most_o earnest_o to_o be_v desire_v or_o avoid_v herein_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o strive_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o endeavour_v to_o go_v run_v or_o contend_v but_o all_o in_o vain_a every_o thing_n fail_v they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o relieve_v until_o they_o be_v awake_v so_o such_o person_n in_o impression_n they_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o strive_v and_o contend_v in_o their_o thought_n and_o resolution_n to_o comply_v with_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o but_o their_o strength_n fail_v they_o find_v no_o success_n for_o want_v of_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o after_o a_o time_n give_v over_o their_o endeavour_n until_o they_o be_v occasional_o renew_v again_o now_o the_o thought_n which_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o grace_n excite_v unto_o its_o due_a exercise_n be_v distinguishable_a from_o they_o which_o be_v only_o occasional_o suggest_v unto_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o word_n outward_o preach_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v especial_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n towards_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v preach_v they_o belong_v unto_o our_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o and_o love_n respect_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o not_o mere_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v express_v the_o other_o thought_n be_v only_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o affect_v with_o light_n and_o truth_n without_o any_o cordial_a love_n unto_o the_o thing_n themselves_o 2._o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o complacency_n of_o soul_n arise_v from_o love_n experience_n more_o or_o less_o of_o the_o power_n of_o they_o and_o their_o suitableness_n unto_o the_o new_a nature_n or_o principle_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o for_o when_o our_o mind_n find_v that_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o we_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o word_n that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o will_v be_v more_o conformable_a unto_o it_o give_v a_o secret_a complacency_n with_o satisfaction_n unto_o the_o soul._n the_o other_o thought_n which_o be_v only_o occasional_a have_v none_o of_o these_o concomitant_n or_o effect_n but_o be_v dry_a and_o barren_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o a_o few_o word_n or_o transient_a discourse_n 3._o the_o former_a be_v mean_n of_o spiritual_a growth_n so_o some_o say_v the_o natural_a growth_n of_o vegetable_n be_v not_o by_o insensible_a motion_n but_o by_o gust_n and_o sensible_a eruption_n of_o increase_n these_o be_v both_o in_o spiritual_a growth_n and_o the_o late_a consist_v much_o in_o those_o thought_n which_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o new_a nature_n be_v excite_v unto_o by_o the_o word_n in_o the_o latter_a 2._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v another_o mean_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n one_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o excite_v stir_v up_o and_o draw_v forth_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n unto_o a_o due_a exercise_n in_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o affection_n suitable_a unto_o they_o those_o who_o design_v not_o this_o end_n in_o prayer_n know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v now_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o prayer_n and_o many_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n that_o it_o be_v their_o own_o duty_n to_o pray_v every_o day_n it_o may_v be_v in_o their_o family_n and_o otherwise_o and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o man_n can_v constant_o join_v with_o other_o in_o prayer_n much_o more_o how_o they_o can_v pray_v themselves_o but_o that_o they_o must_v have_v thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n every_o day_n howbeit_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o root_n or_o live_a spring_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o but_o they_o be_v only_o occasional_a impression_n on_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o instance_n of_o the_o ground_n hereof_o which_o on_o many_o reason_n require_v our_o diligent_a consideration_n spiritual_a thought_n may_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o person_n in_o his_o own_o duty_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o gift_n when_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o at_o all_o for_o they_o lead_v and_o guide_v the_o mind_n unto_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n gift_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o spiritual_a improvement_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n or_o ability_n and_o a_o man_n can_v speak_v or_o utter_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o his_o rational_a faculty_n by_o invention_n or_o memory_n or_o both_o manage_v in_o and_o by_o his_o thought_n unless_o he_o speak_v by_o rote_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o rational_a what_o therefore_o proceed_v from_o a_o man_n rational_a faculty_n in_o and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o gift_n that_o his_o thought_n must_v be_v exercise_v about_o a_o man_n may_v read_v a_o long_a prayer_n that_o express_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o yet_o never_o have_v one_o spiritual_a thought_n arise_v in_o his_o mind_n about_o they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o any_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n require_v unto_o such_o read_n but_o only_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v read_v this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v so_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v always_o so_o or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o but_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o gift_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o exercise_n of_o reason_n by_o invention_n judgement_n and_o memory_n and_o consequent_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n yet_o may_v they_o all_o be_v mere_o occasional_a from_o the_o present_a external_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n without_o any_o live_a spring_n or_o exercise_v of_o grace_n in_o such_o a_o course_n may_v man_n of_o tolerable_a gift_n continue_v all_o their_o day_n unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o deceive_v both_o they_o and_o their_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n and_o experience_n a_o enquiry_n may_v be_v make_v thereon_o as_o unto_o our_o own_o concernment_n in_o these_o thing_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v spiritual_a gift_n of_o their_o own_o and_o of_o they_o also_o in_o some_o degree_n who_o usual_o enjoy_v the_o gift_n of_o other_o in_o this_o duty_n for_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v whether_o the_o thought_n which_o we_o have_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o and_o upon_o prayer_n do_v arise_v from_o gift_n only_o those_o of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n give_v occasion_n unto_o they_o or_o be_v influence_v from_o a_o live_a principle_n and_o spring_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o case_n this_o be_v however_o by_o some_o it_o may_v be_v apprehend_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o which_o will_v require_v much_o time_n full_o to_o resolve_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o whereby_o the_o refine_a sort_n of_o hypocrite_n do_v more_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o other_o nothing_o whereby_o some_o man_n do_v give_v themselves_o more_o countenance_n in_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o their_o lust_n than_o by_o this_o part_n of_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n when_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o best_a of_o believer_n ought_v to_o keep_v a_o diligent_a watch_n over_o themselves_o