some_o dregs_o of_o its_o ancient_a enmity_n against_o thou_o have_v i_o but_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o man_n in_o i_o how_o can_v i_o think_v of_o thou_o without_o rapture_n of_o love_n how_o can_v i_o draw_v near_o unto_o thou_o without_o transport_v of_o delight_n and_o complacency_n but_o vile_a and_o ungrateful_a that_o i_o be_o i_o can_v think_v of_o all_o thy_o goodness_n with_o cold_a and_o freeze_a affection_n and_o can_v come_v into_o thy_o presence_n not_o only_o with_o indifference_n but_o reluctancy_n good_a god_n what_o be_o i_o make_v of_o what_o a_o insensible_a soul_n do_v i_o carry_v about_o i_o o_o i_o be_o ashamed_a of_o myself_o i_o be_o confound_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o baseness_n and_o yet_o woe_n be_v i_o i_o can_v help_v it_o i_o strive_v to_o shake_v off_o this_o clog_n of_o my_o corrupt_a
or_o authority_n sufficient_o warrant_v he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o be_v thus_o rightful_o enthrone_v by_o the_o infinite_a preeminence_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o majesty_n all_o other_o being_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a stand_v immutable_o oblige_v to_o submit_v and_o resign_v themselves_o up_o to_o his_o government_n but_o beside_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v god_n we_o be_v also_o bind_v to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n for_o there_o be_v always_o a_o power_n acquire_v by_o benefit_n where_o there_o be_v none_o antecedent_o especial_o where_o the_o benefit_n confer_v be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o our_o be_v which_o be_v the_o case_n between_o we_o and_o god_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o benefit_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v he_o to_o we_o by_o a_o absolute_a and_o unalienable_a propriety_n though_o he_o have_v no_o antecedent_n right_a of_o dominion_n over_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o infinite_a greatness_n so_o that_o though_o before_o he_o create_v we_o or_o any_o other_o be_v he_o have_v free_a power_n to_o act_v any_o thing_n that_o lie_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o just_a and_o lawful_a which_o just_a and_o lawful_a be_v undefineable_a by_o any_o other_o law_n but_o that_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o though_o since_o his_o creation_n his_o power_n be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o so_o that_o he_o have_v not_o acquire_v to_o himself_o any_o new_a power_n by_o create_v we_o but_o only_o make_v new_a subject_n whereon_o to_o exercise_v that_o ancient_a power_n and_o dominion_n which_o be_v eternal_o inherent_a in_o he_o yet_o doubtless_o by_o give_v we_o our_o being_n he_o have_v lay_v new_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o obey_v he_o for_o now_o derive_v ourselves_o as_o we_o do_v from_o he_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o all_o the_o tie_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n to_o render_v back_o ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o to_o submit_v those_o power_n to_o his_o dominion_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o offspring_n of_o his_o bounty_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o just_a and_o equal_a than_o that_o that_o will_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o being_n shall_v be_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n then_o that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o with_o those_o power_n we_o derive_v from_o he_o and_o render_v he_o back_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o own_o plantation_n for_o now_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o god_n and_o he_o alone_o have_v power_n to_o dispose_v of_o we_o and_o whensoever_o we_o dispose_v of_o ourselves_o contrary_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n we_o do_v not_o only_o invade_v his_o property_n but_o employ_v the_o spoil_n of_o it_o against_o he_o and_o whilst_o we_o continue_v thus_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o be_v happy_a for_o beside_o that_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o rebellion_n against_o he_o we_o be_v in_o a_o actual_a confederacy_n with_o hell_n for_o so_o when_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o rebellion_n be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n that_o be_v rebellion_n against_o god_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o like_a witch_n we_o be_v in_o league_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v list_v volunteer_n under_o those_o infernal_a power_n who_o for_o blow_v the_o trumpet_n of_o rebellion_n in_o heaven_n be_v banish_v thence_o six_o thousand_o year_n ago_o and_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v raise_v force_n in_o this_o low_a world_n against_o god_n so_o that_o whilst_o we_o continue_v with_o they_o in_o defiance_n