capable_a of_o yet_o will_v he_o not_o dare_v to_o pretend_v that_o all_o his_o affection_n be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v with_o they_o that_o they_o afford_v he_o perfect_a rest_n and_o peace_n shall_v he_o do_v so_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mind_n every_o day_n will_v convince_v he_o of_o his_o falsehood_n and_o his_o folly_n but_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n derive_v from_o and_o lead_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a which_o be_v therefore_o able_a to_o fill_v all_o our_o affection_n and_o to_o give_v they_o full_a satisfaction_n with_o rest_n and_o peace_n they_o all_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o goodness_n and_o blessedness_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o our_o affection_n do_v attain_v unto_o this_o fâ—ll_a rest_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o life_n but_o what_o they_o come_v short_a of_o therein_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o give_v this_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o affection_n themselves_z which_o be_v in_o part_n only_o renew_v and_o can_v take_v in_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o in_o another_o world_n they_o will_v receive_v but_o while_o we_o be_v here_o the_o more_o we_o receive_v they_o into_o our_o mind_n and_o soul_n the_o more_o firm_o we_o adhere_v unto_o they_o the_o near_a approach_n we_o make_v unto_o our_o rest_n and_o centre_n second_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o himself_o who_o essential_a wisdom_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o amiable_a excellency_n of_o his_o holy_a nature_n but_o of_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n and_o grace_n by_o jesus_n christ._n all_o spiritual_a truth_n all_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n whereby_o god_n reveal_v and_o communicate_v himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o approach_n unto_o he_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n through_o christ_n jesus_n i_o now_o intend_v all_o these_o be_v fill_v with_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v 1_o cor._n 2.7_o eph._n 3.10_o chap._n 1.8_o 9_o now_o wisdom_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v attractive_a of_o rational_a affection_n most_o man_n be_v brutish_a in_o they_o and_o their_o act_n for_o the_o most_o part_n pour_v they_o out_o on_o thing_n fleshly_a sensual_a and_o carnal_a but_o where_o they_o be_v at_o all_o reduce_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n nothing_o be_v so_o attractive_a of_o they_o so_o suit_v unto_o they_o which_o they_o delight_v in_o as_o that_o which_o have_v at_o least_o a_o appearance_n of_o wisdom_n a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n do_v command_v the_o affection_n of_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o hate_v and_o oppose_v he_o as_o common_o it_o be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v true_a wisdom_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o civil_a affair_n sober_a man_n can_v but_o approve_v of_o it_o like_v it_o delight_n in_o it_o &_o man_n of_o understanding_n do_v bewail_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o since_o craft_n falsehood_n treachery_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o villainy_n have_v drive_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n so_o be_v divine_a wisdom_n attractive_a of_o divine_a gracious_a affection_n the_o psalmist_n declare_v his_o admiration_n of_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v make_v they_o all_o in_o wisdom_n psal._n 104.24_o those_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o draw_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o a_o delightful_a contemplation_n of_o they_o but_o all_o the_o treasure_n all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v lay_v up_o &_o lay_v forth_o in_o the_o great_a spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n unto_o we_o by_o he_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o fill_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n with_o holy_a admiration_n and_o delight_n and_o thereon_o they_o cleave_v unto_o they_o with_o all_o their_o affection_n when_o we_o see_v there_o be_v light_a in_o they_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v in_o darkness_n that_o wisdom_n be_v in_o they_o in_o they_o alone_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v fill_v with_o vanity_n and_o folly_n then_o be_v our_o soul_n true_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o they_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n unto_o the_o most_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v foolishness_n it_o be_v so_o of_o old_a as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1_o cor._n 1._o and_o so_o it_o continue_v yet_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n despise_v by_o they_o they_o can_v see_v neither_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n in_o it_o for_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v desire_v nor_o will_v ever_o any_o man_n have_v sincere_a spiritual_a affection_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n who_o have_v not_o a_o spiritual_a view_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o attract_v our_o soul_n by_o holy_a admiration_n unto_o unspeakable_a delight_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o general_o decline_v from_o any_o love_n unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o lose_v all_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v raise_v unto_o the_o admiration_n of_o this_o wisdom_n in_o divine_a revelation_n then_o will_v our_o affection_n cleave_v unto_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v three_o the_o act_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o their_o adherence_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v perfective_a of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n do_v most_o debase_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n wherein_o it_o make_v the_o near_a approach_n unto_o brutality_n yea_o