in_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n with_o respect_n hereunto_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v they_o to_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n if_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n negligent_a herein_o they_o may_v rest_v in_o a_o bare_a exercise_n of_o gift_n when_o on_o a_o due_a examination_n and_o trial_n they_o have_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o what_o they_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o what_o brevity_n i_o can_v give_v a_o resolution_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n and_o to_o this_o end_n observe_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a complaint_n that_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v fill_v with_o great_a obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v true_a not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o themselves_o for_o they_o all_o come_v forth_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o be_v full_a of_o light_n order_n beauty_n and_o wisdom_n and_o light_n and_o order_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o any_o thing_n make_v a_o discovery_n of_o itself_o but_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o darkness_n and_o difficulty_n in_o these_o thing_n lie_v in_o ourselves_o we_o can_v more_o clear_o and_o steady_o see_v and_o behold_v the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n than_o we_o can_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v in_o its_o great_a lustre_n it_o be_v not_o because_o there_o be_v more_o light_n
in_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n than_o in_o the_o sun_n but_o because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v great_a than_o our_o visive_a faculty_n can_v direct_o bear_v and_o behold_v so_o we_o can_v more_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o distinct_a nature_n of_o thing_n moral_a and_o natural_a than_o we_o can_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a see_v john_n 3.14_o not_o that_o there_o be_v more_o substance_n or_o reality_n in_o they_o but_o because_o the_o ability_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v more_o suit_v unto_o the_o comprehension_n of_o they_o the_o other_o be_v above_o we_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v hinder_v and_o disorder_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a by_o ignorance_n temptation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o all_o sort_n in_o nothing_o more_o be_v man_n subject_a unto_o mistake_n than_o in_o the_o application_n of_o thing_n unto_o themselves_o and_o a_o judgement_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o they_o fear_v self-love_n with_o the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n do_v all_o engage_v their_o power_n to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o pervert_v its_o judgement_n in_o no_o case_n do_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o of_o sin_n which_o be_v all_o one_o more_o act_n itself_o hence_o multitude_n say_v peace_n to_o themselves_o to_o who_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v peace_n and_o some_o who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n do_v yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n hence_o be_v that_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o help_v in_o this_o case_n ephes._n 1.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a similitude_n between_o temporary_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v save_v and_o durable_a and_o between_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o operation_n which_o be_v that_o that_o be_v under_o present_a consideration_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v therefore_o that_o without_o the_o especial_a light_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o man_n can_v make_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o his_o state_n and_o his_o action_n as_o shall_v be_v a_o stable_a foundation_n of_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o of_o obtain_v peace_n unto_o his_o own_o soul._n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v constant_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o ordinary_o under_o this_o bless_a conduct_n in_o the_o search_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v come_v unto_o a_o satisfaction_n whether_o they_o be_v influence_v by_o faith_n and_o have_v grace_n exercise_v in_o they_o especial_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o whether_o it_o derive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n raise_v by_o light_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n only_o and_o so_o whether_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n therein_o do_v spring_n from_o a_o vital_a principle_n of_o grace_n or_o whether_o they_o come_v from_o occasional_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o if_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o or_o to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o themselves_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n at_o all_o per_fw-la adventure_n to_o leave_v all_o thing_n at_o hazard_n to_o put_v off_o all_o trial_n unto_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o so_o never_o call_v themselves_o unto_o a_o account_n as_o unto_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o any_o particular_a instance_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o distinction_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o unto_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o we_o impartial_o and_o severe_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o frames_n and_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o holy_a duty_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o thereon_o not_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v that_o plain_o unto_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o word_n speak_v unto_o we_o this_o diligent_a search_n ought_v to_o respect_v our_o principle_n aim_n end_n act_n with_o the_o whole_a deportment_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o every_o duty_n see_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o if_o a_o man_n receive_v much_o money_n and_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o superscription_n when_o he_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v great_a store_n of_o currant_n coin_n in_o gold_n and_o silver_n he_o may_v have_v only_a heap_n of_o lead_n or_o copper_n by_o he_o but_o he_o that_o trade_v in_o it_o as_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o his_o natural_a life_n and_o condition_n he_o will_v try_v what_o he_o receive_v both_o by_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o touchstone_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o much_o adulterate_v coin_n be_v passant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o man_n reckon_v on_o his_o duty_n by_o tale_n and_o number_n he_o may_v be_v utter_o deceive_v and_o be_v spiritual_o poor_a and_o a_o bankrupt_a when_o he_o esteem_v himself_o rich_a increase_v in_o good_n and_o want_v nothing_o some_o duty_n may_v appear_o hold_v in_o the_o balance_n as_o to_o weight_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v it_o at_o the_o touchstone_n as_o to_o worth_n both_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o our_o account_n thus_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o duty_n call_v the_o people_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o so_o like_a to_o have_v acceptance_n with_o he_o isa._n 58.