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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n apostle_n holy_a know_v 1,722 5 3.7257 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A93343 Symptomes of growth & decay to godlinesse in LX. signs of a living and dying Christian. With the causes of decay, and remedies for recovery. / By Francis Smith. Smith, Francis, fl. 1657-1689. 1660 (1660) Wing S4030; Thomason E2114_2; ESTC R212664 107,653 255

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therefore_o to_o have_v put_v my_o money_n to_o the_o exchanger_n and_o then_o at_o my_o come_n i_o shall_v have_v receive_v i_o own_o with_o advantage_n mat._n 25._o 27._o a_o second_o cause_n may_v be_v lukewarmness_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v so_o indifferent_a that_o they_o care_v not_o whether_o they_o go_v forward_o or_o backward_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n that_o thou_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v thou_o be_v cold_a or_o hot_a so_o then_o because_o thou_o be_v lukewarm_a i_o will_v spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n revel_v 3._o 15_o 16._o three_o a_o three_o cause_n of_o this_o decay_n be_v unaptness_n to_o personal_a duty_n every_o professor_n in_o order_n to_o his_o grow_v have_v personal_a duty_n constant_o to_o carry_v about_o with_o he_o aptness_n wherein_o fit_v he_o for_o public_a employment_n but_o the_o contrary_a make_v he_o unhandy_a or_o unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n as_o child_n by_o virtuous_a education_n or_o the_o 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will_v be_v by_o way_n of_o change_n your_o heart_n be_v wonderful_o take_v up_o with_o admire_v this_o choice_n that_o be_v not_o only_o of_o god_n prepare_v to_o redeem_v you_o from_o the_o high_a wrath_n but_o to_o redeem_v you_o to_o the_o high_a glory_n i_o fear_v your_o heart_n now_o this_o change_n be_v not_o so_o new_a be_v unable_a to_o express_v what_o once_o though_o in_o the_o time_n you_o have_v less_o knowledge_n you_o can_v have_v report_v of_o this_o matter_n the_o sense_n of_o wrath_n then_o at_o god_n unfolding_n your_o condition_n be_v so_o apparent_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n without_o which_o you_o must_v perish_v be_v so_o urgent_a put_v you_o upon_o that_o thoughtfulness_n of_o heart_n what_o to_o do_v that_o you_o may_v not_o perish_v but_o be_v save_v and_o fill_v your_o heart_n and_o hand_n so_o full_a of_o better_a business_n that_o husband_n wife_n child_n house_n land_n trade_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o till_o then_o have_v be_v dear_a to_o you_o now_o become_v strange_a in_o your_o esteem_n thus_o do_v you_o run_v well_o and_o of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v know_v well_o your_o fruit_n be_v sweet_a to_o his_o taste_n and_o love_n in_o each_o answer_v love_n with_o such_o delight_n that_o you_o can_v say_v with_o david_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o who_o in_o earth_n in_o comparison_n of_o thou_o be_v not_o then_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n life_n to_o you_o and_o his_o withdrawing_n your_o death_n none_o but_o christ_n can_v satisfy_v you_o to_o be_v talk_v with_o he_o and_o walk_v with_o he_o and_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o garden_n or_o wilderness_n or_o any_o solitary_a place_n you_o must_v be_v with_o he_o nay_o rather_o can_v you_o not_o bleed_v with_o he_o than_o feast_n without_o he_o thus_o in_o nothing_o more_o happy_a than_o with_o your_o beloved_n wonder_v great_o at_o this_o great_a grace_n that_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n shall_v find_v you_o and_o to_o such_o a_o condition_n bring_v you_o look_v back_o call_v to_o remembrance_n day_n past_a be_v it_o not_o thus_o with_o you_o and_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o but_o how_o be_v it_o now_o you_o have_v see_v some_o of_o the_o depth_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o bear_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n in_o some_o measure_n do_v you_o love_v he_o yet_o more_o and_o more_o be_v prayer_n hear_v read_v weep_v watch_v fast_v do_v suffer_v welcome_a still_o do_v the_o pulse_n of_o your_o soul_n run_v this_o way_n strong_a and_o strong_a the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o a_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n be_v you_o able_a to_o speak_v in_o truth_n this_o to_o be_v your_o condition_n or_o do_v you_o grow_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n think_v now_o christ_n way_n too_o straight_o his_o work_n too_o great_a if_o it_o be_v come_v to_o this_o than_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o sad_a news_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o thy_o soul_n yet_o god_n know_v it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n but_o a_o evil_a too_o too_o common_a among_o professor_n who_o like_o israel_n of_o old_a think_v manna_n while_o new_a most_o welcome_a yet_o in_o its_o continuance_n though_o god_n own_o institution_n which_o be_v a_o reason_n sufficient_a why_o it_o still_o shall_v be_v welcome_a they_o loathe_v and_o term_v it_o light_a bread_n thus_o be_v their_o goodness_n like_o a_o morning_n cloud_n or_o early_a dew_n that_o pass_v away_o in_o like_a manner_n new_a testament_n church_n that_o have_v fair_a and_o flourish_a beginning_n yet_o in_o time_n come_v to_o hang_v down_o their_o head_n and_o grow_v feeble_a and_o faint_a in_o their_o mind_n how_o be_v the_o corinth_n church_n that_o have_v be_v their_o apostle_n glory_n and_o crown_n become_v his_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n what_o bitter_a message_n do_v god_n send_v to_o most_o of_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n complain_v that_o they_o have_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n threaten_v they_o with_o no_o less_o than_o to_o unchurch_n and_o spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n such_o wild_a grape_n in_o time_n do_v this_o once_o flourish_a church_n bring_v forth_o and_o the_o very_a complaint_n of_o jeremiah_n concern_v israel_n in_o they_o verify_v chap_n 2._o 21._o yet_o have_v i_o plant_v thou_o a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o right_a seed_n how_o then_o be_v thou_o turn_v into_o a_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n to_o i_o my_o dear_a brethren_n these_o be_v not_o the_o tithe_n of_o the_o sad_a instance_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v of_o such_o as_o once_o be_v fair_a and_o flourish_a yet_o in_o continuance_n of_o time_n to_o a_o sad_a degree_n leave_v their_o stand_n and_o so_o incur_v god_n sore_a displeasure_n and_o severity_n upon_o they_o all_o which_o premise_v prove_v it_o so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o of_o our_o happiness_n to_o begin_v well_o though_o at_o the_o rate_n here_o mention_v in_o our_o espousal_n day_n that_o true_o it_o will_v but_o prove_v a_o addition_n to_o our_o unhappiness_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o end_v well_o for_o better_a be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o thing_n than_o the_o beginning_n all_o which_o note_v a_o christian_n true_a good_a to_o consist_v as_o in_o a_o fair_a beginning_n so_o both_o to_o hold_v on_o well_o and_o above_o all_o to_o end_v