lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v so_o rom._n 1._o 21_o 28._o because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n neither_o be_v thankful_a but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v and_o even_o as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n now_o such_o before_o judgement_n as_o these_o be_v come_v upon_o and_o procure_v by_o many_o who_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n profess_v to_o be_v most_o spiritual_a live_v as_o the_o almost_o most_o carnal_a little_o mind_v because_o great_o ignorant_a of_o those_o spiritual_a cause_n they_o may_v run_v into_o to_o the_o bring_n upon_o themselves_o such_o spiritual_a judgement_n or_o sickness_n and_o affliction_n as_o these_o and_o indeed_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o affliction_n be_v not_o fear_v before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o provoke_a such_o to_o walk_v so_o as_o may_v prevent_v their_o come_n but_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o not_o converse_v often_o with_o they_o to_o the_o well_o inform_v themselves_o what_o judgement_n may_v come_v on_o their_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n god_n assign_v of_o their_o come_n so_o as_o to_o be_v in_o tremble_v and_o dread_a continual_o to_o the_o keep_n themselves_o out_o of_o that_o channel_n where_o such_o bitter_a water_n run_v again_o there_o be_v outward_a sickness_n and_o affliction_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o deut._n 28._o 58_o 59_o 60._o if_o thou_o will_v not_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n that_o thou_o may_v fear_v this_o glorious_a and_o fearful_a name_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n then_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v thy_o plague_n wonderful_a and_o the_o plague_n of_o thy_o seed_n even_o great_a plague_n and_o of_o long_a continuance_n sore_a sickness_n and_o of_o long_a continuance_n moreover_o he_o will_v bring_v upon_o thou_o all_o the_o disease_n of_o egypt_n which_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o they_o shall_v cleave_v unto_o thou_o levit._fw-la 26._o 15_o 16._o if_o you_o shall_v despise_v my_o statute_n or_o if_o your_o soul_n shall_v abhor_v my_o judgement_n that_o you_o will_v not_o do_v they_o but_o that_o you_o break_v my_o covenant_n i_o also_o will_v do_v this_o to_o you_o i_o will_v even_o appoint_v over_o you_o terror_n consumption_n and_o the_o burn_a ague_n that_o shall_v consume_v the_o eye_n and_o cause_n sorrow_n of_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v sow_v your_o seed_n in_o vain_a for_o your_o enemy_n shall_v eat_v it_o but_o i_o shall_v speak_v full_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o affliction_n in_o the_o twenty_o second_o sign_n and_o therefore_o proceed_v no_o further_o here_o but_o come_v to_o the_o second_o calamity_n that_o scripture_n ignorance_n bring_v second_o that_o your_o uneven_a walk_n with_o god_n may_v bring_v upon_o yourselves_o death_n before_o its_o time_n this_o particular_a be_v prove_v thus_o long_a life_n promise_v to_o the_o obedient_a exod._n 20._o 12._o honour_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n that_o thy_o day_n may_v be_v long_o in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n give_v thou_o also_o deut._n 32._o 46_o 47._o set_a your_o heart_n to_o all_o the_o word_n which_o i_o testify_v among_o you_o this_o day_n &_o command_v they_o your_o child_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a because_o that_o through_o this_o thing_n mark_v that_o you_o shall_v prolong_v your_o day_n in_o the_o land_n whither_o you_o go_v over_o into_o jordan_n to_o possess_v it_o this_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o the_o contrary_n which_o come_v upon_o the_o disobedient_a deut._n 11._o 16_o 17._o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o deceive_v and_o you_o turn_v aside_o and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o then_o the_o lord_n wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o you_o and_o you_o perish_v quick_o from_o off_o the_o good_a land_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o eccles_n 8._o 13._o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v well_o with_o the_o wicked_a neither_o