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o add_v we_o must_v unto_o our_o own_o diligent_a enquiry_n fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v search_v and_o try_v we_o as_o unto_o our_o sincerity_n and_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n hereof_o we_o have_v a_o express_a example_n psal._n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v unto_o our_o sincerity_n with_o our_o own_o spirit_n there_o be_v need_n of_o call_v in_o divine_a assistance_n in_o this_o matter_n both_o from_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o from_o its_o difficulty_n god_n alone_o know_v full_o and_o perfect_o what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o in_o the_o impartial_a use_n of_o these_o mean_n a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o assure_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n such_o as_o wherein_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v whether_o he_o do_v animate_v and_o quicken_v his_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o duty_n with_o inward_a vital_a grace_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v impression_n on_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o duty_n a_o duty_n this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n now_o hypocrisy_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o inroad_a on_o profession_n and_o gift_n have_v doflowred_a grace_n in_o its_o principal_a operation_n no_o person_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o walk_v at_o hazard_n with_o god_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o duty_n unto_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o other_o for_o they_o may_v countenance_v themselves_o with_o a_o appearance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o in_o reality_n and_o power_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o we_o have_v see_v many_o earnest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n who_o have_v turn_v vile_a and_o debauch_a apostate_n some_o have_v be_v know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o indulgence_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o yet_o to_o abide_v constant_a in_o their_o duty_n isa._n 1.15_o and_o we_o may_v hear_v prayer_n sometime_o that_o open_o discover_v themselves_o unto_o spiritual_a sense_n to_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o brain_n by_o the_o help_n of_o gift_n in_o memory_n and_o invention_n without_o a_o evidence_n of_o any_o mixture_n of_o humility_n reverence_n or_o godly_a fear_n without_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o flow_v as_o wine_n yet_o smell_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o unsavoury_a cask_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v put_v ourselves_o on_o the_o severe_a trial_n lest_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o spiritual_a duty_n gift_n be_v gracious_a vouchsafement_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v grace_n useful_a unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o yea_o they_o may_v make_v they_o useful_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o who_o have_v no_o grace_n in_o themselves_o but_o as_o
reveal_v we_o shall_v cheerful_o entertain_v every_o way_n and_o path_n that_o lead_v thereunto_o as_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n through_o this_o medium_fw-la we_o may_v look_v cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o on_o the_o loss_n of_o name_n reputation_n good_n liberty_n life_n itself_o as_o know_v in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v better_a and_o more_o abide_v comfort_n to_o betake_v ourselves_o unto_o and_o we_o can_v no_o other_o way_n glorify_v god_n by_o our_o alacrity_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o suffering_n than_o when_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o prospect_n into_o and_o valuation_n of_o those_o invisible_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v as_o a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o all_o we_o can_v lose_v in_o this_o world_n 2._o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o suffering_n be_v their_o long_a continuance_n without_o any_o rational_a appearance_n or_o hope_n of_o relief_n many_o who_o have_v enter_v into_o suffering_n with_o much_o courage_n and_o resolution_n have_v be_v weary_v and_o wear_v out_o with_o their_o continuance_n elijah_n himself_o be_v hereby_o reduce_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v take_v away_o his_o life_n to_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o his_o ministry_n and_o calamity_n and_o not_o a_o few_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v hereby_o so_o break_v in_o their_o natural_a spirit_n and_o so_o shake_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o confession_n in_o seek_v deliverance_n by_o sinful_a compliance_n in_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o although_o this_o may_v be_v do_v out_o of_o mere_a weariness_n as_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n to_o wear_v out_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a with_o reluctance_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o love_n yet_o remain_v unto_o the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n yet_o have_v it_o constant_o one_o of_o these_o two_o effect_n some_o by_o the_o overwhelm_a sorrow_n that_o befall_v they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o failure_n in_o profession_n and_o out_o of_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o unkindness_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v stir_v up_o immediate_o unto_o high_a act_n of_o confession_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o engage_v in_o and_o unto_o a_o high_a provocation_n of_o their_o adversary_n until_o their_o former_a trouble_n be_v double_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o frequent_o undergo_v with_o great_a satisfaction_n instance_n of_o this_o nature_n occur_v in_o all_o story_n of_o great_a persecution_n other_o be_v cow_v and_o discourage_v in_o their_o profession_n and_o perhaps_o neglect_v by_o they_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v rather_o to_o restore_v they_o have_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n give_v place_n to_o their_o declension_n and_o become_v vile_a apostate_n to_o prevent_v these_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o duration_n of_o suffering_n without_o a_o prospect_n of_o deliverance_n nothing_o be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o a_o constant_a contemplation_n on_o the_o future_a reward_n and_o glory_n so_o the_o apostle_n declare_v it_o heb._n 11.35_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o unseen_a glory_n of_o eternity_n it_o have_v in_o readiness_n what_o to_o lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o long_a continuance_n and_o duration_n of_o suffering_n which_o in_o comparison_n thereunto_o at_o their_o utmost_a extent_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a on_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v the_o peculiar_a object_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o that_o be_v indeed_o spiritual_o mind_v chap._n viii_o spiritual_a thought_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o opposition_n unto_o they_o and_o neglect_v of_o they_o with_o their_o cause_n and_o the_o way_n of_o their_o prevalency_n predominant_a corruption_n expel_v due_a thought_n of_o god_n how_o to_o be_v discover_v etc._n etc._n thought_n of_o god_n of_o what_o nature_n and_o what_o they_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v withal_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v speak_v very_o brief_o unto_o the_o first_o particular_a instance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o namely_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n and_o i_o have_v do_v it_o on_o the_o reason_n before_o mention_v namely_o that_o i_o intend_v a_o peculiar_a treatise_n on_o that_o subject_n or_o and_o enquiry_n how_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n and_o how_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o unto_o eternity_n that_o which_o i_o have_v reserve_v unto_o the_o last_o place_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o thought_n about_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o absolute_a foundation_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n namely_o god_n himself_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n whence_o all_o these_o thing_n proceed_v and_o the_o ocean_n wherein_o they_o issue_n he_o be_v their_o centre_n and_o circumference_n wherein_o they_o all_o begin_v meet_v and_o end_v so_o the_o