well_o what_o christian_n be_v he_o that_o will_v not_o tremble_v then_o to_o consider_v both_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n church_n what_o fair_a beginning_n they_o make_v and_o yet_o what_o dismal_a end_n they_o come_v to_o as_o judas_n complain_v tree_n without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n the_o good_a lord_n help_v you_o my_o brethren_n and_o myself_o to_o lay_v this_o thing_n to_o heart_n that_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a we_o may_v work_v through_o our_o salvation_n and_o from_o first_o to_o last_o avoid_v that_o damn_v sin_n of_o carnal_a security_n that_o god_n know_v do_v too_o too_o much_o rock_n many_o professor_n in_o our_o day_n into_o a_o deadly_a sleep_n who_o be_v once_o green_a and_o flourish_a still_o retain_v a_o strong_a opinion_n of_o hereafter_o glory_n though_o grow_v as_o dry_v and_o barren_a as_o the_o figtree_n that_o christ_n jesus_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o stand_v thus_o consider_v with_o myself_o and_o muse_v in_o my_o mind_n what_o a_o fearful_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v for_o i_o and_o you_o that_o have_v have_v such_o like_a beginning_n and_o have_v make_v as_o great_a promise_n of_o a_o good_a conclusion_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n who_o will_v strip_v we_o as_o naked_a of_o his_o glory_n if_o here_o we_o be_v find_v want_v as_o ever_o we_o be_v bear_v unless_o the_o fall_n of_o former_a church_n prove_v so_o our_o admonition_n as_o he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v for_o which_o cause_n i_o have_v both_o for_o your_o benefit_n and_o i_o own_o gather_v together_o thirty_o symptom_n of_o grow_v and_o thirty_o more_o of_o decay_v to_o godliness_n in_o the_o first_o you_o may_v for_o present_a only_o read_v the_o sign_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o second_o you_o may_v read_v both_o the_o sign_n of_o decay_n to_o godliness_n with_o the_o cause_n and_o remedy_n which_o with_o god_n blessing_n i_o humble_o pray_v and_o hope_v may_v tend_v to_o your_o strengthen_n if_o grow_v or_o to_o your_o speedy_a reducement_n if_o decline_a read_v therefore_o what_o now_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v bring_v to_o your_o eye_n with_o much_o seriousness_n and_o while_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o book_n be_v still_o reflect_v both_o upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n with_o this_o kind_n of_o search_a language_n be_v my_o case_n thus_o or_o be_v it_o thus_o however_o your_o own_o opinion_n may_v be_v of_o growth_n or_o decay_n they_o be_v your_o high_a concernment_n entertain_v therefore_o with_o all_o love_n my_o poor_a yet_o affectionate_a dedication_n remember_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n draw_v nigh_o and_o his_o bride_n must_v make_v herself_o ready_a be_v sure_a then_o you_o be_v not_o find_v without_o your_o wedding_n garment_n but_o imagine_v yourselves_o the_o very_a next_o door_n to_o be_v compass_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o that_o day_n let_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o keep_v you_o company_n in_o buy_v sell_v eat_v drink_v yea_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o your_o pilgrimage_n and_o follow_v god_n with_o incessant_a prayer_n to_o fill_v your_o soul_n brim_n full_a of_o the_o live_a worth_n of_o hereafter_o glory_n and_o the_o unsupportable_a weight_n of_o its_o contrary_n that_o to_o this_o great_a end_n these_o my_o poor_a labour_n and_o such_o as_o these_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o perfection_n may_v
prepare_v you_o upon_o the_o most_o acceptable_a term_n for_o future_a glory_n be_v the_o true_a desire_n of_o your_o unworthy_a brother_n in_o the_o dear_a concernment_n of_o the_o gospel_n francis_n smith_n a_o table_n of_o the_o content_n chap._n 1._o contain_v in_o it_o a_o sign_n of_o die_v to_o christ_n with_o three_o cause_n of_o its_o come_n which_o be_v avoid_v may_v serve_v as_o remedy_n against_o its_o ruin_n with_o profitable_a objection_n answer_v 1_o chap._n 2._o contain_v three_o cause_n of_o weariness_n to_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o the_o principal_a reason_n thereof_o 19_o chap._n 3._o brief_o show_v the_o cause_n of_o weariness_n to_o hear_v any_o truth_n often_o 23_o chap._n 4._o brief_o show_v how_o want_n of_o charity_n in_o hearer_n cause_v they_o dislike_v what_o be_v preach_v 27_o chap._n 5._o contain_v five_o cause_n of_o deceitful_o think_v we_o know_v enough_o with_o four_o mark_n to_o know_v when_o we_o be_v under_o that_o deceit_n 31_o chap._n 6._o contain_v in_o it_o christian_n aptness_n through_o weakness_n to_o neglect_v come_v to_o christ_n table_n with_o a_o short_a description_n of_o offence_n that_o seem_o may_v hinder_a &_o three_o cause_n of_o this_o decay_n 38_o chap._n 7._o show_v the_o great_a decay_n to_o christianity_n when_o mindless_a to_o prayer_n with_o a_o pl●●●_n discovery_n of_o the_o necessity_n excellency_n let_v &_o help_n to_o prayer_n in_o sixteen_o particular_n 46_o chap_n 8._o show_v the_o great_a decay_n to_o christianity_n when_o mindless_a to_o read_v and_o meditation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o six_o calamity_n very_o observable_a which_o scripture_n ignorance_n bring_v 54_o chap._n 9_o show_v that_o a_o itch_a ear_n in_o christian_n after_o novelty_n bespeak_v they_o decay_v to_o godliness_n with_o four_o remedy_n against_o it_o 65_o chap._n 10._o prove_v we_o die_v to_o christ_n when_o other_o sinning_n be_v not_o our_o sorrowing_n with_o two_o remedy_n against_o this_o decay_n 69_o chap._n 11._o show_v that_o unsavoury_a talk_n among_o christian_n when_o they_o meet_v prove_v they_o earthly-minded_n with_o three_o cause_n of_o this_o decay_n 74_o chap._n 12._o prove_v unpreparedness_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o sign_n of_o die_v to_o christ_n with_o three_o sort_n of_o hindrance_n which_o must_v be_v lay_v aside_o &_o what_o must_v be_v our_o work_n before_o hear_v in_o hear_v and_o after_o hear_v 81_o chap._n 13._o prove_v the_o state_n of_o such_o to_o be_v sad_a who_o assemble_v together_o more_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n eye_n than_o god_n with_o four_o description_n how_o such_o may_v be_v know_v or_o know_v themselves_o with_o two_o cause_n of_o this_o decay_n 89_o chap._n 14._o show_v our_o state_n die_v when_o we_o be_v more_o trouble_v at_o the_o decay_n in_o our_o house_n than_o in_o christ_n house_n with_o four_o mark_n to_o know_v when_o we_o be_v so_o die_v 89_o chap._n 15._o show_v that_o want_n of_o weep_v in_o some_o when_o other_o of_o christ_n child_n with_o grief_n be_v stoop_v declare_v such_o to_o he_o a_o die_a show_v also_o in_o four_o respect_n how_o we_o be_v to_o pity_v with_o four_o remedy_n against_o this_o decay_n 94_o cap._n 16._o show_v that_o when_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n &_o credit_n to_o his_o gospel_n be_v not_o so_o dear_a to_o we_o as_o personal_a suffering_n w●_n be_v then_o sure_o on_o the_o die_a hand_n &_o that_o in_o estate_n body_n and_o life_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v if_o call_v to_o suffer_v with_o four_o cause_n of_o decay_n here_o 99_o chap._n 17._o show_v that_o sin_v through_o impatience_n under_o offence_n be_v a_o certain_a mark_n of_o deep_a