to_o god_n we_o be_v in_o the_o devil_n musterroll_n who_o be_v captain_n general_n of_o all_o the_o revolt_a legion_n and_o so_o be_v of_o the_o quite_o opposite_a party_n to_o the_o loyal_a people_n of_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o can_v never_o hope_v while_o we_o continue_v such_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o their_o society_n and_o happiness_n beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v rebellion_n against_o god_n do_v natural_o draw_v a_o hell_n of_o misery_n after_o it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o wise_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o unconcern_v for_o his_o own_o authority_n as_o to_o suffer_v his_o creature_n to_o spurn_v at_o and_o affront_v it_o without_o ever_o manifest_v his_o displeasure_n against_o they_o in_o some_o dire_a and_o sensible_a effect_n and_o therefore_o though_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o trial_n and_o probation_n he_o merciful_o forbear_v we_o to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n yet_o if_o we_o leave_v this_o life_n with_o our_o will_n unsubdued_a and_o unresign_v to_o he_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v thus_o gentle_o deal_v with_o in_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o correct_v our_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o parent_n of_o our_o flesh_n to_o correct_v our_o flesh._n and_o though_o our_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o impressible_a with_o material_a stripe_n than_o sunbeam_n be_v with_o the_o blow_n of_o a_o hammer_n yet_o be_v they_o liable_a to_o have_v horrid_a and_o dismal_a thought_n impress_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o be_v as_o much_o aggrieve_v by_o they_o as_o sensible_a body_n be_v with_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n so_o that_o if_o god_n be_v displease_v with_o we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o can_v imprint_v his_o wrath_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o black_a and_o ghastly_a thought_n and_o cause_v it_o perpetual_o to_o drop_v like_o burn_a sulphur_n on_o our_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n thus_o to_o lash_v our_o spirit_n to_o be_v sure_a when_o once_o he_o be_v implacable_o incense_v against_o we_o as_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n if_o we_o go_v rebel_n thither_o he_o will_v more_o or_o less_o let_v loose_v his_o power_n upon_o we_o and_o make_v we_o feel_v his_o wrathful_a resentment_n by_o infuse_v supernatural_a horror_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o scourge_v our_o guilty_a and_o defenceless_a spirit_n with_o inspiration_n of_o dire_a and_o frightful_a thought_n now_o though_o this_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o our_o rebellion_n against_o god_n because_o it_o depend_v upon_o his_o will_n who_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n yet_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a agent_n and_o that_o as_o such_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v one_o way_n or_o other_o manifest_a his_o displeasure_n against_o such_o as_o be_v unreclaimable_a rebel_n to_o his_o authority_n it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o natural_a one_o and_o at_o least_o the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o it_o in_o such_o rebellious_a spirit_n which_o be_v a_o misery_n next_o to_o the_o endure_v it_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a for_o god_n have_v imprint_v a_o dread_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o majesty_n so_o deep_o on_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a with_o all_o our_o art_n of_o self-deceit_n whole_o to_o obliterate_v and_o deface_v it_o and_o though_o in_o this_o life_n we_o may_v sometime_o suppress_v and_o stupefy_v our_o sense_n of_o god_n yet_o even_o here_o in_o despite_n of_o ourselves_o it_o will_v ever_o and_o anon_o return_v upon_o we_o and_o if_o when_o we_o have_v do_v what_o we_o know_v be_v offensive_a to_o that_o invisible_a majesty_n we_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o we_o do_v but_o suffer_v ourselves_o serious_o to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o there_o present_o arise_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o swarm_n of_o horrid_a thought_n and_o dismal_a expectation_n and_o if_o in_o this_o present_a state_n in_o which_o we_o have_v so_o many_o salvo_n for_o our_o wound_a spirit_n so_o many_o pleasure_n and_o self-delusion_n to_o charm_v our_o natural_a dread_n of_o god_n our_o overcharge_a conscience_n do_v notwithstanding_o so_o often_o recoil_v upon_o we_o and_o alarm_n we_o with_o such_o dismal_a aboding_n what_o will_v they_o do_v hereafter_o when_o all_o those_o pleasure_n be_v remove_v and_o all_o those_o self-delusion_n baffle_v with_o which_o we_o be_v wont_n to_o sooth_n and_o divert_v they_o then_o doubtless_o we_o shall_v