shall_v he_o prolong_v his_o day_n which_o be_v as_o a_o shadow_n because_o he_o fear_v not_o before_o god_n so_o chap._n 7._o 17._o be_v not_o over_o much_o wicked_a neither_o be_v thou_o foolish_a why_o shall_v thou_o die_v before_o thy_o time_n three_o by_o mean_n of_o scripture_n ignorance_n you_o can_v know_v to_o ask_v in_o faith_n the_o thing_n you_o want_v for_o soul_n or_o body_n that_o be_v you_o will_v not_o know_v where_o to_o be_v absolute_a or_o positive_a in_o your_o ask_n and_o whereto_o be_v submissive_a and_o conditional_a in_o your_o ask_n now_o the_o scripture_n give_v direction_n as_o to_o the_o put_v up_o petition_n to_o god_n and_o man_n may_v easy_o err_v by_o not_o observe_v they_o gen._n 32._o 26._o and_o he_o say_v to_o wit_n the_o angel_n let_v i_o go_v for_o the_o day_n brea_v and_o he_o answer_v to_o wit_n jacob_n i_o will_v not_o let_v thou_o go_v except_o thou_o bless_v i_o so_o exod._n 32._o 12._o wherefore_o shall_v the_o egyptian_n say_v for_o mischief_n do_v he_o bring_v they_o out_o to_o slay_v they_o in_o the_o mountain_n and_o to_o consume_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n turn_v from_o thy_o fierce_a wrath_n and_o repent_v of_o this_o evil_n against_o thy_o people_n so_o act_v 12._o 5._o peter_n therefore_o be_v keep_v in_o prison_n but_o prayer_n be_v make_v without_o cease_v unto_o god_n for_o he_o by_o these_o scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o to_o be_v conditional_a or_o indifferent_a in_o our_o ask_n when_o god_n may_v be_v dishonour_v by_o deny_v be_v not_o good_a therefore_o in_o this_o case_n may_v a_o man_n come_v in_o god_n way_n be_v bold_a to_o ask_v pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n peace_n to_o his_o conscience_n power_n over_o his_o corruption_n without_o condition_n in_o such_o case_n gracious_a and_o humble_a resolution_n to_o have_v no_o denial_n great_o like_v god_n and_o suit_n with_o his_o will_n isa_n 62._o 6_o 7._o i_o have_v set_v watchman_n upon_o thy_o wall_n o_o jerusalem_n which_o shall_v never_o hold_v their_o peace_n day_n nor_o night_n you_o that_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o lord_n keep_v not_o silence_n till_o he_o establish_v and_o make_v jerusalem_n a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o observe_v in_o all_o case_n petition_n put_v up_o must_v not_o thus_o be_v frame_v act_v 21._o 14._o and_o when_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v we_o cease_v say_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v so_o rom._n 1._o 9_o 10_o for_o god_n be_v my_o witness_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o my_o spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o without_o cease_v i_o make_v mention_n always_o of_o you_o in_o my_o prayer_n make_v request_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n i_o may_v now_o at_o length_n have_v a_o prosperous_a journey_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n mark_v that_o to_o come_v to_o you_o so_o jam._n 4_o 15._o for_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o shall_v live_v and_o do_v this_o or_o that_o i_o shall_v leave_v this_o to_o consideration_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o calamity_n four_o negligence_n to_o read_v and_o meditation_n will_v make_v you_o ignorant_a wherein_o you_o may_v prevent_v the_o presence_n and_o comfort_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n that_o be_v that_o god_n may_v either_o take_v away_o his_o spirit_n from_o strive_v with_o you_o or_o you_o away_o from_o his_o spirit_n my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v gen._n 6._o 3._o 1_o sam._n 16._o 14._o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n depart_v from_o saul_n and_o a_o evil_a spirit_n from_o the_o lord_n trouble_v he_o psal_n 51._o 7._o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o neh._n 9_o 30._o yet_o many_o year_n do_v thou_o for_o bear_v they_o and_o testify_v against_o they_o by_o thy_o spirit_n in_o thy_o prophet_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o give_v ear_n therefore_o give_v thou_o they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n but_o they_o rebel_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o be_v he_o turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o fight_v against_o they_o by_o these_o scripture_n we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n company_n may_v be_v put_v away_o from_o we_o through_o ungracious_a