decay_n with_o objection_n &_o answer_n prove_v the_o degree_n of_o anger_n and_o three_o cause_n why_o christian_n be_v impatient_a unto_o sin_n 104_o chap._n 18._o prove_v those_o christian_n to_o be_v almost_o dead_a that_o make_v it_o more_o their_o business_n to_o get_v the_o form_n than_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n with_o its_o cause_n and_o remedy_n 111_o chap._n 19_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o description_n of_o a_o decay_a christian_a by_o his_o light_a trouble_n at_o miscarriage_n though_o know_v to_o god_n eye_n while_o keep_v from_o man_n eye_n with_o two_o special_a cause_n of_o this_o decay_n 115_o chap._n 20._o show_v the_o heart_n very_o bad_a when_o under_o fault_n it_o can_v bear_v plain_a deal_n with_o three_o cause_n of_o this_o badness_n 120_o chap._n 21._o prove_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o rich_a as_o well_o as_o the_o poor_a to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o trouble_n &_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v common_a or_o more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o be_v answerable_a in_o prayer_n with_o a_o description_n of_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o trouble_n with_o profitable_a objection_n answer_v 125_o chap._n 22._o contain_v in_o it_o a_o assertion_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o affliction_n and_o that_o without_o great_a provocation_n god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o afflict_v his_o people_n &_o though_o provoke_v very_o unwilling_a to_o extremity_n with_o four_o objection_n that_o seem_v to_o complain_v against_o this_o doctrine_n answer_v 132_o chap._n 23._o prove_v those_o christian_n under_o great_a decay_n that_o pray_v more_o in_o affliction_n to_o have_v it_o remove_v than_o sanctify_v with_o three_o cause_n of_o this_o decay_n 143_o chap._n 24._o contain_v in_o it_o six_o season_n in_o which_o christian_n ought_v to_o humble_v themselves_o by_o fast_v prove_v those_o under_o great_a decay_n that_o in_o time_n of_o calamity_n can_v find_v no_o necessity_n for_o fast_v 152_o chap._n 25._o contain_v in_o it_o the_o evil_a of_o ignorance_n in_o not_o know_v wherefore_o god_n rod_n be_v come_v nor_o what_o good_a it_o have_v do_v with_o three_o direction_n how_o to_o know_v when_o person_n be_v under_o this_o decay_n and_o three_o remedy_n against_o it_o 159_o chap._n 26._o show_v where_o sin_n take_v its_o beginning_n and_o how_o by_o degree_n if_o hearken_v to_o it_o work_v ruin_n with_o six_o special_a mark_n how_o person_n though_o pardon_v may_v know_v when_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o sin_n anew_o 164_o chap._n 27._o show_v satan_n way_n by_o which_o he_o get_v in_o our_o day_n most_o advantage_n upon_o church_n and_o a_o plain_a discovery_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o the_o quaker_n show_v also_o the_o great_a law_n of_o edification_n to_o be_v prefer_v in_o all_o doctrine_n with_o caution_n to_o such_o as_o live_v out_o of_o all_o church_n way_n 177_o chap._n 28._o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o humble_a wait_a and_o confident_a depend_v upon_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o mortification_n the_o necessity_n whereof_o be_v show_v in_o seven_o particular_n with_o six_o direction_n how_o to_o get_v and_o keep_v this_o holy_a spirit_n 189_o chap._n 29._o treat_v of_o spiritual_a ignorance_n of_o our_o everlasting_a condition_n and_o five_o scripture_n tend_v to_o reducement_n from_o carnal_a security_n and_o three_o special_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o damn_v decay_n 205_o chap._n 30._o show_v the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o such_o as_o after_o long_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n be_v less_o in_o love_n to_o he_o with_o six_o cause_n of_o this_o decay_n 218_o sign_n of_o a_o live_n and_o grow_v christian_n sign_n i._n when_o thy_o chief_a delight_n be_v with_o the_o saint_n epecial_o they_o that_o excel_v in_o virtue_n sign_n ii_o when_o the_o smite_v of_o the_o righteous_a be_v not_o a_o burden_n to_o thou_o thou_o can_v hear_v of_o thy_o fault_n with_o affect_a attention_n sign_n iii_o when_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o temptation_n be_v more_o to_o thou_o than_o all_o the_o world_n sign_n iu._n when_o thou_o mattere_v not_o how_o dear_a it_o cost_v thou_o so_o thou_o make_v corruption_n weary_a sign_n v._o when_o increase_n of_o time_n in_o the_o use_n of_o god_n ordinance_n work_n increase_v of_o affection_n to_o they_o sign_n vi._n when_o length_n of_o time_n in_o christ_n 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and_o other_o in_o one_o of_o these_o case_n as_o for_o matter_n will_v they_o not_o reply_v it_o be_v such_o as_o i_o know_v already_o as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n can_v tell_v i_o otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o poor_a weak_a ordinary_a matter_n and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n will_v they_o not_o reply_v either_o he_o speak_v too_o high_a or_o too_o loud_a that_o they_o like_v not_o or_o in_o their_o account_n not_o high_a enough_o too_o low_a that_o they_o like_v not_o otherwise_o in_o their_o account_n too_o fast_o or_o too_o slow_a and_o all_o this_o they_o like_v not_o now_o as_o to_o the_o man_n this_o be_v first_o premise_v he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v ordinary_a approbation_n and_o seal_n from_o heaven_n to_o his_o ministry_n in_o the_o work_n through_o grace_n sinner_n to_o conversion_n why_o as_o to_o such_o a_o man_n they_o dislike_v he_o and_o manifest_v their_o dislike_n yet_o be_v ask_v can_v give_v no_o reason_n nay_o it_o be_v probable_a to_o say_v true_o they_o can_v 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themselves_o and_o so_o think_v what_o they_o ought_v not_o of_o themselves_o but_o as_o a_o help_n against_o this_o disease_n i_o will_v remind_n what_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o such_o like_a people_n or_o at_o least_o to_o prevent_v such_o a_o distemper_n rom._n 10._o 3._o for_o i_o say_v through_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o every_o man_n which_o be_v among_o you_o not_o to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n clear_o imply_v that_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o same_o measure_n or_o knowledge_n or_o reach_v in_o gospel_n truth_n and_o lest_o they_o be_v hasty_a to_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o other_o he_o will_v have_v they_o think_v sober_o of_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o manifest_a dislike_n rather_o to_o account_v it_o their_o weakness_n than_o strength_n and_o so_o to_o be_v silent_a chap._n v._o contain_v five_o cause_n of_o deceit_n full_o think_v we_o know_v enough_o with_o four_o mark_n to_o know_v when_o we_o be_v under_o that_o deceit_n sign_n v._o when_o you_o think_v you_o know_v enough_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o defect_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o may_v be_v see_v if_o something_o be_v premise_v and_o consider_v when_o you_o think_v you_o know_v enough_o that_o be_v you_o be_v grow_v so_o tall_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o house_n the_o way_n to_o his_o kingdom_n the_o strength_n of_o your_o adversary_n