be_v continual_o sting_v with_o sharp_a and_o dire_a reflection_n and_o our_o conscience_n like_o tragic_a scene_n be_v all_o hang_v round_o with_o the_o ensign_n of_o horror_n then_o shall_v the_o dread_n of_o god_n perpetual_o haunt_v we_o like_o a_o grim_a fury_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o offend_a majesty_n strike_v we_o into_o a_o everlasting_a tremble_v and_o agony_n for_o so_o s._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o devil_n themselves_o do_v believe_v and_o tremble_v james_n two_o 19_o they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o almighty_a be_v above_o they_o and_o be_v conscious_a that_o they_o be_v in_o actual_a rebellion_n against_o he_o which_o make_v they_o horrible_o afraid_a of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o inveterate_a devilishness_n of_o their_o
if_o we_o ever_o mean_v to_o wage_v war_n with_o it_o with_o success_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v acquire_v beforehand_o a_o through_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v chastise_v our_o soul_n with_o some_o degree_n of_o that_o bitter_a sorrow_n and_o regret_n it_o deserve_v and_o inflict_v upon_o ourselves_o some_o part_n of_o that_o hell_n of_o infinite_a horror_n and_o anguish_n that_o be_v engender_v in_o its_o womb_n that_o so_o be_v the_o more_o sensible_a of_o its_o malignity_n we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o enrage_a against_o it_o and_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o it_o with_o the_o great_a resolution_n and_o animosity_n for_o our_o sorrow_n and_o remorse_n for_o our_o sin_n if_o it_o be_v serious_a and_o hearty_a will_v convert_v into_o hatred_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o and_o that_o hatred_n will_v animate_v we_o in_o all_o our_o conflict_n with_o they_o and_o render_v we_o more_o obstinate_a against_o their_o terror_n and_o allurement_n so_o that_o when_o in_o the_o aftercourse_n of_o our_o warfare_n against_o they_o we_o be_v tempt_v afresh_o to_o yield_v and_o comply_v with_o they_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o past_a shame_n and_o sorrow_n remorse_n and_o confusion_n we_o have_v undergo_v for_o their_o sake_n will_v render_v we_o far_o more_o deaf_a and_o inexorable_a than_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o their_o solicitation_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v engage_v in_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n with_o success_n we_o must_v be_v often_o reflect_v upon_o our_o past_a sin_n and_o represent_v they_o to_o ourselves_o in_o all_o their_o aggravate_v circumstance_n and_o when_o we_o have_v survey_v they_o round_o about_o and_o consider_v they_o in_o all_o their_o natural_a turpitude_n disingenuity_n and_o indecency_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o with_o all_o their_o appendant_a sting_n shameful_a effect_n and_o dismal_a circumstance_n so_o that_o our_o heart_n begin_v to_o feel_v they_o and_o to_o smart_v and_o bleed_v under_o the_o dolorous_a sense_n of_o they_o then_o must_v we_o pour_v they_o out_o before_o god_n in_o sad_a and_o mournful_a confession_n for_o the_o very_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n before_o so_o pure_a and_o great_a a_o be_v be_v in_o itself_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o increase_v our_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a hard_a heart_n that_o can_v ingenuous_o and_o without_o any_o reserve_v lay_v open_a his_o crime_n before_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o all_o their_o black_a aggravation_n without_o be_v sting_v with_o a_o sensible_a regret_n and_o confusion_n especial_o if_o he_o frequent_o repeat_v his_o confession_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v v._o to_o our_o successful_a beginning_n of_o this_o our_o christian_a warfare_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o we_o earnest_o implore_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o for_o god_n know_v how_o unable_a we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o to_o engage_v in_o this_o great_a enterprise_n with_o that_o good_a conduct_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v we_o any_o probability_n of_o success_n have_v promise_v we_o his_o own_o presence_n and_o assistance_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o if_o in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o his_o assistance_n be_v necessary_a it_o be_v doubtless_o in_o the_o entrance_n which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o by_o and_o by_o be_v by_o far_o the_o most_o difficult_a and_o hazardous_a if_o therefore_o we_o presume_v to_o enter_v upon_o it_o without_o supplicate_a god_n to_o second_v we_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v ourselves_o shameful_o foil_v and_o defeat_v for_o though_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o assist_v we_o yet_o it_o be_v upon_o