thou_o to_o be_v too_o fearful_a and_o superstititious_a either_o he_o will_v puff_n thou_o up_o with_o presumption_n or_o assault_v thou_o with_o desperation_n to_o these_o tentation_n our_o nature_n be_v very_o pliable_a first_o to_o presumption_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o our_o common_a speech_n tush_o the_o preacher_n be_v but_o a_o man_n as_o i_o be_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o have_v infirmity_n as_o other_o have_v we_o be_v no_o angel_n our_o nature_n be_v corrupt_a we_o be_v but_o flesh_n i_o be_o sure_a you_o will_v not_o have_v we_o go_n thus_o the_o devil_n come_v to_o tempt_v but_o he_o apparrel_v himself_o in_o another_o suit_n when_o he_o come_v to_o accuse_v and_o then_o of_o a_o â—lie_n he_o make_v a_o elephant_n of_o the_o very_o small_a prick_n of_o a_o pin_n a_o globe_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n of_o a_o mole_n hill_n a_o mountainâ—_n and_o press_v silly_a soul_n with_o fear_n and_o terror_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o wind_v out_o themselves_o if_o he_o can_v 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god_n his_o child_n must_v labour_v for_o a_o measure_n and_o that_o must_v be_v seek_v for_o in_o the_o word_n which_o will_v teach_v they_o how_o they_o shall_v neither_o decline_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o on_o the_o left_a but_o will_v guide_v they_o in_o the_o narrow_a way_n show_v in_o every_o thing_n what_o be_v the_o virtue_n what_o be_v the_o vice_n what_o be_v the_o mean_a what_o be_v the_o extreme_a among_o many_o example_n let_v we_o consider_v of_o zeal_n zeal_n a_o most_o precious_a virtue_n in_o christianity_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v free_a from_o the_o extremity_n otherwise_o if_o we_o be_v cold_a in_o zeal_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n on_o the_o left_a hand_n if_o we_o be_v zealous_a without_o knowledge_n it_o be_v preposterous_a and_o become_v a_o sin_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n but_o can_v we_o not_o come_v to_o some_o perfection_n no_o if_o you_o understand_v it_o for_o a_o absolute_a unspottednes_n albeit_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o the_o scripture_n take_v for_o soundness_n truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v void_a of_o careless_a remissness_n we_o may_v come_v neither_o do_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o we_o aâ—ter_v our_o sin_n nor_o reward_v we_o after_o our_o iniquity_n in_o who_o eye_n the_o most_o glorious_a action_n of_o man_n be_v but_o as_o water_n flow_v pure_o from_o the_o conduit_n but_o defile_v by_o pass_v through_o a_o filthy_a channel_n wherefore_o although_o we_o have_v our_o imperfection_n let_v we_o not_o seek_v to_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o we_o can_v be_v say_v for_o every_o error_n of_o this_o life_n oh_o i_o be_o none_o of_o god_n his_o son_n i_o be_o none_o of_o his_o daughter_n for_o i_o can_v find_v that_o perfection_n in_o i_o which_o be_v to_o be_v require_v but_o let_v we_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o singleness_n of_o our_o have_v to_o serve_v god_n because_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n i_o speak_v this_o to_o this_o end_n that_o poor_a soul_n may_v have_v comfort_n and_o know_v that_o be_v they_o abhor_v sin_n as_o sin_n if_o they_o examine_v themselves_o for_o it_o if_o they_o groan_v under_o it_o if_o they_o mislike_v themselves_o for_o it_o if_o they_o fear_v to_o fall_v into_o it_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o pursue_v they_o with_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o law_n but_o will_v give_v they_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o promise_n they_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o â—urse_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o further_o to_o enforce_v our_o exhortation_n to_o avoid_v too_o scrupulous_a a_o fear_n which_o hinder_v the_o true_a examination_n of_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o think_v that_o it_o happen_v in_o the_o spiritual_a conflict_n as_o in_o civil_a war_n we_o read_v that_o many_o city_n lie_v in_o great_a security_n have_v sudden_o both_o be_v assault_v and_o overthrow_v as_o also_o how_o some_o country_n too_o much_o negligence_n