whereby_o it_o become_v in_o some_o respect_n more_o vile_a than_o the_o nature_n of_o beast_n be_v the_o give_v up_o of_o the_o affection_n unto_o thing_n sensual_a unclean_a base_a and_o unworthy_a of_o its_o more_o noble_a principle_n hence_o be_v man_n say_v to_o debase_v themselves_o unto_o hell_n isai._n 57.9_o and_o their_o affection_n do_v become_v vile_a so_o as_o that_o their_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o they_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o revenge_a justice_n punish_v man_n for_o the_o worst_a of_o sin_n rom._n 1.26_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o vile_a nothing_o more_o contemptible_a nothing_o more_o like_a to_o beast_n in_o baseness_n and_o to_o hell_n in_o punishment_n then_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o they_o who_o have_v enslave_v their_o nature_n unto_o brutish_a sensual_a affection_n i_o say_v vile_a affection_n fix_v on_o and_o cleave_v unto_o sensual_a object_n do_v debase_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o do_v both_o corrupt_v and_o enslave_v all_o the_o more_o noble_a faculty_n of_o it_o the_o very_a conscience_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v defile_v by_o they_o if_o you_o see_v a_o man_n who_o affection_n be_v set_v inordinate_o on_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v how_o he_o go_v off_o from_o his_o native_a worth_n and_o debase_v himself_o therein_o but_o the_o fix_v of_o spiritual_a affection_n on_o spiritual_a object_n be_v perfective_a of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n not_o that_o we_o can_v attain_v perfection_n by_o it_o but_o that_o therein_o our_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n this_o may_v be_v grant_v look_v how_o much_o vile_a affection_n fix_v on_o and_o furious_o pursue_v thing_n carnal_a and_o sensual_a do_v debase_v our_o nature_n beneath_o its_o rational_a constitution_n and_o make_v it_o degenerate_a into_o bestiality_n so_o much_o spiritual_a affection_n fix_v on_o and_o cleave_v unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a do_v exalt_v our_o nature_n above_o its_o mere_a natural_a capacity_n make_v a_o approach_n unto_o the_o state_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o as_o brutish_a affection_n when_o they_o have_v the_o reins_o as_o they_o say_v on_o their_o neck_n and_o be_v pursue_v with_o delight_n and_o greediness_n do_v darken_v the_o mind_n and_o disturb_v all_o the_o rational_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o whordom_n and_o wine_n and_o new-wine_n do_v take_v away_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o wickedness_n alter_v the_o understanding_n so_o holy_a affection_n fix_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v elevate_v raise_v and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n with_o true_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o be_v understanding_n and_o again_o as_o the_o
to_o look_v after_o blessedness_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o alone_o be_v suit_v unto_o its_o rational_a constitution_n for_o if_o it_o do_v they_o will_v place_v their_o happiness_n and_o blessedness_n in_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o artifice_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n unto_o their_o eternal_a destruction_n 3._o some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a do_v attain_v a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o blessedness_n of_o man_n in_o another_o world_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o soul_n full_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o goodness_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o this_o notion_n which_o contemplative_a man_n have_v adorn_v with_o excellent_a and_o rational_a discourse_n and_o sundry_a who_o have_v be_v and_o be_v learned_a among_o christian_n have_v great_o improve_v this_o truth_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o reason_n they_o take_v up_o with_o thought_n of_o the_o goodness_n the_o amiableness_n the_o selfsufficiency_n the_o alsufficient_a satisfactoriness_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n these_o thing_n shine_v in_o themselves_o with_o such_o a_o glorious_a light_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o a_o perception_n of_o they_o but_o that_o man_n do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o through_o bestial_a sensuality_n and_o love_n of_o sin_n from_o reason_n also_o do_v they_o frame_v their_o conception_n concern_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o the_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v suit_v therein_o unto_o their_o utmost_a blessedness_n no_o more_o be_v require_v unto_o these_o thing_n but_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man_n with_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o and_o dependence_n on_o he_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o frame_v these_o thing_n into_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n whereby_o they_o intend_v all_o the_o way_n whereby_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o immediate_a instance_n can_v and_o do_v communicate_v of_o himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o utmost_a elevation_n of_o their_o intellectual_a capacity_n to_o receive_v those_o communication_n it_o be_v such_o a_o intellectual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n with_o ineffable_a love_n as_o gives_z the_o soul_n the_o utmost_a rest_n and_o blessedness_n which_o its_o capacity_n can_v extend_v unto_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o they_o have_v be_v by_o many_o both_o pious_o and_o elegant_o illustrate_v howbeit_o they_o be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o ordinary_a christian_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o manage_v they_o in_o their_o mind_n nor_o exercise_v their_o thought_n about_o they_o they_o can_v reduce_v they_o unto_o present_a usefulness_n nor_o make_v they_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o exercise_n and_o increase_v of_o grace_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o another_o