condition_n that_o we_o earnest_o beg_v and_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v give_v his_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o luke_n xi_o 13_o he_o will_v draw_v near_o unto_o we_o but_o first_o we_o must_v draw_v near_o unto_o he_o james_z four_o 8_o and_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v if_o we_o ask_v that_o we_o shall_v find_v if_o we_o seek_v and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o knock_v mat._n seven_o 7_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o go_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n four_o 16_o and_o not_o only_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v 1_o thess._n v_o 17_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o let_v our_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n philip._n four_o 6_o and_o if_o in_o every_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v know_v our_o want_n to_o he_o then_o much_o more_o in_o this_o great_a and_o difficult_a undertake_n in_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o succeed_v without_o his_o heavenly_a aid_n and_o assistance_n wherefore_o as_o we_o hope_v for_o victory_n in_o this_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n we_o must_v earnest_o implore_v his_o concurrence_n with_o we_o and_o beseech_v he_o to_o second_v we_o in_o all_o our_o weak_a effort_n and_o endeavour_n we_o must_v lay_v open_a our_o woeful_a case_n before_o he_o and_o remonstrate_v to_o he_o that_o we_o be_v hearty_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v able_a but_o that_o without_o he_o we_o be_v abundant_o sensible_a all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a we_o must_v tell_v he_o that_o our_o dependence_n be_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o success_n be_v in_o he_o and_o that_o we_o dare_v not_o stir_v one_o step_n without_o he_o and_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o stand_v by_o and_o see_v we_o spend_v ourselves_o in_o ineffectual_a struggle_n but_o that_o he_o will_v gracious_o stretch_v forth_o his_o help_a hand_n to_o we_o and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o his_o necessary_a assistance_n which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o the_o merciful_a god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n will_v never_o abandon_v his_o own_o offspring_n whilst_o it_o cry_v out_o to_o he_o and_o with_o pitiful_a and_o bemoan_v look_n implore_v his_o aid_n and_o gracious_a co-operation_n whilst_o therefore_o we_o be_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n we_o ought_v in_o every_o act_n of_o preparation_n to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o earnest_o supplicate_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n while_o we_o be_v endeavour_v to_o believe_v we_o must_v beg_v he_o to_o help_v our_o unbelief_n to_o remove_v all_o prejudices_fw-la from_o our_o mind_n and_o present_a the_o evidence_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o our_o understanding_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o convince_a light_n when_o we_o be_v set_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n we_o must_v beseech_v he_o to_o fix_v our_o thought_n to_o suggest_v to_o and_o repeat_v his_o heavenly_a motive_n and_o argument_n so_o fast_o and_o thick_a upon_o our_o mind_n that_o no_o sinful_a or_o worldly_a thought_n may_v be_v able_a to_o crowd_v in_o to_o disturb_v or_o divert_v our_o meditation_n when_o we_o be_v labour_v to_o persuade_v ourselves_o of_o our_o need_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o saviour_n mediation_n we_o must_v earnest_o entreat_v he_o to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o convince_v we_o effectual_o of_o the_o horrible_a danger_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o infallible_a efficacy_n of_o that_o bless_a remedy_n when_o we_o be_v attempt_v to_o affect_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bitter_a sense_n of_o our_o past_a transgression_n we_o must_v implore_v he_o to_o strike_v in_o with_o we_o and_o to_o inspire_v our_o mind_n with_o such_o pierce_a and_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o the_o infinite_a shame_n baseness_n and_o danger_n of_o they_o as_o may_v sting_v our_o brawny_a conscience_n to_o the_o quick_a and_o dissolve_v our_o freeze_a soul_n into_o a_o sorrowful_a repentance_n that_o so_o when_o we_o enter_v the_o list_n and_o proceed_v to_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n we_o may_v be_v arm_v against_o our_o sin_n with_o such_o a_o lively_a faith_n such_o puissant_a consideration_n such_o horror_n and_o animosity_n against_o they_o and_o such_o a_o assure_a hope_n of_o be_v rescue_v from_o the_o fatal_a issue_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o promise_v ourselves_o a_o happy_a success_n in_o the_o ensue_a course_n of_o our_o warfare_n against_o they_o and_o have_v thus_o fit_v and_o accoutre_v ourselves_o for_o this_o great_a and_o momentous_a enterprise_n vi_o we_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a and_o solemn_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n of_o forsake_v and_o renounce_v all_o our_o sin_n and_o