the_o flesh_n world_n and_o devil_n and_o the_o plague_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n for_o all_o this_o must_v be_v premise_v as_o be_v in_o such_o person_n as_o think_v they_o know_v enough_o if_o their_o thought_n be_v not_o gross_a deceit_n and_o then_o what_o need_v of_o hear_v or_o assemble_v or_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n or_o lift_v up_o the_o voice_n for_o understanding_n be_v not_o this_o gross_a 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the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v this_o be_v evidence_v by_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o the_o contrary_a for_o deny_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v a_o fleshly_a substance_n and_o convert_v he_o into_o a_o spirit_n any_o spirit_n or_o every_o spirit_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n deny_v the_o christ_n of_o god_n and_o then_o blind_a injudicious_a man_n may_v form_v to_o themselves_o and_o world_n what_o they_o will_v fancy_v to_o call_v their_o christ_n this_o premise_a i_o shall_v now_o speak_v of_o offence_n what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o offence_n be_v not_o to_o hinder_v there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o offence_n first_o offence_n give_v and_o take_v second_o offence_n give_v and_o not_o take_v three_o offence_n take_v and_o not_o give_v first_o offence_n give_v and_o take_v be_v such_o as_o when_o nation_n or_o person_n when_v not_o provoke_v by_o invasion_n to_o defend_v yet_o by_o invade_v other_o will_v offend_v now_o they_o that_o defend_v defend_v here_o offence_n be_v give_v 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a_o just_a offence_n to_o they_o from_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o without_o or_o before_o they_o have_v due_o weigh_v not_o suspend_v all_o kind_n of_o dislike_n till_o in_o the_o balance_n they_o have_v try_v whether_o it_o be_v real_o a_o offence_n or_o but_o seem_o so_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o great_a weakness_n prove_v that_o such_o be_v under_o some_o spiritual_a decay_n mark_v out_o though_o upon_o another_o account_n by_o christ_n jesus_n mat._n 13._o 20_o 21._o but_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n the_o same_o be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o be_v be_v offend_v now_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n be_v no_o real_a cause_n of_o offence_n but_o rather_o a_o encouragement_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o word_n be_v one_o common_a mark_n such_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o apostle_n paul_n make_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o this_o kind_n 1_o thes_n 3._o 5._o for_o this_o cause_n when_o i_o can_v no_o long_o forbear_v i_o send_v to_o know_v your_o faith_n least_o by_o some_o mean_v the_o tempter_n have_v tempt_v you_o and_o our_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a we_o will_v have_v no_o man_n move_v by_o these_o affliction_n for_o yourselves_o know_v we_o be_v appoint_v thereto_o and_o instead_o of_o be_v offend_v we_o be_v command_v to_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n this_o may_v teach_v we_o to_o bemoan_v such_o and_o beg_v they_o be_v warn_v not_o to_o keep_v themselves_o from_o christ_n table_n because_o of_o this_o or_o that_o seem_a or_o real_a miscarriage_n in_o other_o if_o in_o order_n to_o their_o reducement_n from_o it_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n for_o any_o therefore_o to_o estrange_v themselves_o from_o christ_n table_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o refuse_v the_o food_n he_o have_v prepare_v because_o thing_n go_v not_o just_a as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o do_v great_o argue_v the_o stop_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o though_o not_o by_o such_o heed_v they_o be_v great_a night-wanderer_n abroad_o into_o the_o way_n of_o other_o perhaps_o more_o busy_v themselves_o than_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o as_o great_a stranger_n at_o home_n to_o self-examination_n and_o due_a personal_a preparation_n which_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v be_v that_o indeed_o that_o so_o warrantable_o call_v person_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n jesus_n feast_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n that_o negligence_n therein_o will_v prove_v no_o less_o than_o their_o great_a sin_n what_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o shall_v keep_v we_o from_o that_o service_n wherein_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o feed_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o who_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o true_o nothing_o but_o self-unworthiness_n or_o unpreparedness_n sure_o sure_o the_o spiritual_a grow_a christian_a who_o hungring_n and_o thirsting_n be_v after_o hourly_a communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n can_v better_o forgo_v his_o natural_a food_n a_o thousand_o time_n than_o yield_v to_o a_o stop_n from_o this_o performance_n let_v we_o therefore_o examine_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v meet_v subject_n discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o so_o let_v we_o eat_v that_o bread_n and_o drink_v that_o cup._n now_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o decay_n or_o yield_v upon_o small_a offence_n to_o absent_a from_o christ_n table_n may_v be_v these_o three_o first_o too_o great_a ignorance_n who_o be_v the_o subject_n christ_n call_v to_o this_o service_n second_o too_o too_o great_a aptness_n to_o be_v easy_o provoke_v three_o want_v of_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o this_o service_n first_o too_o great_a ignorance_n who_o be_v the_o subject_n christ_n call_v to_o this_o service_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o misconstrue_v his_o general_a invitation_n to_o all_o penitent_a believe_v baptize_v disciple_n who_o have_v have_v a_o orderly_a admittance_n thus_o far_o and_o by_o way_n of_o precept_n be_v enjoin_v both_o to_o come_v to_o this_o service_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n fellowship_n break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n it_o be_v peculiar_o unto_o such_o appoint_a and_o sanctify_a that_o they_o may_v keep_v in_o remembrance_n their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n so_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v but_o i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v here_o as_o that_o i_o mean_v the_o outward_a badge_n of_o these_o only_a make_v right_a subject_n for_o christ_n call_n yet_o this_o outward_a must_v be_v but_o woe_n to_o it_o when_o it_o be_v alone_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v to_o be_v all_o glorious_a within_o as_o well_o as_o her_o garment_n of_o pure_a gold_n the_o hungerer_fw-la and_o thirster_n after_o his_o supply_n that_o sensible_o see_v all_o his_o spring_n to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o brook_n of_o water_n have_v his_o foul_a cry_n oh_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o he_o negligence_n to_o be_v thus_o fit_v cause_v ignorance_n of_o christ_n call_n but_o second_o too_o too_o great_a aptness_n to_o be_v easy_o provoke_v some_o christian_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o