in_o the_o mean_n through_o a_o excessive_a fearefullnes_n have_v encourage_v their_o enemy_n with_o more_o greedy_a violence_n to_o pray_v upon_o they_o with_o which_o kind_n of_o stratagem_n our_o adversary_n the_o devil_n be_v well_o acquaint_v do_v often_o practice_v this_o policy_n if_o he_o see_v we_o without_o all_o fear_n too_o quiet_o to_o rest_v in_o ourselves_o he_o think_v his_o assault_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o strong_a because_o our_o resistance_n be_v the_o weak_a again_o if_o he_o discri_v in_o we_o a_o cowardly_a fear_n and_o faint_v of_o heart_n before_o we_o once_o begin_v to_o join_v battle_n with_o he_o he_o will_v set_v upon_o our_o immoderate_a fear_n &_o as_o villainous_o as_o sudden_o stab_v we_o to_o the_o heart_n &_o make_v a_o present_a spoil_n of_o us._n common_a practice_n do_v far_o teach_v we_o that_o when_o we_o can_v hear_v the_o word_n without_o all_o tremble_a at_o god_n his_o judgement_n when_o we_o can_v pray_v without_o all_o fear_n before_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n when_o we_o can_v come_v to_o the_o 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more_o just_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o they_o to_o help_v this_o evil_n with_o we_o must_v meditate_v deeply_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n together_o with_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o they_o both_o that_o find_v ourselves_o far_o from_o god_n blessing_n promise_v to_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o law_n and_o see_v ourselves_o never_o to_o the_o curse_n due_a to_o the_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n we_o may_v raise_v up_o some_o sense_n of_o sin_n in_o ourselves_o yet_o herein_o we_o must_v not_o stay_v our_o foot_n but_o give_v a_o far_a stride_n for_o whereas_o many_o by_o a_o diligent_a view_n of_o the_o law_n have_v come_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n in_o themselves_o and_o see_v plain_o their_o
pleasure_n such_o as_o can_v not_o away_o to_o be_v sad_a and_o hedge_v up_o always_o of_o godly_a sorrow_n have_v have_v their_o table_n make_v snare_n and_o even_o their_o excess_n of_o pleasure_n have_v bring_v excess_n of_o sorrow_n and_o while_o they_o labour_v to_o put_v the_o evil_a day_n far_o from_o they_o they_o have_v use_v such_o folly_n as_o have_v be_v the_o most_o bitter_a and_o speedy_a hangman_n of_o their_o fearful_a and_o tremble_a conscience_n there_o be_v some_o of_o another_o sort_n who_o never_o dream_v of_o a_o trouble_a mind_n have_v have_v their_o heart_n set_v on_o nothing_o but_o how_o they_o may_v get_v some_o great_a fame_n and_o renoun_n and_o therefore_o have_v slip_v into_o such_o vain_a glorious_a attempt_n and_o foul_a flattery_n as_o they_o have_v not_o only_o lose_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o also_o fall_v most_o deep_o into_o reproachful_a shame_n which_o they_o seek_v to_o shun_v now_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n of_o mind_n be_v such_o a_o treasure_n as_o the_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v the_o ear_n have_v not_o hear_v nor_o the_o tongue_n express_v but_o pass_v all_o understanding_n so_o the_o wound_a spirit_n be_v such_o as_o the_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v it_o the_o ear_n have_v not_o hear_v it_o nor_o the_o tongue_n utter_v but_o pass_v all_o understanding_n and_o as_o they_o only_o know_v what_o the_o peace_n of_o mind_n mean_v that_o feel_v it_o so_o they_o alone_o can_v in_o truth_n speak_v of_o a_o trouble_a mind_n that_o have_v taste_v of_o it_o by_o experience_n bet_n let_v we_o show_v what_o way_n be_v to_o be_v use_v to_o keep_v we_o from_o this_o wound_n of_o the_o spirit_n conscience_n it_o be_v the_o use_n of_o physic_n as_o to_o cure_v we_o of_o disease_n when_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o they_o so_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o sickness_n before_o it_o have_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n as_o to_o assuage_v the_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o do_v once_o press_v we_o so_o to_o prevent_v it_o before_o it_o have_v overtake_v us._n it_o be_v a_o chief_a point_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n not_o to_o tarry_v for_o the_o use_n of_o physic_n until_o