apostle_n issue_v his_o profound_a discourse_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 11.36_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o all_o thing_n arise_v from_o his_o power_n be_v all_o dispose_v by_o his_o wisdom_n into_o a_o tendency_n unto_o his_o glory_n of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n under_o that_o consideration_n alone_o be_v they_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o spiritual_a meditation_n namely_o as_o they_o come_v from_o he_o and_o tend_v unto_o he_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v finite_a and_o limit_v but_o they_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o that_o which_o be_v immense_a and_o infinite_a so_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all._n he_o therefore_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a absolute_a object_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o desire_n other_o thing_n be_v from_o and_o for_o he_o only_o where_o our_o thought_n do_v not_o either_o immediate_o and_o direct_o or_o mediate_o and_o by_o just_a consequence_n tend_v unto_o and_o end_v in_o he_o they_o be_v not_o spiritual_a 1._o pet._n 1.21_o to_o make_v way_n for_o direction_n how_o to_o exercise_v our_o thought_n on_o god_n himself_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v concern_v a_o sinful_a defect_n herein_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o great_a character_n of_o a_o man_n presumptuous_o and_o flagitious_o wicked_a that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n psal._n 10.4_o that_o be_v he_o be_v in_o none_o of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o want_n of_o thought_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o degree_n for_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o equal_o so_o forgetful_a of_o he_o 1._o some_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o atheistical_a thought_n they_o deny_v or_o question_n or_o do_v not_o avowed_o acknowledge_v the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o height_n of_o what_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n can_v rise_v unto_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n and_o yet_o to_o refuse_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o law_n or_o will_n a_o man_n will_v think_v be_v as_o bad_a if_o not_o worse_o than_o to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v a_o rebellion_n against_o his_o authority_n this_o and_o hatred_n unto_o the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n truth_n and_o be_v and_o that_o because_o they_o can_v own_v it_o but_o withal_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v infinite_o righteous_a holy_a and_o powerful_a which_o will_v destroy_v all_o their_o desire_n and_o security_n such_o may_v be_v the_o person_n in_o the_o psalm_n for_o the_o word_n may_v be_v read_v all_z his_o thought_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n howbeit_o the_o context_n describe_v he_o as_o one_o who_o rather_o despise_v his_o providence_n than_o deny_v his_o be_v but_o such_o there_o be_v who_o the_o same_o psalmist_n elsewhere_o brand_v for_o fool_n though_o themselves_o seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o wisdom_n be_v bear_v and_o will_v die_v with_o they_o psal._n 14.1_o psal._n 53.1_o it_o may_v be_v never_o any_o age_n since_o the_o flood_n do_v more_o abound_v with_o open_a atheism_n among_o such_o as_o pretend_v unto_o the_o use_n and_o improvement_n of_o reason_n than_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v among_o the_o ancient_a civilise_a heathen_a we_o hear_v ever_o and_o anon_o of_o a_o person_n brand_v for_o a_o atheist_n yet_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o it_o be_v do_v just_o or_o no._n but_o in_o all_o nation_n of_o europe_n at_o this_o day_n city_n court_n town_n field_n army_n abound_v with_o person_n who_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v unto_o what_o they_o say_v or_o do_v believe_v not_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o may_v be_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o now_o this_o be_v no_o other_o
distinct_o unto_o what_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o three_o place_n concern_v the_o complacency_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o what_o its_o affection_n be_v fix_v on_o for_o it_o will_v fall_v in_o with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v unto_o but_o before_o we_o do_v proceed_v it_o be_v not_o amiss_o as_o i_o suppose_v to_o put_v a_o remark_n upon_o those_o important_a truth_n which_o be_v direct_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n propose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n as_o 1._o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v the_o great_a distinguish_a character_n of_o true_a believer_n from_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o such_o be_v it_o here_o assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n all_o those_o who_o be_v carnal_o mind_v who_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n they_o be_v unregenerate_a they_o be_v not_o bear_v of_o god_n they_o please_v he_o not_o nor_o can_v do_v so_o but_o must_v perish_v for_o ever_o but_o those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v live_v unto_o he_o and_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o hereon_o depend_v the_o trial_n and_o determination_n of_o what_o state_n we_o do_v belong_v unto_o 2._o where_o any_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v there_o and_o there_o alone_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n what_o these_o be_v wherein_o they_o do_v consist_v what_o be_v their_o excellency_n and_o pre-eminence_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n how_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v there_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o consideration_n but_o be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v of_o how_o great_a concernment_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o diligent_o to_o inquire_v whether_o we_o be_v so_o or_o no._n it_o will_v therefore_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n unto_o we_o to_o have_v our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n always_o affect_v with_o and_o in_o due_a subjection_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o this_o truth_n namely_o that_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o whatever_o we_o may_v think_v otherwise_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o we_o have_v neither_o of_o they_o neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n it_o will_v i_o say_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o we_o if_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o many_o great_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n they_o admit_v of_o sacred_a truth_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o assent_v unto_o they_o but_o take_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o they_o on_o their_o conscience_n nor_o strict_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n by_o they_o which_o prove_v their_o ruin_n for_o hereby_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o believe_v that_o whereof_o in_o truth_n they_o believe_v not_o one_o syllable_n as_o they_o ought_v they_o hear_v it_o they_o understand_v it_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o they_o assent_n unto_o it_o at_o least_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o yea_o they_o commend_v it_o oftentimes_o and_o approve_v of_o it_o but_o yet_o they_o believe_v it_o not_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v judge_v themselves_o by_o it_o and_o reckon_v on_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v with_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n according_a as_o thing_n be_v determine_v therein_o or_o such_o person_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n james_n declare_v like_o a_o man_n behold_v his_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n for_o he_o behold_v himself_o and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o