they_o will_v be_v still_o form_v discontent_n to_o themselves_o ill_a interpret_n other_o action_n and_o strain_v at_o every_o gnat_n which_o general_o come_v through_o weakness_n in_o judgement_n and_o unaptness_n to_o be_v busy_v themselves_o with_o their_o high_a call_v &_o the_o worth_n of_o god_n gracious_a privilege_n afford_v they_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o inward_a man_n be_v too_o much_o rake_v or_o make_v raw_a and_o so_o apt_a to_o smart_v at_o every_o little_a touch_n as_o special_a care_n therefore_o must_v be_v have_v in_o church_n that_o none_o give_v just_a offence_n so_o that_o none_o upon_o too_o light_a account_n take_v offence_n for_o it_o do_v but_o argue_v such_o child_n or_o babe_n in_o christianity_n and_o great_o rob_v themselves_o of_o that_o spiritual_a refresh_a strength_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v their_o present_a portion_n and_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o disquiet_v thought_n to_o the_o hinder_v their_o spiritual_a appetite_n from_o take_v in_o that_o rich_a refreshment_n christ_n jesus_n table_n be_v furnish_v with_o for_o every_o prepare_a guest_n but_o three_o want_v of_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o this_o service_n all_o those_o motive_n that_o provoke_v the_o heart_n to_o love_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v active_a now_o viz._n the_o greatness_n of_o his_o love_n to_o purchase_v
and_o we_o will_v make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o john_n 14._o 23._o chap._n xx._n show_v the_o heart_n very_o bad_a when_o under_o fault_n it_o can_v bear_v plain_a deal_n with_o three_o cause_n of_o this_o badness_n sign_n xx._n when_o you_o love_v least_o those_o brethren_n that_o deal_v most_o faithful_o with_o you_o in_o the_o open_n your_o soar_v and_o tender_v your_o remedy_n it_o be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n of_o a_o bad_a spirit_n when_o person_n come_v to_o this_o pass_n either_o they_o must_v be_v unsensible_a of_o their_o bad_a state_n or_o else_o willing_a to_o continne_v in_o it_o through_o a_o harden_a heart_n but_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v in_o a_o church_n either_o by_o their_o itch_n at_o most_o plain_a soul-searching_a doctrine_n or_o their_o estrangedness_n to_o the_o most_o zealous_a spiritual_a brethren_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o lukewarm_a christian_a in_o the_o church_n a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o he_o be_v most_o of_o their_o society_n they_o may_v also_o be_v know_v by_o this_o they_o be_v great_a stranger_n to_o the_o difficult_a duty_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o early_a duty_n and_o as_o hard_o to_o hold_v they_o at_o late_a service_n in_o a_o word_n you_o may_v have_v their_o company_n but_o it_o must_v be_v at_o service_n most_o easy_a when_o some_o outward_a credit_n may_v accrue_v to_o they_o by_o their_o profession_n then_o none_o shall_v seem_v more_o apt_a and_o active_a than_o themselves_o and_o god_n that_o best_o know_v this_o great_o abhor_v this_o and_o will_v chastise_v such_o chruche_n as_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o remove_v and_o will_v also_o in_o due_a time_n make_v such_o person_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o so_o manifest_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o but_o as_o there_o be_v such_o that_o will_v not_o like_v they_o that_o deal_v faithful_o with_o they_o even_o so_o there_o be_v some_o that_o out_o of_o personal_a respect_n to_o such_o and_o for_o fear_n to_o lose_v their_o favour_n will_v not_o tell_v they_o so_o naked_o of_o their_o sore_n but_o in_o love_n to_o their_o person_n speak_v faint_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o hate_v their_o soul_n in_o show_v these_o be_v a_o man_n great_a friend_n but_o in_o truth_n his_o great_a enemy_n witness_v the_o false_a prophet_n 1_o king_n 22._o 6._o shall_v i_o go_v against_o ramoth_n gilead_n to_o battle_n or_o shall_v i_o forbear_v and_o they_o say_v go_v up_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v deliver_v it_o to_o thy_o hand_n and_o when_o a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n one_o micaiah_n be_v call_v for_o vers_n 13._o they_o will_v fain_o have_v seduce_v he_o to_o speak_v good_a word_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v pleasant_a promise_n though_o they_o be_v lie_n thus_o we_o may_v see_v the_o property_n of_o false_a prophet_n that_o for_o a_o angel_n will_v cry_v up_o a_o person_n as_o if_o he_o be_v almost_o a_o angel_n it_o be_v even_o so_o in_o jeremiahs_n time_n chap._n 8._o they_o have_v heal_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n slight_o cry_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n when_o god_n will_v not_o nor_o righteous_o can_v not_o speak_v peace_n but_o war_n because_o of_o their_o misdoing_n yet_o these_o false_a prophet_n make_v promise_n of_o peace_n to_o they_o though_o in_o their_o sin_n that_o as_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n complain_v chap._n 13._o sow_v pillow_n under_o armhole_n for_o piece_n of_o bread_n &_o handful_n of_o barley_n spare_v what_o he_o will_v have_v destroy_v and_o destroy_v what_o he_o will_v have_v spare_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a judgement_n upon_o a_o church_n or_o people_n to_o have_v such_o among_o they_o as_o will_v speak_v peace_n to_o any_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n it_o be_v as_o bad_a a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o person_n that_o love_v not_o those_o that_o speak_v war_n to_o they_o when_o their_o impenitency_n speak_v the_o same_o yet_o of_o such_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n complain_v gal._n 4._o 15_o 16._o be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n doubtless_o these_o galathian_o speak_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o much_o as_o other_o speak_v of_o the_o prophet_n amos_n chap._n 10._o who_o say_v the_o land_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v his_o word_n once_o this_o same_o church_n can_v have_v pull_v out_o their_o eye_n if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a to_o have_v do_v this_o same_o apostle_n good_a now_o count_v he_o their_o enemy_n for_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n but_o i_o shall_v brief_o speak_v of_o two_o or_o three_o cause_n of_o this_o decay_n which_o be_v avoid_v may_v serve_v as_o so_o many_o remedy_n against_o this_o die_a sign_n first_o a_o first_o cause_n be_v shake_v hand_n again_o with_o our_o old_a sin_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o what_o once_o we_o loathe_v very_o burdensome_a to_o israel_n be_v moses_n when_o once_o they_o begin_v to_o grow_v affect_v with_o the_o fish_n the_o cucumber_n and_o the_o melon_n that_o they_o have_v in_o egypt_n not_o only_o then_o good_a plain_a deal_n moses_n come_v out_o of_o request_n but_o even_o god_n manna_n though_o angel_n food_n numb_a 11._o 5_o 6._o we_o remember_v the_o fish_n which_o we_o do_v eat_v in_o egypt_n free_o the_o cucumber_n and_o the_o melon_n and_o the_o leek_n and_o the_o onion_n and_o garlic_n but_o now_o our_o soul_n be_v dry_v away_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o beside_o this_o manna_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o