we_o be_v deadly_a sick_a but_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n merciful_a preseruation_n to_o defend_v we_o from_o it_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o chief_a policy_n of_o a_o godly_a christian_a not_o only_o to_o seek_v comfort_n when_o the_o agony_n be_v upon_o he_o but_o also_o to_o use_v all_o good_a help_n to_o meetâ—_n with_o it_o before_o it_o come_v and_o we_o condemn_v they_o of_o folly_n who_o will_v not_o as_o well_o labour_n to_o keep_v themselves_o out_o of_o debt_n as_o to_o pay_v the_o debt_n when_o they_o owe_v it_o so_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n not_o to_o be_v as_o circumspect_a to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n which_o may_v bring_v trouble_n of_o mind_n upon_o we_o as_o we_o will_v be_v provident_a to_o enter_v every_o good_a way_n which_o may_v draw_v we_o out_o of_o this_o trouble_n when_o we_o have_v once_o enter_v into_o it_o the_o remedy_n preservative_n be_v first_o the_o search_n of_o our_o sin_n &_o then_o the_o examine_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o search_v of_o our_o sin_n be_v either_o the_o due_a acknowledge_v of_o our_o sin_n or_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o acknowledge_v of_o our_o sin_n be_v either_o of_o those_o that_o be_v past_a whether_o we_o have_v unfeigned_o repent_v we_o of_o they_o or_o of_o those_o which_o be_v present_a whether_o we_o be_v truelye_o greeve_v for_o they_o three_o of_o those_o secret_a corruption_n which_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v likely_a to_o come_v whether_o we_o be_v reverent_o afraid_a of_o they_o and_o resolve_v to_o suppress_v they_o with_o all_o our_o endeavour_n concern_v sin_n past_a we_o must_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o sin_n do_v of_o old_a in_o our_o youth_n in_o our_o middle_a age_n in_o our_o old_a age_n that_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o accuse_v of_o ourselves_o satan_n have_v no_o occasion_n to_o accuse_v we_o and_o throw_v down_o ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n he_o may_v lift_v we_o up_o for_o many_o go_v quiet_o away_o and_o sleep_v in_o carnal_a security_n not_o withstand-the_a sin_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o neglect_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v long_o ago_o sudden_o have_v fall_v into_o such_o horror_n oâ—_n mind_n that_o the_o violent_a remembrance_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n surcharge_v they_o they_o have_v be_v overwhelm_v this_o examination_n do_v then_o right_o proceed_v when_o it_o be_v reach_v to_o the_o error_n of_o this_o life_n &_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o youth_n because_o many_o man_n even_o from_o their_o childhood_n by_o a_o civil_a righteous_a life_n have_v escape_v gross_a sin_n wherewith_o the_o world_n can_v never_o charge_v they_o have_v notwithstanding_o carry_v the_o burden_n of_o their_o secret_n sin_n do_v in_o their_o youth_n david_n psal._n 25.7_o pray_v the_o lord_n not_o to_o remember_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n job_n 23.6_o the_o man_n of_o god_n confess_v that_o the_o lord_n write_n bitter_a thing_n against_o he_o make_v he_o to_o possess_v the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o youth_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o david_n or_o job_n be_v give_v to_o notorious_a wickedness_n in_o their_o youth_n no_o they_o know_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o youthful_a wantonness_n and_o unstaidness_n of_o their_o affection_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o burst_v out_o yet_o it_o make_v they_o less_o careful_a to_o glorify_v god_n which_o looseness_n the_o way_n to_o lewdness_n which_o weakness_n the_o way_n to_o strange_a vanity_n which_o wantonness_n the_o way_n to_o open_a wickedness_n be_v even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o god_n child_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n which_o be_v afterward_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o regeneration_n bring_v as_o it_o be_v to_o judgement_n and_o lay_v before_o their_o conscience_n do_v cause_v they_o to_o repent_v but_o here_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v blush_v at_o which_o make_v man_n ear_n to_o tingle_v when_o