notion_n of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n not_o contrary_a unto_o this_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o but_o more_o suit_v unto_o the_o faith_n and_o experience_n of_o believer_n and_o which_o alone_o can_v convey_v a_o true_a and_o useful_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o our_o mind_n this_o therefore_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o firm_o state_v in_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n 4._o the_o principal_a notion_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o state_n of_o heavenly_a blessedness_n and_o which_o the_o mean_a believer_n be_v capable_a of_o improve_n in_o daily_a practice_n be_v that_o faith_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o sight_n and_o grace_n into_o glory_n we_o walk_v now_o by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 5.7_o wherefore_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o our_o present_a and_o our_o future_a state_n that_o sight_n hereafter_o shall_v supply_v the_o room_n of_o faith_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o and_o if_o sight_n come_v into_o the_o place_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o object_n of_o that_o sight_n must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o present_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o 1_o cor._n 13.9.10_o 12._o for_o we_o know_v in_o part_n and_o when_o we_o prophesy_v in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o for_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n those_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v now_o dark_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v a_o immediate_a sight_n and_o full_a comprehension_n of_o for_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a must_v come_v and_o do_v away_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n what_o then_o be_v the_o principal_a present_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v evangelical_n into_o who_o room_n sight_n must_v succeed_v be_v it_o not_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n love_n kindness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o way_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n unto_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o and_o by_o he_o with_o the_o glorious_a exaltation_n of_o christ_n himself_o wherefore_o in_o the_o full_a satisfactory_a representation_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o our_o soul_n receive_v by_o sight_n or_o a_o direct_a immediate_a intuition_n of_o they_o do_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n principal_o consist_v we_o behold_v they_o now_o dark_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n that_o be_v the_o utmost_a which_o by_o faith_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o in_o heaven_n they_o shall_v be_v open_o and_o full_o display_v the_o infinite_a incomprehensible_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o propose_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o shall_v they_o be_v so_o unto_o sight_n in_o heaven_n the_o manifestation_n of_o they_o in_o christ_n be_v the_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n here_o and_o shall_v be_v of_o our_o sight_n hereafter_o only_o through_o this_o manifestation_n of_o they_o we_o be_v lead_v even_o by_o faith_n ultimate_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v in_o heaven_n be_v lead_v by_o love_n perfect_o to_o adhere_v unto_o they_o with_o delight_n ineffable_a this_o be_v our_o immediate_a objective_n glory_n in_o heaven_n we_o hope_v for_o no_o other_o and_o this_o if_o god_n will_v i_o shall_v short_o more_o full_o explain_v whoever_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o sweetness_n of_o these_o heavenly_a thing_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v a_o spring_n of_o grace_n and_o consolation_n they_o be_v able_a to_o meditate_v on_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o in_o their_o full_a enjoyment_n think_v much_o of_o heaven_n as_o that_o which_o will_v give_v you_o a_o perfect_a view_n and_o comprehension_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v some_o perhaps_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o if_o this_o be_v heaven_n they_o can_v see_v no_o great_a glory_n in_o it_o no_o such_o beauty_n as_o for_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v desire_v it_o may_v be_v so_o for_o some_o have_v no_o instrument_n to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o invisible_a thing_n but_o carnal_a imagination_n some_o have_v no_o light_n no_o principle_n no_o disposition_n of_o mind_n or_o soul_n whereunto_o these_o thing_n be_v either_o acceptable_a or_o suitable_a some_o will_v go_v no_o further_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faculty_n and_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n than_o reason_n will_v guide_v they_o which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n but_o we_o look_v for_o no_o other_o heaven_n we_o desire_v none_o but_o what_o we_o be_v lead_v unto_o and_o prepare_v for_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o which_o shall_v perfect_v all_o the_o beginning_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o not_o what_o shall_v be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o destructive_a of_o they_o we_o value_v not_o that_o heaven_n which_o be_v equal_o suit_v unto_o the_o desire_v and_o inclination_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o best_a for_o we_o know_v that_o they_o who_o like_v not_o grace_n here_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v like_v that_o which_o be_v glory_n hereafter_o no_o man_n who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v experimental_o in_o some_o measure_n with_o the_o life_n power_n and_o evidence_n of_o faith_n here_o have_v any_o other_o heaven_n in_o his_o aim_n but_o what_o be_v erect_v in_o his_o own_o imagination_n the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n which_o the_o gospel_n prepare_v we_o for_o which_o faith_n lead_v and_o conduct_n we_o unto_o