than_o these_o worldly_a thing_n which_o be_v continual_o press_v upon_o our_o sense_n we_o shall_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n withdraw_v our_o thought_n from_o these_o sensible_a object_n and_o retire_v into_o the_o immaterial_a world_n and_o there_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o close_a view_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n it_o abound_v with_o for_o we_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o being_n that_o be_v compound_v of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n be_v by_o these_o opposite_a principle_n of_o our_o nature_n ally_v to_o two_o opposite_a world_n and_o place_v in_o the_o middle_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o the_o common_a centre_n wherein_o those_o distant_a region_n meet_v by_o our_o spiritual_a nature_n we_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o spiritual_a world_n and_o by_o our_o corporeal_a with_o this_o earthly_a and_o sensible_a one_o who_o object_n be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o and_o strike_v as_o they_o do_v immediate_o upon_o our_o sense_n we_o lie_v much_o more_o bare_a and_o open_a to_o they_o than_o to_o those_o of_o the_o spiritual_a world_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o now_o and_o then_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o these_o sensible_a thing_n which_o hang_v like_o a_o cloud_n between_o we_o can_v never_o have_v a_o free_a prospect_n into_o that_o clear_a heaven_n above_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o become_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v now_o and_o then_o make_v a_o solemn_a retirement_n of_o our_o thought_n from_o earthly_a object_n and_o enjoyment_n that_o so_o we_o may_v approach_v near_o enough_o to_o heaven_n to_o touch_v and_o feel_v the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o which_o while_o we_o transient_o behold_v in_o this_o crowd_n of_o worldly_a object_n be_v place_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o that_o it_o look_v like_o a_o thin_a blue_a landscape_n next_o to_o nothing_o and_o have_v not_o apparent_a reality_n enough_o in_o it_o to_o raise_v our_o desire_n and_o expectation_n and_o hence_o we_o be_v command_v to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_n to_o mind_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o col._n iii._o 2_o and_o that_o by_o these_o thing_n above_o he_o mean_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o v_o 1._o where_o he_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o above_o in_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v he_o mean_v heaven_n where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o precept_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v fix_v in_o our_o mind_n such_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o celestial_a state_n as_o may_v raise_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o long_a desire_n and_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o which_o hope_n and_o expectation_n he_o elsewhere_o enjoin_v we_o to_o put_v on_o for_o a_o helmet_n i._n e._n for_o a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o defensive_a armour_n against_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n 1_o thes._n v_o 8_o and_o heb._n vi_fw-la nineteeen_o this_o hope_n which_o enter_v into_o that_o within_o the_o veil_n i._n e._n into_o heaven_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a i._n e._n it_o be_v that_o which_o stay_v and_o secure_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o many_o storm_n of_o temptation_n it_o meet_v withal_o in_o its_o voyage_n to_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v so_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o look_v to_o and_o imitate_v our_o bless_a lord_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v now_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n heb._n twelve_o 2_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v earnest_o endeavour_v to_o fix_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o vigorous_a sense_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o immortal_a happiness_n with_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o crown_v all_o that_o come_v off_o conqueror_n from_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n that_o all_o along_o as_o we_o march_v we_o shall_v keep_v heaven_n in_o our_o eye_n and_o encourage_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o to_o charge_v through_o all_o those_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n that_o oppose_v we_o in_o the_o way_n in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o shall_v frequent_o