they_o hear_v it_o that_o many_o man_n far_o no_o doubt_n from_o this_o true_a repentance_n can_v large_o indeed_o discourse_v of_o the_o thing_n do_v in_o their_o youth_n but_o in_o such_o a_o bravery_n with_o such_o boasting_n and_o please_v of_o themselves_o in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o as_o beside_o that_o they_o provoke_v other_o to_o sin_n in_o the_o like_a and_o set_v themselves_o a_o flat_a backe-byas_n against_o repentance_n and_o this_o christian_a examination_n they_o seem_v to_o renew_v the_o decay_a colour_n of_o their_o old_a sin_n with_o the_o fresh_a suit_n of_o their_o second_o pleasure_n therein_o but_o alas_o what_o pleasure_n have_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o they_o have_v no_o profit_n what_o profit_n have_v they_o those_o thing_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a nether_a in_o this_o strain_n can_v we_o forget_v the_o madness_n of_o they_o who_o may_v seem_v to_o step_v one_o degree_n far_o towards_o this_o examination_n of_o sin_n than_o do_v the_o former_a by_o think_v that_o the_o leave_v of_o sin_n and_o repent_v of_o sin_n be_v all_o one_o against_o these_o both_o daily_a experience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v sufficient_o declaim_v josepâ—s_n brethren_n jacob_n his_o son_n who_o devise_v evil_a against_o their_o brother_n put_v he_o into_o the_o pit_n and_o sell_v he_o unto_o stranger_n do_v cease_v from_o this_o cruelty_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o read_v to_o have_v remember_v their_o sin_n with_o any_o remorse_n until_o thirteen_o year_n after_o the_o sin_n be_v commit_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o process_n of_o the_o history_n david_n have_v leave_v his_o sin_n of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n as_o think_v all_o quiet_a and_o well_o the_o space_n of_o a_o whole_a year_n after_o which_o time_n be_v admonish_v by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n he_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o experience_n have_v try_v in_o many_o that_o have_v have_v some_o work_n of_o god_n in_o they_o that_o though_o they_o leave_v their_o sin_n many_o year_n ago_o yet_o because_o they_o repent_v not_o true_o for_o they_o they_o have_v rebound_v up_o on_o they_o with_o terrible_a sight_n &_o fearful_a vision_n to_o humble_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o serious_a examination_n of_o they_o be_v do_v and_o leave_v long_o since_o example_n whereof_o we_o need_v not_o fetch_v from_o far_o see_v so_o many_o preacher_n as_o be_v acquaint_v with_o fearful_a spirit_n will_v give_v witness_n hereof_o the_o fruit_n of_o which_o amaze_a mind_n for_o sin_n already_o leave_v be_v we_o to_o beware_v
of_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o that_o other_o man_n harm_n may_v teach_v we_o bless_a wisdom_n let_v we_o labour_v not_o only_o to_o leave_v sin_n which_o one_o may_v do_v for_o profit_n for_o fear_n for_o praise_n or_o for_o werisomnes_n but_o also_o to_o repent_v of_o it_o for_o conscience_n sake_n this_o examination_n of_o our_o sin_n past_a must_v be_v partly_o of_o those_o that_o we_o commit_v before_o our_o call_n &_o partly_o of_o those_o which_o be_v do_v after_o our_o call_n every_o man_n especial_o have_v his_o reason_n reform_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v grant_v a_o examination_n of_o the_o life_n before_o our_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v most_o needful_a but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v think_v that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v so_o precise_a in_o the_o search_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v after_o our_o knowledge_n but_o see_v of_o all_o other_o sin_n these_o bite_v sore_a and_o pierce_v deep_a for_o that_o they_o be_v aggravate_v with_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n go_v before_o and_o sin_n be_v then_o most_o sinful_a when_o after_o we_o know_v the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v be_v deliver_v from_o sin_n after_o we_o have_v be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v fall_v into_o it_o i_o think_v that_o a_o examination_n most_o special_o aught_o to_o be_v have_v of_o these_o sin_n wherefore_o to_o iterate_v our_o former_a example_n in_o a_o new_a matter_n as_o