straightway_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v jam._n 1.23_o 24._o there_o be_v a_o representation_n make_v of_o they_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o word_n they_o behold_v it_o and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o they_o as_o the_o word_n do_v declare_v but_o immediate_o their_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o other_o thought_n act_v by_o other_o affection_n take_v up_o with_o other_o occasion_n and_o they_o forget_v in_o a_o moment_n the_o representation_n make_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o condition_n wherefore_o all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v on_o this_o subject_n will_v be_v utter_o lose_v unless_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n hereof_o be_v fix_v on_o our_o mind_n unless_o we_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o that_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n so_o that_o whatever_o our_o light_n and_o profession_n be_v our_o knowledge_n or_o our_o duty_n without_o this_o we_o have_v indeed_o no_o real_a interest_n in_o life_n and_o peace_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v more_o practical_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o unto_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o or_o as_o unto_o its_o degree_n for_o one_o may_v be_v so_o more_o than_o another_o or_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v more_o so_o at_o one_o time_n than_o another_o in_o the_o first_o way_n it_o be_v oppose_v unto_o be_v carnal_o mind_v in_o the_o other_o unto_o be_v earthly_a mind_v to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v death_n it_o be_v so_o every_o way_n and_o they_o who_o be_v so_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n this_o be_v oppose_v unto_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v as_o unto_o its_o nature_n or_o essence_n where_o a_o man_n as_o unto_o the_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n intend_v be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v he_o be_v carnal_o mind_v that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n spiritual_a and_o obnoxious_a unto_o death_n eternal_a this_o be_v the_o principal_a foundation_n we_o proceed_v upon_o whence_o we_o demonstrate_v the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o mind_n inquire_v after_o there_o be_v two_o way_n wherein_o man_n be_v earthly-minded_n the_o one_o be_v absolute_a when_o the_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n be_v whole_o predominant_a in_o the_o mind_n this_o be_v not_o formal_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v which_o be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n the_o one_o denomination_n be_v from_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n namely_o the_o flesh_n the_o other_o from_o the_o object_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o branch_n from_o the_o former_a as_o its_o root_n to_o be_v earthly_a mind_v be_v a_o operation_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n in_o one_o especial_a way_n and_o instance_n and_o it_o be_v as_o exclusive_a of_o life_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o carnal_a mind_n itself_o phil._n 3.19_o 1_o joh._n 2.16_o this_o therefore_o be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o be_v of_o spiritual_a mindedness_n no_o less_o than_o to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v when_o there_o be_v in_o any_o a_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n that_o be_v predominant_a whence_o a_o person_n may_v be_v right_o denominate_v to_o be_v earthly_a mind_v he_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v at_o all_o he_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n intend_v thereby_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v evident_o with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_n again_o there_o be_v a_o be_v earthly-minded_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o inordinate_a affection_n unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v sinful_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v mortify_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o substance_n and_o be_v of_o the_o grace_n inquire_v after_o some_o who_o be_v real_o and_o true_o spiritual_o mind_v yet_o may_v for_o a_o time_n at_o least_o be_v under_o such_o a_o inordinate_a affection_n unto_o and_o care_v about_o earthly_a thing_n that_o if_o not_o absolute_o yet_o comparative_o as_o unto_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o may_v be_v they_o may_v be_v just_o say_v to_o be_v earthly_a mind_v they_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o degree_n in_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v which_o they_o ought_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o may_v attain_v unto_o and_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o this_o grace_n can_v never_o thrive_v or_o flourish_v it_o can_v never_o advance_v unto_o any_o eminent_a degree_n this_o be_v the_o zoar_n of_o many_o professor_n that_o little_a one_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v spare_v such_o a_o earthly-mindedness_a as_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v as_o unto_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n which_o depend_v thereon_o they_o will_v avoid_v for_o this_o they_o know_v will_v be_v absolute_o exclusive_a of_o life_n and_o peace_n they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o such_o a_o frame_n be_v as_o inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n as_o live_v in_o the_o vile_a sin_n that_o any_o man_n can_v
bank_n but_o if_o a_o flood_n be_v turn_v into_o they_o they_o know_v no_o bound_n but_o overflow_v all_o about_o they_o the_o increase_n of_o wealth_n and_o riches_n enlarge_v the_o desire_n of_o man_n after_o they_o beyond_o all_o bound_n of_o wisdom_n sobriety_n or_o safety_n he_o that_o labour_v hard_a for_o his_o daily_a bread_n have_v seldom_o such_o earnest_a vehement_a desire_n of_o a_o addition_n unto_o what_o he_o have_v as_o many_o have_v who_o already_o have_v more_o than_o they_o know_v how_o to_o use_v or_o almost_o what_o to_o do_v withal_o this_o they_o must_v have_v more_o and_o the_o last_o advantage_n serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o look_v out_o for_o another_o and_o yet_o such_o man_n will_v on_o other_o account_n be_v esteem_v good_a christian_n and_o spiritual_o mind_v as_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v 2._o they_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o value_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o those_o which_o bring_v in_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o make_v they_o to_o differ_v from_o those_o who_o they_o see_v to_o be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a now_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a unto_o and_o where_o they_o be_v habitual_o prevalent_a inconsistent_a utter_o with_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n be_v under_o their_o power_n can_v ever_o attain_v deliverance_n unless_o their_o thought_n be_v fix_v and_o their_o mind_n thereby_o possess_v with_o due_a apprehension_n of_o invisible_a thing_n and_o eternal_a glory_n these_o be_v some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o advantage_n which_o we_o may_v obtain_v by_o fix_v our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n and_o thereby_o our_o affection_n on_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o make_v i_o willing_a to_o give_v some_o few_o direction_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o whatever_o else_o we_o be_v and_o do_v we_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_v whereon_o life_n and_o peace_n depend_v unless_o we_o do_v real_o exercise_v our_o thought_n unto_o meditation_n of_o thing_n above_o without_o it_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o vain_a and_o as_o i_o fear_v man_n be_v general_o want_v and_o defective_a herein_o in_o point_n of_o practice_n so_o i_o do_v also_o that_o many_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o intellectual_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n