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
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 unexpert_a soldier_n by_o frequent_a discipline_n be_v both_o make_v ready_a for_o man-like_a action_n even_o so_o aptness_n in_o personal_a duty_n as_o family_n and_o closet_n prayer_n family_n and_o closet_n read_v a_o careful_a exercise_n and_o execution_n of_o those_o choice_n and_o near_o concern_v duty_n with_o these_o mention_v of_o frequent_a fasting_n watch_n humbling_n patience_n meekness_n temperance_n zeal_n fear_n love_n give_v all_o diligence_n for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v neither_o barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o he_o that_o lack_v these_o thing_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v a_o far_o off_o so_o brief_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o three_o sign_n chap._n iii_o brief_o show_v the_o cause_n of_o wearyness_n to_o hear_v any_o truth_n often_o sign_n iii_o when_o you_o care_v not_o to_o hear_v one_o matter_n often_o though_o a_o suitable_a truth_n by_o often_o here_o i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v so_o as_o that_o those_o that_o preach_v shall_v day_n after_o day_n when_o they_o assemble_v without_o intermission_n preach_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n word_n for_o word_n to_o their_o hearer_n for_o indeed_o this_o may_v give_v just_a occasion_n of_o burden_n to_o the_o hearer_n therefore_o such_o preach_v upone_fw-la truth_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o season_n must_v sure_o be_v so_o observe_v as_o to_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o make_v know_v other_o truth_n as_o necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v therefore_o let_v the_o considerate_a reader_n in_o this_o case_n construe_v my_o word_n as_o he_o upon_o another_o case_n judge_v he_o ought_v to_o construe_v the_o holy_a apostle_n word_n often_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 26._o as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bvead_n often_o here_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o intend_v that_o not_o at_o all_o person_n be_v in_o this_o service_n neither_o do_v it_o sure_o intend_v that_o they_o do_v it_o every_o time_n they_o meet_v together_o but_o so_o do_v it_o as_o it_o have_v its_o season_n of_o be_v administer_v and_o such_o season_n as_o may_v not_o extinguish_v or_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o ordinance_n so_o that_o by_o often_o i_o will_v be_v understand_v so_o frequent_a a_o preach_n the_o same_o truth_n already_o know_v and_o believe_v as_o stand_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n of_o person_n that_o by_o god_n be_v entrust_v to_o preach_v with_o this_o always_o premise_a that_o as_o they_o see_v a_o possibility_n of_o any_o truth_n lose_v its_o proper_a force_n in_o the_o memory_n and_o heart_n through_o want_n of_o repetition_n and_o when_o suitable_a truth_n upon_o this_o very_a score_n be_v over_o and_o over_o preach_v and_o meet_v with_o such_o spirit_n as_o care_v not_o to_o hear_v it_o that_o be_v mindless_a careless_a and_o displease_v this_o bespeak_v such_o to_o be_v of_o the_o die_a hand_n for_o indeed_o such_o carriage_n 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they_o that_o care_v not_o to_o hear_v it_o plain_o employ_v and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n i_o have_v now_o note_v be_v also_o a_o sign_n in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 1_o 2._o moreover_o brethren_n i_o declare_v unto_o you_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o preach_v unto_o you_o which_o also_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o wherein_o you_o stand_v by_o which_o also_o you_o be_v save_v if_o you_o keep_v in_o memory_n what_o i_o preach_v unto_o you_o unless_o you_o have_v believe_v in_o vain_a then_o he_o go_v on_o and_o show_v the_o particular_n he_o have_v preach_v to_o they_o principle_n even_o so_o plain_a in_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o that_o one_o will_v think_v they_o can_v not_o be_v forget_v which_o