we_o may_v see_v the_o former_a kind_n of_o examine_v of_o our_o sin_n before_o our_o call_n in_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n so_o we_o have_v a_o pattern_n of_o the_o latter_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n who_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v so_o trouble_v in_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o can_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o prophet_n speech_n tell_v he_o his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v he_o but_o still_o be_v disquiet_v as_o one_o utter_o forsake_v of_o god_n &_o can_v find_v no_o comfort_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o he_o for_o as_o it_o fare_v often_o with_o sore_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o sin_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o have_v our_o wound_n often_o grate_v upon_o we_o can_v so_o well_o away_o to_o have_v our_o sore_n rifle_v sear_a and_o lance_v but_o feed_v with_o heal_a salve_n so_o we_o be_v hard_o bring_v to_o have_v our_o conscience_n ground_n or_o our_o sin_n ransack_v sift_v search_v &_o rip_v up_o but_o will_v still_o have_v they_o plaster_v with_o sweet_a promise_n and_o bathe_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n whereas_o it_o be_v far_o safe_a before_o incarnative_a and_o heal_a medicine_n to_o use_v corrosive_n and_o mundify_a water_n without_o which_o though_o some_o sore_n may_v seem_v to_o close_v and_o skin_n up_o a_o pace_n yet_o they_o prove_v worse_o and_o be_v rot_v still_o at_o the_o core_n they_o have_v above_o a_o thin_a skin_n &_o underneath_o dead_a flesh_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o will_v cloak_n we_o will_v hide_v and_o cover_v our_o sin_n as_o it_o wear_v with_o a_o curtain_n but_o it_o be_v more_o sound_o chirurgery_n to_o prick_v and_o pierce_v our_o conscience_n with_o the_o burn_a iron_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o cleanse_v the_o wound_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o sharp_a threaten_n lest_o that_o a_o skin_n pull_v over_o the_o conscience_n for_o a_o while_n we_o leave_v the_o rottten_a corruption_n uncured_a underneath_o and_o so_o we_o be_v constrain_v to_o cry_v out_o of_o our_o sin_n open_o as_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n then_o to_o disemble_v our_o sore_n while_o they_o be_v curable_a and_o after_o to_o make_v they_o know_v when_o they_o be_v grow_v uncurable_a so_o it_o be_v as_o great_a folly_n to_o dissemble_v our_o sin_n while_o they_o may_v be_v remedy_v and_o so_o after_o be_v constrain_v with_o shame_n to_o blaze_v they_o abroad_o when_o thy_o be_v remediless_a but_o of_o this_o by_o the_o way_n because_o we_o shall_v more_o large_o touch_v it_o in_o the_o last_o part_n to_o come_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o commit_v sin_n before_o knowledge_n but_o after_o some_o good_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o sin_n breed_v either_o hardness_n of_o heart_n or_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n both_o which_o we_o shall_v avoid_v if_o in_o truth_n we_o be_v careful_a to_o watch_v over_o our_o affection_n and_o beware_v that_o after_o our_o delivery_n we_o fall_v not_o into_o sin_n gain_v several_a man_n subject_a to_o several_a sin_n have_v their_o several_a check_n in_o their_o conscience_n some_o be_v overcome_v with_o wrath_n and_o yet_o after_o the_o moody_a fit_n they_o can_v tell_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n do_v not_o accomplish_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n some_o be_v subject_a to_o lust_n and_o afterwards_o they_o say_v it_o profit_v they_o nothing_o some_o be_v give_v to_o a_o continual_a course_n of_o vanity_n who_o notwithstanding_o can_v say_v that_o man_n lâ—fe_n have_v another_o end_n some_o slip_n deep_o into_o worldliness_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v often_o waken_v with_o most_o terrible_a check_n of_o conscience_n well_o bless_a be_v they_o who_o heart_n be_v true_o grieve_v and_o let_v they_o beware_v that_o make_v â—aliance_n with_o sin_n for_o either_o hardness_n of_o heart_n will_v overtake_v they_o or_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n will_v confound_v they_o wherefore_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o spend_v their_o body_n