unseen_a do_v seldom_o set_v themselves_o unto_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v some_o few_o direction_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n chap._n vi_o direction_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n on_o thing_n above_o thing_n future_a invisible_a and_o eternal_a on_o god_n himself_o with_o the_o difficultye_n of_o it_o and_o opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o way_n of_o their_o removal_n right_o notion_n of_o future_a glory_n state_v we_o have_v treat_v in_o general_a before_o of_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n as_o unto_o our_o present_a duty_n that_o which_o we_o be_v last_o engage_v in_o be_v a_o especial_a instance_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n thing_n future_a and_o invisible_a with_o the_o fountain_n and_o spring_n of_o they_o all_o in_o christ_n and_o god_n himself_o and_o because_o man_n general_o be_v unskilled_a herein_o and_o great_a difficulty_n arise_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o especial_a direction_n concern_v it_o 1._o possess_v your_o mind_n with_o right_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n above_o and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o future_a glory_n we_o be_v in_o this_o duty_n to_o look_v at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v 2_o cor._n 4.16_o it_o be_v faith_n only_o whereby_o we_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o they_o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n and_o faith_n can_v give_v we_o no_o interest_n in_o they_o unless_o we_o have_v due_a apprehension_n of_o they_o for_o it_o do_v but_o assent_n and_o cleave_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v both_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o feed_v on_o ash_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o fancy_v a_o future_a estate_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n direct_v we_o to_o seek_v and_o mind_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o add_v for_o the_o guidance_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o principal_a concernment_n of_o they_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n col._n 3.1_o 2._o he_o will_v lead_v we_o unto_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o those_o heavenly_a thing_n especial_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o exaltation_n and_o glory_n wherefore_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o possess_v our_o mind_n withal_o may_v here_o be_v consider_v all_o that_o have_v a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n do_v agree_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o or_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o deliverance_n and_o freedom_n from_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a but_o in_o what_o be_v so_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v many_o esteem_v only_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v grievous_a troublesome_a waste_v and_o destructive_a unto_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o that_o be_v what_o be_v penal_a in_o pain_n sickness_n sorrow_n loss_n poverty_n with_o all_o kind_n of_o outward_a trouble_n and_o death_n itself_o be_v evil_a wherefore_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o future_a state_n of_o blessedness_n will_v free_v they_o from_o all_o these_o thing_n if_o they_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o this_o they_o will_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n and_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o which_o they_o must_v forego_v yea_o person_n profane_a and_o profligate_v will_n in_o word_n at_o least_o profess_v that_o heaven_n will_v give_v they_o rest_v from_o all_o their_o trouble_n but_o it_o be_v no_o place_n of_o rest_n for_o such_o person_n unto_o all_o other_o also_o unto_o believer_n themselves_o these_o thing_n be_v evil_a such_o as_o they_o expect_v a_o deliverance_n from_o in_o heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o and_o meet_v that_o we_o shall_v contemplate_v on_o they_o as_o those_o which_o will_v give_v we_o a_o deliverance_n from_o all_o outward_a trouble_n death_n itself_o and_o all_o that_o lead_v thereunto_o heaven_n be_v promise_v as_o rest_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v trouble_v 2_o thes._n 1.7_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n under_o all_o our_o suffering_n reproach_n persecution_n trouble_n and_o sorrow_n to_o raise_v up_o our_o mind_n unto_o the_o contemplation_n of_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o they_o all_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a notion_n of_o heaven_n that_o god_n shall_v therein_o wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o our_o eye_n rev._n 7.17_o or_o remove_v far_o from_o we_o all_o cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o it_o will_v be_v unto_o our_o advantage_n if_o we_o do_v accustom_v our_o mind_n more_o unto_o this_o kind_n of_o relief_n than_o we_o do_v if_o upon_o the_o incursion_n of_o fear_n danger_n sorrow_n we_o do_v more_o ready_o retreat_n unto_o thought_n of_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o they_o all_o even_o this_o most_o inferior_a consideration_n of_o it_o will_v render_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o more_o familiar_a and_o the_o thing_n itself_o more_o useful_a unto_o we_o much_o better_o it_o be_v than_o on_o such_o occasion_n to_o be_v exercise_v with_o heartless_a complaint_n uncertain_a hope_n and_o fruitless_a contrivance_n but_o there_o be_v that_o which_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_v have_v more_o evil_a in_o it_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o that_o be_v sin_n heaven_n be_v a_o state_n of_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n from_o all_o sin_n in_o all_o the_o cause_n concomitant_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o he_o be_v no_o true_a believer_n unto_o who_o sin_n be_v not_o the_o great_a burden_n sorrow_n and_o trouble_v other_o thing_n as_o the_o loss_n of_o dear_a relation_n or_o extraordinary_a pain_n may_v make_v deep_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n by_o its_o natural_a affection_n at_o some_o season_n than_o ever_o our_o sin_n do_v at_o any_o one_o time_n in_o any_o one_o instance_n so_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o great_a trouble_n in_o sense_n of_o pain_n by_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o toothache_n which_o will_v be_v go_v in_o a_o hour_n than_o in_o a_o hectic_a fever_n or_o consumption_n which_o will_v assure_o take_v away_o his_o life_n but_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o
wilderness_n where_o no_o refreshment_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v to_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o come_v unto_o god_n and_o not_o with_o expectation_n of_o receive_v good_a and_o great_a thing_n from_o he_o be_v to_o despise_v god_n himself_o to_o overthrow_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o deprive_v our_o own_o soul_n of_o all_o benefit_n thereby_o and_o want_v hereof_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o most_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a unto_o themselves_o we_o be_v always_o to_o come_v unto_o god_n as_o unto_o a_o eternal_a spring_n of_o goodness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o all_o that_o our_o soul_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o of_o all_o we_o can_v desire_v in_o order_n unto_o our_o everlasting_a blessedness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o unto_o believer_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o two_o head_n before_o mention_v first_o they_o come_v for_o a_o communication_n of_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n in_o jesus_n christ._n hence_o do_v all_o our_o peace_n consolation_n and_o joy_n all_o our_o encouragement_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n all_o our_o supportment_n under_o our_o suffering_n sole_o depend_v in_o these_o thing_n do_v our_o soul_n live_v and_o without_o they_o