this_o we_o loath_a as_o light_v bread_n chap._n 21._o but_o second_o a_o second_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o a_o lose_v the_o relish_n we_o once_o have_v to_o heavenly_a thing_n jer._n 2._o 23._o iremember_v thou_o the_o kindness_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o love_n of_o thy_o espousal_n when_o thou_o wente_v after_o i_o in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o sow_o then_o thou_o be_v holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o his_o increase_n but_o now_o be_v astonish_v oh_o heaven_n at_o this_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a yea_o very_a desolate_a say_v the_o lord_n for_o my_o people_n have_v forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o hew_v out_o to_o themselves_o break_v cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v and_o remove_v thy_o candlestick_n except_o thou_o repent_v revel_v 2._o 11._o three_o a_o three_o cause_n may_v be_v this_o a_o too_o too_o much_o comply_v with_o the_o friendship_n of_o this_o world_n which_o in_o its_o latitude_n be_v enmity_n with_o god_n gal._n 5._o 7._o you_o do_v run_v well_o who_o do_v hinder_v you_o or_o as_o the_o margin_n read_v drive_v you_o back_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n or_o hold_v on_o your_o way_n this_o persuasion_n come_v not_o of_o he_o that_o call_v you_o if_o any_o come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n wife_n child_n brother_n sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n luke_n 14._o 26._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o and_o have_v embrace_v this_o present_a world_n read_v and_o consider_v chap._n xxi_o prove_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o rich_a as_o well_o as_o the_o poor_a to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o trouble_n and_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v common_a or_o more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o be_v answerable_a in_o prayer_n with_o a_o description_n of_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o trouble_n with_o profitable_a objection_n answer_v sign_n xxi_o when_o under_o more_o than_o ordinary_a trouble_n affliction_n or_o strait_n you_o be_v not_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o prayer_n for_o the_o open_n of_o this_o sign_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o trouble_n it_o be_v something_o that_o in_o itself_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v pleasant_a but_o something_o that_o oppose_v and_o withstand_v the_o desire_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n call_v a_o burden_n cast_v thy_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v sustain_v thou_o be_v trouble_v a_o matter_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n in_o itself_o there_o will_v not_o be_v that_o proper_a need_n of_o prayer_n and_o call_v for_o help_v from_o one_o that_o be_v strong_a so_o that_o as_o the_o word_n be_v universal_a in_o a_o ordinary_a case_n it_o take_v in_o those_o care_n fear_n and_o sorrow_n in_o common_a that_o we_o be_v daily_o incident_a to_o job_n 5._o 6_o 7._o man_n be_v bear_v to_o trouble_v as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o that_o be_v it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o man_n to_o meet_v with_o
upon_o he_o by_o pour_v out_o their_o want_n before_o he_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a mat._n 6._o what_o have_v be_v say_v may_v teach_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o lamentable_a condition_n of_o such_o as_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v pray_v that_o be_v as_o unaccustomed_a to_o it_o as_o the_o heifer_n to_o the_o yoke_n live_v absolute_a atheist_n in_o the_o world_n say_v in_o their_o heart_n if_o not_o in_o their_o action_n too_o there_o be_v no_o god_n pour_v out_o thy_o wrath_n upon_o the_o heathen_a and_o family_n that_o call_v not_o upon_o thy_o name_n second_o this_o teach_v to_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n to_o this_o service_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v part_n of_o their_o defence_n or_o armour_n ephes_n 6._o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o suppliaction_n in_o the_o spirit_n watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n etc._n etc._n when_o thou_o say_v seek_v my_o face_n my_o heart_n say_v thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v thou_o will_v hide_v i_o in_o thy_o pavilion_n psal_n 27._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o read_v and_o consider_v so_o pass_v to_o the_o next_o sign_n chap._n xxii_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o assertion_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o affliction_n and_o that_o without_o great_a provocation_n god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o afflict_v his_o people_n and_o though_o provoke_v very_o unwilling_a to_o extremity_n with_o four_o objection_n that_o seem_v to_o complain_v against_o this_o doctrine_n answer_v sign_n xxii_o when_o you_o be_v mighty_a careless_a to_o inquire_v after_o the_o spiritual_a cause_n of_o affliction_n and_o mighty_a careful_a to_o inquire_v after_o the_o natural_a cure_n the_o more_o or_o less_o spiritual_a any_o man_n be_v may_v be_v easy_o discover_v under_o this_o trial_n affliction_n be_v of_o that_o pierce_a kind_n that_o other_o trial_n be_v not_o because_o of_o the_o great_a influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o man_n where_o ever_o it_o come_v while_o sense_n remain_v it_o make_v the_o person_n restless_a either_o to_o find_v out_o cause_n or_o cure_v or_o both_o we_o may_v therefore_o first_o inquire_v after_o the_o word_n affliction_n what_o that_o mean_v to_o afflict_v be_v to_o lay_v some_o burden_n upon_o a_o person_n that_o be_v not_o ordinary_a gen._n 15._o 13._o there_o they_o shall_v afflict_v you_o four_o hundred_o year_n this_o be_v open_v in_o exod._n 1._o israel_n be_v make_v to_o serve_v with_o rigour_n lam._n 1._o 4._o 5._o the_o way_n of_o zion_n do_v mourn_v because_o none_o come_v to_o the_o solemn_a feast_n all_o her_o gate_n be_v desolate_a her_o priest_n sigh_v her_o virgin_n be_v afflict_v and_o she_o be_v in_o bitterness_n i_o have_v see_v i_o have_v see_v the_o affliction_n of_o my_o people_n which_o be_v in_o egypt_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o taskmaster_n act_v 3._o 34._o by_o these_o text_n it_o appear_v that_o affliction_n mean_v any_o grief_n or_o trouble_n that_o come_v upon_o soul_n or_o body_n name_n or_o estate_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o sickness_n and_o disease_n as_o favour_n and_o ague_n consumption_n inflammation_n &_o the_o like_a be_v all_o comprise_v under_o this_o word_n affliction_n it_o will_v therefore_o be_v necessary_a to_o open_v the_o word_n spiritual_a cause_n it_o be_v in_o the_o sign_n opose_v to_o natural_a cure_n by_o spiritual_a cause_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v some_o provoke_a god_n in_o the_o subject_a afflict_a to_o the_o procure_v this_o affliction_n nothing_o some_o cause_n or_o other_o why_o the_o spirit_n suffer_v it_o to_o come_v upon_o we_o now_o every_o body_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o grant_v that_o these_o thing_n before_o promise_v may_v be_v true_o call_v affliction_n but_o not_o grant_v that_o