on_o lust_n lament_v that_o ever_o they_o so_o abuse_v their_o strength_n many_o give_v too_o much_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n have_v grief_n come_v upon_o they_o to_o remember_v how_o they_o have_v spend_v god_n grace_n lavish_v his_o good_a gift_n and_o misspend_v their_o time_n or_o else_o if_o they_o have_v not_o this_o grief_n they_o fall_v into_o voluptuousness_n &_o draw_v such_o a_o thick_a skin_n upon_o their_o heart_n as_o will_v cause_v the_o strong_a denouncing_n of_o god_n judgement_n to_o rebound_v be_v they_o drive_v on_o never_o so_o hard_a and_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o world_n that_o man_n be_v control_v in_o their_o conscience_n while_o they_o be_v a_o pray_v and_o feel_v a_o secret_a charge_n lay_v against_o they_o to_o beware_v of_o guile_n in_o buy_v &_o sell_v either_o have_v these_o cheek_n less_o and_o less_o and_o so_o they_o grow_v to_o be_v profane_a or_o else_o afterward_o they_o be_v wonderful_o wound_v that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o worldly_a so_o greadely_a pursue_v earthly_a thing_n so_o cold_o procure_v heavenly_a thing_n thus_o even_o our_o privy_a thought_n not_o profit_v by_o be_v breeder_n of_o far_a trouble_n now_o the_o remedy_n against_o this_o trouble_n be_v willing_o and_o witting_o not_o to_o cherish_v sin_n remedy_n to_o wish_v that_o the_o minister_n shall_v touch_v our_o most_o privy_a and_o secret_a sin_n to_o be_v glad_a private_o to_o be_v admonish_v to_o profit_v by_o our_o enemy_n when_o they_o do_v reproach_n we_o and_o rather_o to_o desire_v in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o be_v humble_v than_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v flatter_v this_o try_v of_o ourselves_o must_v yet_o stretch_v itself_o far_a not_o only_o to_o the_o commit_n of_o evil_n but_o also_o to_o the_o omit_v of_o good_a as_o when_o after_o some_o good_a work_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o begin_v to_o fight_v and_o conflict_n with_o our_o own_o conscience_n sa_v though_o i_o must_v pray_v i_o must_v have_v time_n also_o to_o provide_v for_o my_o family_n if_o i_o go_v so_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sure_o i_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o loose_v this_o profit_n if_o i_o thus_o attend_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v be_v cut_v short_a in_o the_o use_n of_o my_o pleasure_n wherefore_o it_o shall_v be_v good_a to_o search_v our_o heart_n not_o only_o in_o the_o careless_a not_o use_v of_o the_o mean_n but_o also_o in_o the_o negligent_a watch_v over_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o mean_n say_v to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o manner_n i_o have_v hear_v a_o sermon_n but_o alas_o without_o any_o feel_n or_o work_v upon_o my_o affection_n i_o have_v be_v pray_v but_o with_o no_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o without_o those_o joy_n glorious_a and_o unspeakable_a which_o i_o be_v wont_v to_o taste_v of_o i_o see_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n execute_v but_o without_o any_o fear_n of_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o myself_o or_o compassion_n to_o the_o member_n censure_v and_o here_o i_o dare_v from_o my_o own_o observation_n assure_o affirm_v that_o outward_a sin_n have_v not_o be_v at_o some_o time_n so_o grievous_a to_o god_n child_n as_o that_o they_o have_v sometime_o use_v the_o mean_n with_o little_a reverence_n and_o with_o less_o fruit_n and_o
&_o humble_v with_o blindness_n of_o mind_n &_o hardness_n of_o heart_n to_o believe_v certain_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n his_o promise_n in_o general_a and_o to_o reverence_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o long_o after_o the_o comfort_n use_v the_o mean_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n and_o the_o company_n of_o god_n child_n contrary_a to_o hope_v under_o hope_n yea_o without_o any_o present_a feel_n all_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o god_n spirit_n be_v with_o such_o &_o therefore_o with_o you_o this_o estate_n although_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a yet_o it_o be_v never_o dangerous_a much_o less_o be_v it_o fearful_a unless_o any_o be_v so_o wilful_a that_o they_o persevere_v &_o continue_v