we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v the_o immediate_a efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o we_o he_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5.5_o he_o witness_v our_o adoption_n unto_o we_o chap._n 8.15_o 16._o and_o thereby_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n in_o god_n as_o he_o be_v love_n but_o the_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o he_o communicate_v these_o thing_n unto_o we_o and_o effect_n they_o in_o we_o be_v by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o ordinary_o he_o do_v the_o same_o work_n also_o in_o prayer_n ofttimes_o in_o other_o holy_a administration_n for_o this_o end_n for_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o these_o mercy_n do_v believer_n come_v unto_o god_n by_o they_o they_o use_v they_o as_o mean_n to_o draw_v water_n from_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o receive_v in_o that_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o god_n by_o they_o will_v communicate_v so_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n if_o it_o be_v open_v by_o faith_n he_o come_v in_o and_o sup_v with_o man_n give_v they_o a_o gracious_a refreshment_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o love_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n rev._n 3.20_o joh._n 14.23_o this_o believer_n look_v for_o in_o and_o this_o they_o do_v in_o various_a measure_n receive_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o although_o some_o through_o their_o fear_n and_o temptation_n be_v not_o sensible_a hereof_o yet_o do_v they_o secret_o receive_v these_o bless_a gracious_a supply_n whereby_o their_o soul_n be_v hold_v in_o life_n without_o which_o they_o will_v pine_v away_o and_o perish_v so_o he_o deal_v with_o they_o cant._n 4.5_o 6._o these_o be_v the_o garden_n and_o gallery_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o of_o his_o love_n cant._n 7.12_o those_o who_o be_v humble_a and_o sincere_a know_v how_o often_o their_o soul_n have_v be_v refresh_v in_o they_o and_o how_o long_o sometime_o the_o impression_n they_o have_v receive_v of_o divine_a grace_n and_o love_n have_v continue_v with_o they_o unto_o their_o unspeakable_a consolation_n they_o remember_v what_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o open_v and_o application_n of_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v gradual_o more_o and_o more_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n how_o many_o a_o time_n they_o have_v receive_v light_n in_o darkness_n refreshment_n under_o despondency_n relief_n in_o their_o conflict_n with_o danger_n and_o temptation_n in_o and_o by_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v affection_n that_o be_v spiritual_o renew_v cleave_v unto_o they_o who_o can_v but_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o that_o which_o he_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o communicate_v unto_o he_o the_o most_o invaluable_a mercy_n the_o most_o inestimable_a benefit_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n he_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n he_o who_o have_v find_v a_o hide_a treasure_n although_o he_o shall_v at_o once_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o yet_o will_v esteem_v the_o place_n where_o he_o find_v it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o no_o more_o can_v be_v find_v or_o take_v of_o it_o at_o once_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a occasion_n yet_o be_v so_o full_a and_o boundless_a as_o that_o whenever_o he_o come_v again_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v present_a supply_n he_o will_v always_o value_v it_o and_o constant_o apply_v himself_o unto_o it_o and_o such_o be_v the_o treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a love_n that_o be_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o we_o be_v stranger_n unto_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o have_v never_o receive_v efficatious_a intimation_n of_o divine_a love_n unto_o our_o soul_n in_o and_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n we_o can_v love_v they_o and_o delight_v in_o they_o as_o we_o ought_v what_o do_v man_n come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o what_o do_v they_o pray_v for_o what_o do_v they_o expect_v to_o receive_v from_o he_o do_v they_o come_v unto_o god_n as_o the_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o live_v water_n as_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n peace_n and_o consolation_n or_o do_v they_o come_v unto_o his_o worship_n without_o any_o design_n as_o unto_o a_o dry_a and_o empty_a show_n do_v they_o fight_v uncertain_o with_o these_o thing_n as_o man_n beat_v the_o air_n or_o do_v they_o think_v they_o bring_v something_o unto_o god_n but_o receive_v nothing_o from_o he_o that_o the_o best_a of_o their_o business_n be_v to_o please_v he_o in_o do_v what_o he_o command_v but_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o they_o expect_v not_o nor_o do_v ever_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v do_v so_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o person_n who_o walk_v in_o such_o way_n ever_o to_o attain_v a_o due_a delight_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n believer_n have_v other_o design_n herein_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o fresh_a make_v partaker_n of_o refresh_a comfort_a pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o thereby_o of_o their_o adoption_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o person_n according_a as_o they_o meet_v with_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a worship_n public_a or_o private_a so_o will_v they_o love_v value_n and_o adhere_v unto_o they_o some_o man_n be_v full_a of_o other_o thought_n and_o affection_n so_o as_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o their_o principal_a design_n or_o desire_n or_o be_v content_v with_o that_o measure_n of_o they_o which_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v attain_v or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o need_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o have_v fresh_a communication_n of_o they_o make_v unto_o their_o soul_n suppose_v that_o they_o can_v do_v well_o enough_o without_o a_o renew_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n every_o day_n some_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o design_n to_o look_v after_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n worship_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v any_o real_a design_n in_o they_o many_o of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o professor_n be_v too_o negligent_a in_o this_o matter_n they_o do_v not_o long_a and_o pant_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n after_o renew_a pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o much_o need_n they_o have_v of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v and_o strengthen_v unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n they_o do_v not_o prepare_v their_o mind_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o they_o nor_o come_v with_o expectation_n of_o their_o communication_n unto_o they_o they_o do_v not_o right_o fix_v their_o faith_n on_o this_o truth_n namely_o that_o these_o holy_a administration_n and_o duty_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o convey_v his_o love_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o unto_o our_o soul_n from_o hence_o spring_v all_o that_o lukewarmness_n coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a worship_n that_o be_v grow_v among_o we_o for_o if_o man_n have_v lose_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o faith_n