there_o can_v be_v such_o a_o spiritual_a cause_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o make_v the_o sign_n of_o no_o force_n now_o to_o clear_v up_o this_o doubt_n let_v we_o make_v this_o inquiry_n whether_o any_o affliction_n or_o death_n itself_o come_v upon_o any_o man_n but_o for_o some_o cause_n or_o other_o from_o the_o man_n active_a or_o imputive_a that_o be_v he_o either_o so_o act_v in_o his_o particular_a person_n or_o some_o body_n else_o in_o his_o general_a relation_n and_o on_o he_o it_o be_v righteous_o come_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n let_v we_o inquire_v what_o cause_n in_o scripture_n the_o righteous_a god_n assign_v affliction_n or_o death_n unto_o gen._n 3._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o who_o tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v naked_a have_v thou_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n i_o command_v thou_o not_o to_o eat_v the_o thing_n in_o this_o chapter_n considerable_a be_v these_o vers_n 14._o the_o serpent_n must_v go_v upon_o his_o belly_n eat_v dust_n and_o be_v curse_v above_o every_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n vers_fw-la 16._o to_o the_o woman_n he_o say_v i_o will_v great_o multiply_v thy_o sorrow_n and_o thy_o conception_n in_o sorrow_n thou_o shall_v bring_v forth_o child_n and_o to_o adam_n he_o say_v curse_v be_v the_o ground_n for_o thy_o sake_n thorn_n and_o thisle_n it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o to_o thou_o dust_n thou_o be_v and_o to_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v you_o see_v in_o these_o verse_n misery_n both_o upon_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o man_n be_v bring_v &_o the_o reason_n by_o god_n assign_v vers_fw-la 17._o because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o in_o harken_v to_o thy_o wife_n curse_a be_v the_o ground_n for_o thy_o sake_n so_o also_o josh_n 7._o 7._o israel_n god_n prevail_a people_n that_o by_o day_n have_v a_o pillar_n of_o a_o cloud_n and_o by_o night_n a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n minister_a unto_o they_o now_o can_v stand_v before_o their_o enemy_n joshua_n that_o at_o another_o time_n command_v the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o they_o obey_v he_o now_o by_o prayer_n can_v prevail_v for_o israel_n god_n people_n against_o the_o curse_a nation_n but_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n vers_fw-la 11_o 12._o israel_n have_v sin_v and_o can_v stand_v neither_o will_v i_o be_v with_o they_o any_o more_o except_o they_o put_v the_o accurse_a thing_n from_o among_o they_o lam._n 3._o 1_o 13._o i_o be_o the_o man_n that_o have_v see_v affliction_n vers_fw-la 39_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 1_o cor._n 11._o 3._o for_o this_o cause_n many_o be_v sick_a and_o weak_a and_o many_o sleep_n 1_o thes_n 2._o 11._o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v that_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o let_v all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n know_v that_o without_o a_o cause_n i_o have_v not_o do_v all_o that_o i_o have_v do_v say_v the_o lord_n ezek._n 14._o 23._o much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o affliction_n that_o attend_v both_o the_o body_n and_o mind_n together_o with_o the_o cause_n and_o this_o left_a to_o consideration_n whether_o if_o hell_n condemnation_n the_o high_a of_o affliction_n be_v the_o fruit_n or_o reward_v of_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n much_o rather_o sickness_n and_o disease_n with_o death_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o least_o affliction_n must_v come_v from_o creature_n cause_n now_o if_o any_o man_n can_v assign_v any_o other_o cause_n than_o god_n do_v here_o assign_v let_v he_o do_v it_o if_o not_o by_o all_o this_o compare_v of_o it_o with_o the_o eight_o sign_n of_o die_v to_o christ_n in_o which_o i_o have_v be_v more_o large_a upon_o affliction_n inward_a and_o outward_a with_o their_o cause_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o some_o objection_n that_o seem_v to_o complain_v against_o this_o doctrine_n object_n 1._o the_o first_o objection_n be_v ground_v upon_o 2_o sam._n 12._o 14._o the_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v to_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v david_n be_v threaten_v with_o death_n in_o the_o child_n that_o have_v not_o offend_v contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n answ_n this_o act_n of_o god_n to_o take_v away_o david_n child_n if_o consider_v will_v be_v find_v mercy_n mix_v with_o justice_n david_n by_o the_o law_n be_v to_o die_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n now_o god_n in_o respect_n he_o bear_v to_o david_n for_o what_o good_a he_o have_v do_v and_o further_o be_v like_a to_o do_v be_v a_o man_n so_o after_o god_n own_o heart_n go_v out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a way_n spare_v the_o person_n of_o david_n and_o impute_v it_o upon_o the_o relation_n of_o david_n viz._n his_o child_n so_o in_o david_n seed_n he_o punish_v david_n person_n this_o be_v god_n usual_a way_n in_o scripture_n and_o set_v his_o majesty_n out_o to_o be_v full_a of_o mercy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o justice_n
under_o god_n woe_n though_o they_o do_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v yet_o in_o leave_v undo_v something_o weighty_a that_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v also_o multitude_n as_o the_o scripture_n witness_v have_v be_v and_o god_n know_v in_o our_o day_n be_v deceive_v in_o this_o matter_n who_o content_n themselves_o some_o in_o be_v mighty_a just_a between_o man_n and_o man_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v good_a yet_o loose_a in_o other_o matter_n other_o great_a churchman_n yet_o abominable_a proud_a covetous_a or_o both_o much_o like_o those_o isa_n 58._o 2._o that_o seek_v god_n daily_o and_o delight_n to_o know_v his_o way_n mark_v that_o as_o a_o nation_n that_o do_v righteousness_n and_o delight_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n yea_o they_o fast_o and_o and_o afflict_v their_o soul_n how_o excellent_a be_v all_o these_o thing_n mention_v and_o worthy_a our_o note_n that_o though_o find_v in_o this_o practice_n yet_o send_v to_o by_o god_n to_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o sin_n all_o which_o note_v together_o prove_v that_o faithfulness_n in_o some_o truth_n while_o unfaithful_a in_o other_o truth_n more_o or_o as_o material_a render_v the_o service_n of_o such_o to_o be_v of_o no_o account_n all_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o note_v for_o caution_n to_o two_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o special_a first_o such_o as_o live_v out_o of_o most_o way_n of_o gospel_n separation_n and_o yet_o keep_v themselves_o under_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o truth_n that_o conscience_n &_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n dictate_v to_o they_o though_o under_o apparent_a neglect_n and_o in_o disobedience_n to_o many_o know_a gospel_n truth_n that_o they_o know_v or_o easy_o may_v know_v follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n for_o understanding_n search_v as_o they_o search_v for_o their_o silver_n dig_v as_o they_o dig_v for_o their_o hide_a treasure_n