in_o general_n but_o that_o man_n have_v decoct_v and_o waste_v the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o full_a revelation_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o he_o make_v it_o be_v the_o last_o that_o ever_o he_o will_v make_v in_o this_o world_n if_o this_o be_v despise_v if_o man_n rebel_v against_o the_o light_n of_o it_o if_o they_o break_v the_o cord_n of_o it_o and_o be_v senseless_a of_o its_o power_n nothing_o can_v preserve_v they_o from_o the_o high_a atheism_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v relief_n or_o preservation_n from_o inferior_a mean_n where_o the_o high_a and_o most_o noble_a be_v reject_v reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o argument_n be_v still_o well_o plead_v from_o they_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o atheist_n and_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o retain_v man_n in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o godhead_n who_o have_v no_o other_o no_o high_a evidence_n of_o they_o but_o where_o man_n have_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o divine_a revelation_n where_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o make_v some_o profession_n of_o they_o and_o have_v through_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o hatred_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o good_a reject_v all_o conviction_n from_o they_o concern_v the_o be_v power_n and_o rule_n of_o god_n they_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v unto_o a_o confession_n of_o they_o by_o any_o consideration_n that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v suggest_v there_o be_v therefore_o among_o other_o three_z reason_n why_o there_o be_v more_o atheist_n among_o they_o who_o live_v where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o reject_v than_o among_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o than_o there_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o 1._o god_n have_v design_v to_o magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n or_o all_o other_o way_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o child_n of_o man_n psal._n 138.2_o where_o therefore_o this_o be_v reject_v and_o despise_v he_o will_v not_o give_v the_o honour_n unto_o reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o shall_v preserve_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o any_o evil_a whatever_n reason_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o efficacy_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o reject_v the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o the_o word_n as_o it_o have_v or_o may_v have_v on_o they_o who_o best_o guide_v it_o be_v who_o never_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v oft_o time_n more_o common_a honesty_n among_o civilise_a heathen_n and_o mahometan_n than_o among_o degenerate_a christian_n and_o from_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o child_n of_o professor_n be_v sometime_o irrecoverable_o profligate_v it_o will_v be_v say_v many_o be_v recover_v unto_o god_n by_o affliction_n who_o have_v despise_v the_o word_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o never_o any_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n by_o affliction_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o word_n man_n may_v by_o affliction_n be_v recall_v unto_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n but_o none_o be_v immediate_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o they_o as_o a_o good_a shepherd_n when_o a_o sheep_n wander_v from_o the_o flock_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v his_o call_n send_v out_o his_o dog_n which_o stop_v he_o and_o bite_v he_o hereon_o he_o look_v about_o he_o and_o hear_v the_o call_n of_o the_o shepherd_n return_v again_o to_o the_o flock_n job_n 33.19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25._o but_o with_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o where_o the_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o wherein_o he_o do_v most_o glorify_v his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o goodness_n be_v despise_v he_o will_v not_o only_o take_v off_o the_o efficacy_n of_o inferior_a mean_n but_o judicial_o harden_v the_o heart_n and_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o such_o mean_n shall_v be_v of_o no_o use_n unto_o they_o see_v isa._n 6.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o act_n 13_o 40_o 41._o rom._n 1.21_o 28._o 2_o thes._n 2.11_o 12._o 2._o the_o contempt_n of_o gospel_n light_a and_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v supernatural_a which_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o transgression_n unto_o all_o atheist_n among_o we_o beget_v in_o and_o leaf_n on_o the_o mind_n such_o a_o deprave_a corrupt_a habit_n such_o a_o congery_n of_o all_o evil_n that_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n can_v produce_v that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v whole_o incline_v unto_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n as_o all_o our_o original_a vicious_a inclination_n succeed_v immediate_o on_o our_o rejection_n and_o loss_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o best_a thing_n corrupt_v yield_v the_o worst_a savour_n as_o manna_n stanke_z and_o breed_v worm_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reject_v stink_a worm_n take_v the_o place_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n which_o grow_v into_o viper_n and_o scorpion_n every_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o gospel-truth_n bring_v in_o a_o proportionate_a degree_n of_o inclination_n unto_o wickedness_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n 2_o pet._n 2.21_o and_o that_o which_o be_v total_a unto_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n whereas_o therefore_o multitude_n from_o their_o darkness_n unbelief_n temptation_n love_n of_o sin_n pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n do_v fall_v off_o from_o all_o subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o gospel_n either_o notional_o or_o practical_o deride_v or_o despise_v all_o supernatural_a