strong_o imply_v that_o through_o want_n of_o preach_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o they_o again_o they_o may_v either_o loose_v the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n there_o lay_v down_o or_o at_o least_o the_o spiritual_a force_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o how_o then_o do_v this_o very_a scripture_n reprove_v such_o as_o care_v not_o to_o hear_v a_o suitable_a truth_n often_o charge_v they_o with_o faultiness_n in_o forget_v that_o of_o all_o truth_n at_o best_a they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o that_o by_o hear_v one_o and_o the_o same_o truth_n again_o and_o again_o a_o man_n may_v see_v some_o excellency_n further_o than_o yet_o he_o ever_o see_v experience_n will_v witness_v this_o to_o the_o considerate_a psal_n 3._o begin_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 12_o 13_o 14._o now_o this_o defect_n seem_v to_o arise_v from_o some_o wrong_a judgement_n or_o apprehension_n that_o such_o person_n have_v of_o themselves_o they_o be_v notional_o conceit_v of_o some_o large_a reach_n they_o have_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o very_a thing_n they_o care_v not_o to_o hear_v and_o this_o defect_n in_o they_o be_v occasion_v through_o want_n of_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o sensible_a feeling_n the_o spirit_n of_o that_o word_n all_o my_o spring_n be_v in_o thou_o psal_n 87._o last_o let_v any_o that_o find_v the_o case_n thus_o with_o they_o be_v entreat_v to_o be_v restless_a in_o themselves_o not_o quiet_a or_o content_a but_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v both_o heal_v they_o from_o this_o foul_a distemper_n and_o also_o forgive_v they_o for_o this_o great_a evil_n of_o entertain_v or_o give_v way_n to_o burden_n at_o hear_v again_o that_o that_o grace_n have_v teach_v they_o to_o know_v already_o i_o shall_v end_v this_o sign_n with_o what_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v prov._n 3._o 5_o 6._o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n but_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n or_o keep_v thy_o foot_n from_o run_v thus_o astray_o chap._n iu._n 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 sign_n iu._n when_o few_o sermon_n will_v please_v you_o either_o you_o like_v not_o matter_n or_o manner_n or_o man_n when_o person_n come_v to_o this_o decay_n that_o they_o not_o only_o be_v weary_a to_o hear_v one_o matter_n often_o but_o few_o sermon_n please_v they_o they_o be_v then_o ready_a to_o throw_v off_o all_o and_o it_o be_v usual_o know_v by_o this_o very_a character_n in_o the_o sign_n viz._n they_o will_v either_o find_v some_o fault_n with_o the_o matter_n or_o else_o dislike_v the_o manner_n or_o else_o the_o man_n and_o wherever_o this_o be_v find_v in_o person_n or_o person_n without_o just_a occasion_n give_v they_o such_o certain_o can_v stand_v long_o in_o their_o profession_n without_o penitent_a reformation_n let_v but_o hearer_n when_o they_o come_v to_o sermon_n leave_v charity_n behind_o they_o how_o easy_o may_v they_o disturb_v themselves_o
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 and_o take_v second_o offence_n give_v and_o not_o take_v when_o we_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o do_v hurt_v to_o we_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o thrid_o offence_n take_v and_o not_o give_v be_v when_o at_o a_o seem_a and_o not_o real_a cause_n person_n be_v move_v and_o disquiet_v christ_n jesus_n come_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o humiliation_n not_o as_o he_o will_v come_v after_o the_o day_n of_o his_o exaltation_n or_o at_o his_o second_o come_v prove_v a_o seem_a cause_n be_v no_o real_a cause_n for_o the_o jew_n to_o stumble_v at_o he_o his_o visage_n be_v mar_v more_o than_o any_o man_n when_o they_o look_v for_o he_o to_o come_v and_o present_o restore_v israel_n now_o such_o offence_n take_v and_o not_o give_v be_v the_o intent_n of_o this_o sixth_o sign_n under_o the_o term_n small_a so_o that_o when_o person_n give_v way_n to_o their_o passion_n and_o be_v so_o move_v at_o something_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v 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 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