awaken_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o glorious_a thought_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o possess_v ourselves_o with_o a_o lively_a expectation_n of_o enjoy_v it_o if_o we_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o a_o vast_a consequence_n to_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n for_o heaven_n be_v the_o end_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o warfare_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o grand_a encouragement_n thereunto_o and_o consequent_o if_o once_o we_o lose_v sight_n of_o heaven_n and_o suffer_v earthly_a thing_n to_o interpose_v and_o eclipse_v the_o glory_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o our_o courage_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v up_o against_o those_o manifold_a temptation_n that_o do_v continual_o assault_v we_o but_o whilst_o we_o continue_v under_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o that_o bless_a recompense_n of_o reward_n that_o will_v so_o spirit_n and_o invigorate_v our_o resolution_n that_o nothing_o will_v be_v able_a to_o withstand_v it_o and_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o allurement_n that_o sin_n can_v propose_v will_v be_v force_v to_o fly_v before_o it_o and_o to_o retreat_v like_o so_o many_o impotent_a wave_n that_o dash_v against_o a_o rock_n of_o adamant_n for_o while_o we_o be_v under_o a_o lively_a sense_n and_o expectance_n of_o the_o happiness_n above_o we_o live_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o midway_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n where_o we_o have_v a_o open_a prospect_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o both_o and_o do_v plain_o see_v how_o faint_a and_o dim_v those_o below_o be_v in_o comparison_n with_o those_o above_o how_o they_o be_v force_v to_o sneak_v and_o disappear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o those_o eternal_a splendour_n and_o to_o shroud_v their_o vanquish_a beauty_n as_o the_o star_n do_v when_o the_o sun_n appear_v and_o whilst_o we_o interchangeable_o turn_v our_o eye_n from_o one_o to_o tother_o how_o fruitless_o do_v the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n below_o importune_v we_o to_o abandon_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n above_o and_o with_o what_o indignation_n do_v we_o listen_v to_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o a_o senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a exchange_n and_o can_v we_o but_o always_o keep_v ourselves_o at_o this_o stand_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o fortify_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o happy_a region_n above_o that_o no_o temptation_n from_o below_o will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o approach_v we_o and_o the_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v go_v on_o to_o that_o bless_a state_n will_v carry_v we_o through_o all_o the_o weary_a stage_n of_o our_o duty_n with_o a_o indefatigable_a vigour_n for_o what_o may_v a_o man_n not_o do_v with_o heaven_n in_o his_o eye_n with_o that_o potent_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v omnipotent_a encouragement_n before_o he_o to_o pull_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n to_o tear_v a_o darling_n lust_n from_o his_o heart_n even_o when_o it_o be_v wrap_v about_o it_o and_o twist_v with_o its_o string_n what_o a_o easy_a achievement_n be_v it_o to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o heaven_n of_o immortal_a glory_n in_o his_o view_n the_o hope_n of_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o recommend_v even_o rack_n &_o torment_n and_o turn_v the_o flame_n of_o martyrdom_n into_o a_o bed_n of_o rose_n for_o it_o be_v this_o bless_a prospect_n that_o enable_v the_o good_a old_a martyr_n to_o triumph_v so_o glorious_o as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n they_o know_v that_o a_o few_o moment_n will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o misery_n and_o that_o when_o once_o they_o have_v weather_v those_o short_a storm_n they_o shall_v arrive_v at_o a_o most_o bless_a harbour_n and_o be_v crown_v at_o their_o land_n and_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o shall_v look_v back_o with_o infinite_a joy_n and_o delight_n upon_o the_o dangerous_a sea_n they_o have_v escape_v and_o for_o ever_o bless_v those_o storm_n and_o wind_n that_o drive_v they_o to_o that_o happy_a port_n for_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o they_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n heb._n xi_o 14.16_o xi_o and_o last_o to_o the_o successful_a progress_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o public_a ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o our_o religion_n namely_o in_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o in_o frequent_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n both_o which_o