as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a the_o light_n of_o it_o can_v full_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o its_o affection_n for_o they_o be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a such_o as_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o some_o of_o they_o as_o future_a glory_n be_v not_o yet_o clear_o reveal_v but_o it_o discern_v they_o all_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v in_o themselves_o and_o not_o in_o any_o corrupt_a representation_n or_o imagination_n of_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o affection_n they_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v receive_v they_o namely_o because_o he_o have_v not_o ability_n spiritual_o to_o discern_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o principal_a quality_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o communication_n unto_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o act_n in_o we_o of_o a_o spiritual_a save_v light_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v and_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n kind_a and_o proper_a use_n see_v ephes._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v unto_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v that_o you_o know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_v and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o god_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o end_n god_n design_n be_v to_o draw_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n unto_o himself_o and_o unto_o this_o end_n he_o give_v unto_o we_o a_o glorious_a internal_a light_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o cleave_v unto_o with_o love_n and_o delight_n without_o this_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o false_a image_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o our_o mind_n not_o always_o as_o unto_o the_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n concern_v they_o but_o as_o unto_o their_o reality_n power_n and_o efficacy_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a effect_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n namely_o to_o discover_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o represent_v unto_o the_o affection_n thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a in_o their_o nature_n beauty_n and_o genuine_a excellency_n this_o attract_v they_o if_o they_o be_v spiritual_o renew_v and_o cause_v they_o to_o cleave_v with_o delight_n unto_o what_o be_v so_o propose_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n who_o thereon_o discover_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o mediation_n will_v both_o love_v he_o and_o on_o his_o believe_a rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n so_o be_v it_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n the_o more_o steady_a be_v our_o view_n by_o faith_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o more_o firm_a and_o constant_a will_v our_o affection_n be_v in_o cleave_v unto_o they_o and_o wherever_o the_o mind_n be_v darken_v about_o they_o by_o temptation_n or_o seduction_n from_o the_o truth_n there_o the_o affection_n will_v be_v quick_o weaken_v and_o impair_v wherefore_o three_o affection_n thus_o lead_v unto_o and_o fix_v on_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n under_o the_o light_n and_o conduct_v of_o faith_n be_v more_o and_o more_o renew_v or_o make_v in_o themselves_o more_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a they_o be_v in_o their_o cleave_v unto_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o continual_o change_v and_o assimulate_v unto_o the_o thing_n themselves_o become_v more_o and_o more_o to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v namely_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a this_o transformation_n be_v wrought_v by_o faith_n and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n and_o operation_n see_v 2_o cor._n 3.18_o and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o work_v herein_o be_v our_o affection_n in_o they_o as_o we_o be_v carnal_a we_o be_v conform_v unto_o this_o world_n and_o by_o they_o as_o sanctify_v be_v we_o transform_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 12.2_o and_o this_o transformation_n be_v the_o introduction_n of_o a_o new_a form_n or_o nature_n into_o our_o soul_n diverse_a from_o that_o wherewith_o we_o be_v before_o endue_v so_o be_v it_o describe_v isaiah_n 11.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n they_o be_v change_v into_o and_o it_o be_v twofold_a first_o original_a and_o radical_a as_o to_o the_o substance_n or_o essence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o first_o act_n of_o divine_a grace_n upon_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n herein_o our_o affection_n be_v passive_a they_o do_v not_o transform_v we_o but_o be_v transform_v second_o gradual_a as_o unto_o its_o increase_n and_o therein_o faith_n work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o affection_n whenever_o the_o affection_n do_v cleave_v intense_o unto_o any_o object_n they_o receive_v a_o impression_n from_o it_o as_o the_o wax_n do_v from_o the_o seal_n when_o apply_v unto_o it_o which_o change_v they_o into_o its_o own_o likeness_n so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v of_o sensual_a unclean_a person_n they_o have_v eye_n full_a of_o adultery_n 2_o pet._n 2.14_o their_o affection_n be_v so_o whole_o possess_v and_o fill_v with_o their_o lustful_a object_n as_o that_o they_o have_v bring_v forth_o their_o own_o likeness_n upon_o their_o imagination_n that_o blot_v out_o all_o other_o and_o leave_v they_o no_o inclination_n but_o what_o they_o stir_v up_o in_o they_o when_o man_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n which_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o all_o their_o other_o affection_n their_o hope_n fear_n and_o desire_n unto_o a_o constant_a exercise_n about_o the_o same_o object_n they_o become_v earthly-minded_n their_o mind_n be_v so_o change_v into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o corrupt_a principle_n of_o sin_n self-love_n and_o lust_n as_o if_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o savour_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o by_o faith_n man_n come_v to_o embrace_v heavenly_a thing_n through_o the_o effectual_a work_v of_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o they_o be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o make_v heavenly_a the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n love_n be_v more_o sincere_a and_o ardent_a delight_n be_v more_o ravish_a and_o sensible_a desire_n be_v more_o enlarge_v and_o intense_a and_o by_o all_o a_o taste_n and_o relish_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v heighten_v into_o refresh_a experience_n see_v rom._n 5.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o one_o grace_n be_v add_v unto_o another_o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 6._o in_o degree_n great_a be_v the_o assimulation_n between_o renew_a affection_n and_o their_o spiritual_a object_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n may_v be_v attain_v the_o mind_n hereby_o become_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v by_o the_o spirit_n christ_n also_o dwell_v in_o believer_n and_o they_o in_o he_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o 1_o john_n 4.16_o love_n in_o its_o proper_a exercise_n give_v a_o mutual_a inhabitation_n unto_o god_n and_o believer_n in_o brief_a he_o who_o affection_n be_v set_v upon_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n will_v be_v heavenly-minded_n and_o in_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o they_o will_v that_o heavenly_a mindedness_n be_v increase_v the_o transformation_n and_o assimulation_n that_o be_v wrought_v be_v not_o in_o the_o object_n or_o spiritual_a thing_n themselves_o they_o be_v not_o change_v neither_o in_o themselves_o nor_o in_o the_o representation_n make_v of_o they_o unto_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o change_n be_v in_o our_o affection_n which_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o they_o two_o case_n derive_v from_o this_o principle_n and_o consideration_n may_v be_v here_o speak_v unto_o and_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o first_o in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n the_o one_o be_v concern_v the_o slowness_n and_o imperceptibility_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o their_o assimulation_n unto_o