revelation_n they_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o dispose_v unto_o downright_a atheism_n than_o person_n who_o never_o have_v the_o light_n or_o benefit_n of_o such_o revelation_n take_v heed_n of_o decay_n whatever_o ground_n the_o gospel_n lose_v in_o our_o mind_n sin_n possess_v it_o for_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o ends._n let_v none_o say_v it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o man_n grow_v cold_a and_o negligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n worship_n public_a and_o private_a which_o be_v to_o reject_v gospel_n light_n let_v they_o say_v and_o pretend_v what_o they_o please_v that_o in_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o conversation_n it_o be_v well_o with_o they_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o so_o sin_n will_n sin_n do_v one_o way_n or_o other_o make_v a_o increase_n in_o they_o proportionate_a unto_o these_o decay_n and_o will_v soon_o or_o late_a discover_v itself_o so_o to_o do_v and_o themselves_o if_o they_o be_v not_o utter_o harden_v may_v great_o discover_v it_o inward_o in_o their_o peace_n or_o outward_o in_o their_o life_n 3._o where_o man_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o see_v the_o great_a the_o light_n be_v that_o shine_v about_o they_o the_o fast_o they_o must_v close_o they_o eye_n all_o atheism_n spring_v from_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o see_v thing_n invisible_a and_o eternal_a love_n of_o sin_n a_o resolve_a continuance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o effectual_a power_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v good_a make_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o such_o man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o a_o supreme_a unavoidable_a judge_n a_o eternal_a rewarder_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o a_o divine_a be_v whereas_o therefore_o the_o most_o glorious_a light_n and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o these_o thing_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n man_n that_o will_v abide_v by_o their_o interest_n to_o love_n and_o live_v in_o sin_n must_v close_v their_o eye_n with_o all_o the_o art_n and_o power_n that_o they_o have_v or_o else_o they_o will_v pierce_v into_o their_o mind_n unto_o their_o torment_n this_o they_o do_v by_o downright_a atheism_n which_o alone_o pretend_v to_o give_v they_o security_n against_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n against_o all_o other_o conviction_n they_o may_v take_v shelter_n from_o their_o fear_n under_o less_o degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unto_o the_o disparagement_n but_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o many_o avow_v themselves_o to_o be_v atheist_n in_o those_o place_n wherein_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v know_v and_o profess_v for_o none_o can_v have_v the_o least_o inclination_n or_o temptation_n thereunto_o until_o they_o have_v before_o hand_n reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o immediate_o expose_v they_o unto_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o person_n the_o opposition_n that_o have_v be_v
be_v in_o their_o proper_a exercise_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o we_o have_v no_o sufficiency_n in_o ourselves_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n must_v be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o person_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n more_o general_o grant_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o than_o this_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o none_o more_o neglect_v in_o daily_a practice_n man_n profess_v they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o and_o yet_o go_v about_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 3._o remember_v that_o i_o have_v not_o at_o present_a treat_v of_o solemn_a state_v meditation_n concern_v which_o other_o rule_n and_o instruction_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v by_o solemn_a or_o state_v meditation_n i_o intend_v the_o thought_n of_o some_o subject_a spiritual_a and_o divine_a with_o the_o fix_v force_v and_o order_v our_o thought_n about_o it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o affect_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o by_o this_o design_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o our_o principal_a aim_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o declare_v it_o unto_o other_o and_o so_o also_o from_o prayer_n whereof_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a object_n but_o in_o meditation_n it_o be_v the_o affect_v of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o mind_n with_o love_n delight_n and_o humiliation_n at_o present_a i_o have_v only_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o that_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o our_o thought_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o habitual_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n or_o of_o what_o sort_n the_o constant_a course_n of_o our_o thought_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n this_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n for_o who_o be_v yet_o unskilful_a in_o and_o unable_a for_o state_v meditation_n for_o there_o be_v require_v thereunto_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o ability_n as_o some_o through_o their_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v incapable_a of_o but_o as_o unto_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o insist_v on_o it_o be_v not_o unattainable_a by_o any_o in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o it_o be_v but_o the_o frequent_a act_n of_o they_o that_o i_o intend_v wherefore_o do_v your_o heart_n and_o affection_n lead_v you_o unto_o many_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v they_o spring_v up_o in_o you_o as_o water_n in_o a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n be_v you_o ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o entertain_v such_o thought_n and_o to_o be_v conversant_a