in_o desperate_a refuse_v all_o good_a mean_n unless_o they_o persevere_v i_o say_v for_o that_o through_o the_o spiritual_a adversary_n &_o his_o forceable_a power_n whereby_o god_n suffer_v he_o sometime_o for_o a_o season_n to_o winnow_v they_o as_o wheat_n they_o be_v so_o be_v witch_v and_o intoxicate_v that_o they_o be_v carry_v by_o violent_a force_n of_o temptation_n to_o wax_v weary_a of_o or_o to_o refuse_v all_o mean_n of_o comfort_n by_o fit_n yea_o almost_o to_o have_v no_o desire_n at_o all_o unto_o they_o yea_o sometime_o to_o speak_v veie_n evil_a of_o they_o but_o all_o this_o be_v but_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o god_n will_v be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o for_o christ_n his_o sake_n thus_o job_n curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o wish_v to_o be_v strangle_v jeremie_n almost_o repent_v that_o ever_o he_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o scarce_o abstain_v from_o blasphemy_n david_n move_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o ambition_n though_o dutiful_o admonish_v wilful_o wâ—nt_a onin_n number_v the_o people_n peter_n also_o vain_a glorious_o presume_v of_o his_o own_o strength_n be_v most_o wise_o and_o effectual_o preadmonish_v of_o his_o weakness_n even_o by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n yet_o witting_o rush_v as_o a_o horse_n into_o the_o battle_n and_o then_o very_o cowardly_o yield_v yea_o double_o deni_v yea_o strengthen_v his_o sin_n with_o a_o threefold_a cord_n and_o fasten_v it_o with_o ban_v and_o curse_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o obtain_a mercy_n most_o bountiful_o for_o why_o as_o satan_n have_v desire_v to_o winnow_v they_o so_o our_o lord_n jesus_n pray_v for_o they_o that_o their_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v vehement_o assault_v yet_o shall_v not_o be_v overcome_v although_o it_o be_v batter_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v and_o though_o it_o be_v oppress_v yet_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v extinguish_v and_o here_o be_v you_o full_o persuade_v that_o albeit_o luke_n 22.31_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o run_v as_o belong_v but_o to_o peter_n vz._n i_o have_v pray_v for_o thou_o that_o thy_o faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v yet_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o for_o all_o the_o faithful_a for_o first_o he_o say_v not_o simon_n sathan_n have_v desire_v to_o winnow_v thou_o but_o you_o why_o then_o say_v he_o i_o have_v pray_v for_o thou_o very_o because_o he_o shall_v more_o grievous_o offend_v than_o the_o rest_n although_o their_o offence_n be_v very_o great_a therefore_o he_o and_o our_o most_o bless_a saviour_n apply_v to_o he_o the_o promise_n but_o do_v not_o appropriate_v it_o unto_o he_o only_o and_o restrain_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n compare_v with_o this_o place_n john_n 17.20_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o the_o heavenly_a verity_n affirm_v that_o he_o pray_v not_o only_o for_o the_o apostle_n but_o for_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v believe_v through_o their_o word_n yea_o far_a our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v yesterday_o be_v to_o day_n &_o be_v for_o ever_o and_o as_o the_o forefather_n be_v baptize_v into_o he_o 13._o and_o do_v eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o do_v drink_v his_o blood_n so_o be_v his_o prayer_n effectual_a even_o to_o they_o under_o the_o law_n much_o more_o to_o we_o under_o grace_n and_o when_o you_o can_v find_v testimony_n in_o your_o heart_n that_o when_o you_o will_v do_v well_o evil_a be_v present_a with_o you_o and_o that_o you_o do_v the_o evil_a you_o will_v not_o then_o do_v not_o you_o it_o but_o sin_n in_o you_o when_o it_o lead_v you_o captive_a much_o more_o when_o sathan_n work_v with_o all_o buffet_n you_o â—_o assure_v yourself_o that_o god_n have_v pity_n on_o you_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o power_n shall_v be_v perfect_a in_o your_o weakness_n if_o you_o believe_v 12.9_o according_a to_o your_o faith_n it_o be_v do_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o will_v say_v you_o can_v believe_v that_o this_o vile_a &_o crooked_a hardness_n of_o your_o heart_n