that_o be_v taking_z as_o great_a pain_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a treasure_n as_o they_o take_v to_o possess_v themselves_o with_o worldly_a treasure_n for_o the_o get_n whereof_o they_o rise_v up_o early_o go_v to_o bed_n late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o painfulness_n but_o all_o this_o while_n content_v themselves_o with_o lazy_a desire_n and_o saint_n wish_n after_o the_o true_a treasure_n and_o will_v not_o close_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o prove_v costly_a in_o get_v or_o keep_v james_n 2._o 19_o thou_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o god_n thou_o do_v well_o the_o devil_n also_o believe_v and_o tremble_v but_o will_v thou_o know_v o_o vain_a man_n that_o faith_n without_o work_n 〈◊〉_d dead_a be_v alone_o therefore_o faith_n must_v be_v of_o a_o gospel_n kind_n and_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o by_o gospel_n work_n though_o a_o man_n shall_v beg_v pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n of_o lie_v cheat_a covetousness_n or_o uncleanness_n or_o such_o like_a work_n of_o the_o flesh_n all_o his_o day_n and_o yet_o continue_v in_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o yea_o though_o he_o can_v cry_v for_o it_o till_o his_o heartstring_n break_v he_o must_v miss_v of_o it_o ask_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o which_o pardon_n be_v decree_v by_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v give_v so_o that_o every_o repentance_n suppose_v to_o be_v right_a may_v be_v wrong_a and_o that_o faith_n not_o of_o a_o gospel_n kind_n 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o gospel_n show_v if_o a_o man_n will_v hau●●●●vation_n with_o his_o sin_n or_o christ_n and_o his_o 〈◊〉_d he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o penitent_a who_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v god_n in_o sorrow_n f●●_n sin_n and_o turn_v from_o sin_n prov._n 18._o 13._o h●_n 〈◊〉_d cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o w●●●●●_n confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v have_v ●e●cy_n now_o deceitful_a heart_n through_o the_o d●●●●_n wile_n misconstrue_v promise_n of_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d part_n for_o the_o whole_a have_v confident_a dependence_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o can_v 〈◊〉_d many_o scripture_n wherein_o be_v gracious_a promise_n make_v by_o god_n to_o sinner_n but_o never_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o sinner_n the●_n be_v to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v neither_o take_v any_o due_a care_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n the_o promis●_n be_v make_v upon_o so_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n not_o diligent_o weigh_v the_o foundation_n their_o hope_n be_v build_v upon_o it_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v with_o such_o as_o with_o a_o hungry_a man_n he_o dream_v and_o behold_v he_o eat_v but_o he_o awake_v and_o his_o soul_n be_v empty_a isa_n 29._o 8._o many_o will_v say_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o great_a day_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n therefore_o lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n who_o hope_n must_v perish_v in_o be_v not_o of_o that_o purify_n kind_n that_o renew_v the_o soul_n god-ward_o but_o still_o allow_v the_o flesh_n a_o command_a power_n forget_v that_o great_a mark_n which_o prove_v the_o hope_n of_o god_n elect_v to_o be_v of_o the_o right_a kind_n john_n 1._o 3._o 1._o and_o every_o one_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purifi_v him-himself_a even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a second_o let_v this_o serve_v for_o caution_n to_o such_o in_o church_n as_o be_v or_o be_v like_a to_o be_v curious_a in_o the_o lesser_a while_o careless_a in_o the_o great_a great_a have_v be_v the_o trouble_n of_o such_o church_n as_o can_v witness_v this_o decay_n to_o have_v be_v among_o they_o it_o still_o take_v the_o most_o inconsiderate_a that_o live_v too_o much_o below_o comparison_n in_o god_n law_n where_o or_o when_o to_o be_v more_o or_o less_o in_o condescension_n in_o order_n to_o the_o best_a maintain_v edification_n which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o institution_n they_o forget_v or_o not_o know_v this_o have_v go_v so_o unseasonable_a about_o set_v up_o the_o lesser_a that_o they_o have_v debase_v the_o weighty_a make_v the_o remedy_n prove_v far_o worse_o than_o the_o disease_n carry_v on_o this_o work_n with_o such_o manner_n of_o management_n that_o a_o indifferent_a slander_n by_o can_v not_o but_o imagine_v that_o sure_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n lay_v in_o the_o one_o two_o or_o three_o lesser_a thing_n that_o they_o so_o plead_v for_o especial_o see_v it_o carry_v on_o with_o that_o heat_n of_o spirit_n &_o resolution_n of_o take_v place_n that_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o church_n communion_n can_v not_o hold_v they_o whence_o have_v the_o division_n among_o the_o baptize_v church_n both_o in_o affection_n and_o practice_n rise_v if_o not_o from_o this_o very_a root_n can_v hundred_o witness_v yea_o and_o mourn_v for_o what_o they_o know_v in_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o the_o great_a law_n of_o love_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o ordinance_n to_o wit_n edification_n be_v sacrifice_v for_o the_o will_n of_o some_o novelty_n i_o know_v what_o i_o speak_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o that_o i_o have_v many_o witness_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o credit_n of_o his_o religion_n when_o it_o have_v come_v in_o competition_n have_v be_v less_o prefer_v than_o some_o new_a apprehension_n if_o not_o some_o old_a error_n new_o espouse_v do_v not_o this_o preach_v person_n wonderful_o carnal_a and_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n how_o far_o have_v such_o go_v from_o christ_n good_a example_n i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o let_v we_o mind_n a_o little_a their_o best_a season_n of_o receive_v be_v christ_n best_a season_n of_o declare_v do_v not_o christ_n by_o this_o teach_v every_o disciple_n of_o he_o to_o digest_v well_o themselves_o first_o what_o they_o have_v to_o offer_v before_o they_o offer_v it_o and_o the_o best_a season_n too_o may_v not_o nay_o have_v not_o some_o by_o seek_v before_o due_a season_n to_o set_v up_o some_o one_o lesser_a law_n throw_v down_o several_a great_a law_n nay_o have_v not_o some_o unreasonable_o bring_v in_o the_o truth_n together_o with_o the_o ill_a management_n thereof_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o head_n and_o shoulder_n envy_v strife_n and_o division_n and_o cast_v out_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n and_o bowel_n do_v not_o the_o holy_a apostle_n set_v a_o copy_n for_o all_o how_o to_o walk_v in_o this_o respect_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 1._o and_o i_o brethren_n can_v not_o speak_v unto_o you_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a even_o babe_n in_o christ_n i_o have_v feed_v you_o with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o meat_n for_o hitherto_o you_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o neither_o yet_o be_v you_o able_a