with_o they_o as_o opportunity_n do_v offer_v itself_o do_v you_o labour_v to_o have_v in_o a_o readiness_n what_o be_v useful_a for_o you_o with_o respect_n unto_o temptation_n and_o duty_n be_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o ordinary_a retreat_n of_o your_o soul_n though_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o orderly_o state_v meditation_n in_o your_o mind_n yet_o you_o may_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v a_o capacity_n and_o ability_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o great_a trade_n of_o merchandise_n in_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o commodity_n and_o season_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nation_n of_o it_o with_o those_o contrivance_n and_o account_n which_o belong_v unto_o such_o trade_n may_v be_v above_o his_o comprehension_n and_o he_o may_v quick_o ruin_v himself_o in_o undertake_v such_o a_o employment_n yet_o may_v the_o ability_n of_o this_o man_n serve_v he_o well_o enough_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o retail_n trade_n in_o a_o private_a shop_n wherein_o perhaps_o he_o may_v thrive_v as_o well_o and_o get_v as_o good_a a_o estate_n as_o any_o of_o those_o who_o great_a capacity_n lead_v they_o forth_o unto_o more_o large_a and_o hazardous_a employment_n so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o in_o this_o case_n the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o enable_v they_o unto_o state_v meditation_n they_o can_v cast_v thing_n into_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o nor_o frame_v the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n into_o word_n significant_a and_o expressive_a yet_o as_o unto_o frequency_n of_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n thereunto_o they_o may_v thrive_v and_o be_v skilful_a beyond_o most_o other_o of_o great_a natural_a ability_n howbeit_o because_o even_o state_v meditation_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n yea_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n do_v profitable_o act_v themselves_o i_o shall_v have_v regard_n thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a direction_n wherefore_o 4._o whatever_o principle_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o a_o ready_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n or_o otherwise_o without_o great_a diligence_n nor_o without_o great_a difficulty_n it_o be_v show_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o this_o grace_n between_o the_o essence_n substance_n or_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o we_o will_v not_o exclude_v man_n from_o under_o many_o fail_n or_o infirmity_n and_o the_o useful_a degree_n of_o it_o wherein_o it_o have_v its_o principal_a exercise_n as_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o life_n natural_a and_o its_o act_n in_o a_o weak_a disease_v sickly_a body_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o good_a constitution_n and_o in_o a_o vigorous_a health_n suppose_v the_o first_o the_o reality_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o or_o implant_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o new_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n yet_o unto_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o as_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n our_o own_o diligent_a care_n watchfulness_n and_o spiritual_a strive_v in_o all_o holy_a duty_n be_v require_v unless_o the_o most_o fruitful_a ground_n be_v manure_v it_o will_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o useful_a crop_n let_v not_o any_o think_v that_o this_o frame_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n unto_o and_o a_o readiness_n for_o all_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n will_v befall_v he_o and_o continue_v with_o he_o he_o know_v not_o how_o as_o good_a it_o be_v for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n without_o industry_n or_o a_o weak_a man_n to_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a without_o food_n and_o exercise_n as_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v without_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n after_o it_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o be_v requisite_a thereunto_o and_o we_o may_v name_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n without_o which_o such_o a_o holy_a frame_n will_v not_o be_v attain_v as_o 1._o a_o continual_a watch_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o and_o on_o the_o soul_n against_o the_o incursion_n of_o vain_a thought_n and_o imagination_n especial_o in_o such_o season_n wherein_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o obtain_v advantage_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o make_v a_o inroad_n into_o the_o mind_n if_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n if_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o lodge_v within_o in_o vain_a shall_v we_o hope_v or_o desire_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v herein_o consist_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o frequent_o so_o emphatical_o charge_v on_o we_o all_o namely_o to_o watch_n mark_v 3.37_o unless_o we_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n herein_o we_o shall_v be_v betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o all_o such_o thought_n be_v but_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v its_o desire_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o however_o they_o may_v be_v disappoint_v as_o unto_o actual_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v we_o in_o charge_n prov._n 4.23_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n 2._o careful_a avoidance_n of_o all_o society_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v apt_a under_o various_a pretence_n to_o draw_v and_o seduce_v the_o mind_n unto_o a_o earthly_a or_o sensual_a frame_n if_o man_n will_v venture_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n or_o may_v find_v by_o observation_n that_o they_o seduce_v and_o draw_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o and_o will_v not_o watch_v unto_o