can_v be_v remit_v &_o renew_a &_o even_o this_o be_v the_o second_o point_n which_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o my_o letter_n i_o give_v you_o to_o understand_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o excessive_a distress_n i_o beseech_v you_o &_o i_o charge_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o will_v not_o willing_o lie_n nor_o offer_v injury_n to_o god_n spirit_n nor_o to_o yourself_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o tell_v i_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o you_o think_v you_o have_v no_o faith_n very_o because_o you_o have_v no_o feel_n nor_o any_o other_o fruit_n thereof_o as_o you_o think_v welâ—_n first_o than_o agree_v with_o i_o herein_o as_o you_o must_v if_o you_o will_v not_o disagree_v with_o the_o truth_n that_o feeling_n be_v but_o a_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o theremay_v be_v faith_n without_o feeling_n as_o well_o as_o thecause_v may_v be_v without_o the_o effect_n &_o the_o tree_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o fruit_n yea_o of_o sap_n for_o a_o season_n and_o as_o a_o man_n sore_o wound_v and_o disease_v may_v for_o a_o season_n be_v deprive_v almost_o of_o all_o operation_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n to_o the_o outward_a show_n and_o to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o feeling_n so_o may_v a_o spiritual_a man_n beâ—ore_o wound_v by_o saâ—han_n and_o disease_v by_o the_o present_a feel_n of_o his_o sinful_a corruption_n special_o in_o temptation_n that_o he_o may_v think_v yea_o appear_v to_o other_o that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o in_o he_o thus_o peter_n faith_n do_v not_o whole_o fail_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v or_o else_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n prevail_v not_o thus_o when_o david_n declare_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v unclean_a 5.12_o and_o his_o spirit_n crooked_a or_o unstable_a 14._o and_o that_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n 13._o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o liberty_n or_o adoption_n yet_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o take_v his_o holy_a spirit_n from_o he_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n here_o seem_v to_o be_v repugnance_n but_o there_o be_v not_o any_o he_o be_v deprive_v indeed_o for_o a_o time_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n but_o not_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n where_o with_o he_o be_v sanctify_v which_o grace_n as_o god_n restore_v unto_o he_o so_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o you_o yea_o and_o i_o doubt_v whether_o you_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o but_o only_o that_o partly_o melancholy_a partly_o satan_n work_v therewith_o make_v you_o do_v injury_n to_o yourself_o and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o which_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o but_o the_o messenger_n can_v stay_v and_o therefore_o i_o can_v write_v as_o i_o will_v either_o of_o this_o or_o of_o the_o remedy_n which_o you_o shall_v use_v which_o here_o after_o i_o will_v as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o and_o i_o pray_v you_o let_v i_o understand_v as_o i_o request_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o your_o estate_n in_o particular_a somewhat_o more_o and_o that_o by_o this_o bearer_n if_o you_o can_v because_o he_o be_v of_o your_o acquaintance_n and_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o i_o faithful_o only_o i_o add_v now_o unto_o that_o i_o have_v write_v of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n at_o large_a that_o you_o must_v diligent_o observe_v the_o word_n create_v which_o david_n use_v 51._o declare_v that_o he_o have_v no_o feel_n of_o heart_n to_o this_o join_v that_o which_o the_o prophet_n esay_n speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o god._n i_o create_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o lip_n to_o be_v peace_n peace_n as_o well_o to_o he_o that_o be_v far_o off_o as_o to_o he_o that_o be_v near_o therefore_o in_o faith_n you_o may_v as_o well_o pray_v with_o hope_n to_o obtain_v 64.12_o as_o do_v david_n therefore_o say_v with_o he_o often_o and_o with_o