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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n heart_n know_v speak_v 4,049 5 4.4293 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39775 The one necessary thing to be sought briefly touched in a four-fold dialogue upon some of the great and most concerning truths of practical religion. Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694.; Fleming, Robert, 1660?-1716. 1679 (1679) Wing F1283; ESTC R28632 47,023 70

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world_n much_o under_o my_o foot_n yea_o in_o another_o manner_n shall_v look_v on_o the_o strange_a madness_n and_o distraction_n of_o most_o this_o day_n who_o continue_a work_n be_v how_o to_o grasp_v after_o a_o shadow_n whilst_o they_o have_v no_o heart_n or_o desire_n for_o what_o be_v the_o christian_n choice_n i_o press_v this_o the_o more_o since_o it_o be_v sure_a one_o can_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o great_a reality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n here_o but_o they_o must_v be_v to_o the_o further_a sure_a of_o that_o life_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v to_o come_v ans_fw-fr it_o be_v strange_a how_o such_o as_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v not_o dazzle_v more_o with_o amazement_n at_o the_o report_n of_o these_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o christian_n have_v in_o hope_n before_o they_o but_o not_o to_o lose_v time_n let_v i_o beseech_v your_o bring_v these_o near_a your_o thought_n when_o you_o be_v alone_o 1_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o power_n not_o of_o word_n which_o can_v full_o quiet_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a anent_o this_o 2._o you_o may_v but_o judge_v what_o a_o sad_a part_n that_o of_o the_o saint_n be_v if_o in_o this_o life_n their_o hope_n be_v only_o or_o what_o can_v possible_o be_v comfort_v to_o most_o in_o such_o a_o day_n who_o grief_n be_v in_o earnest_n if_o the_o truth_n and_o comfort_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n shall_v be_v a_o doubtful_a thing_n to_o they_o 3_o what_o gain_n or_o interest_n can_v any_o snch_n possible_o have_v to_o design_n a_o false_a witness_n and_o testimony_n yea_o with_o such_o assure_a confidence_n from_o experience_n if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o the_o further_a certainty_n thereof_o yea_o thus_o to_o converse_v so_o much_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n where_o you_o see_v they_o can_v be_v but_o a_o toil_n to_o the_o flesh_n if_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n and_o joy_n and_o 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healer_n can_v be_v no_o physician_n to_o the_o whole_a but_o to_o the_o sick_a matth._n 9_o 12._o such_o who_o have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n prick_v to_o the_o heart_n with_o such_o a_o sight_n of_o a_o natural_a state_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n the_o spiritual_a extent_n of_o the_o law_n in_o some_o such_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v room_n for_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v never_o a_o weight_n on_o they_o before_o that_o as_o the_o needle_n in_o the_o compass_n be_v in_o a_o continue_a agitation_n and_o can_v fix_v unril_n it_o be_v at_o the_o right_a point_n and_o settle_v there_o then_o o_o then_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a quiet_a until_o they_o have_v find_v a_o rest_n in_o jesus_n christ_n matth._n 11_o 29._o 3._o if_o any_o be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5_o 17._o which_o be_v the_o new_a man_n that_o all_o must_v put_v on_o who_o be_v ever_o save_o call_v and_o thus_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v that_o witness_n within_o of_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v always_o a_o sure_a though_o not_o always_o alike_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o new_a state_n and_o be_v in_o christ_n rom._n 8_o 1._o yea_o it_o be_v sure_a the_o new_a birth_n must_v be_v once_o past_a here_o joh._n 3_o 3._o else_o you_o be_v lose_v for_o eternity_n and_o now_o judge_v what_o comfort_v evidence_n you_o have_v get_v of_o this_o if_o you_o be_v to_o look_v death_n at_o this_o present_a hour_n in_o the_o face_n 4._o be_v any_o thing_n more_o plain_a and_o express_v than_o this_o be_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o to_o such_o as_o be_v save_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n be_v the_o power_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1_o 24._o and_o have_v you_o this_o witness_n to_o bear_v from_o undoubted_a experience_n that_o you_o have_v get_v such_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o draw_a power_n and_o beauty_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o pass_v natural_a understanding_n as_o have_v determine_v your_o consent_n to_o the_o further_a to_o embrace_v so_o invaluable_a a_o bargain_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o rate_n to_o sell_v all_o to_o make_v such_o a_o purchase_n matth._n 13_o 46_o 5._o it_o be_v express_v and_o clear_a from_o the_o scripture_n that_o with_o a_o convert_a state_n there_o also_o be_v know_v a_o spiritual_a light_n and_o discern_a of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2_o 12._o which_o they_o never_o know_v before_o yea_o that_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n betwixt_o these_o two_o of_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o nature_n into_o that_o marvellous_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o then_o shine_v in_o upon_o the_o soul_n when_o once_o that_o bless_a day_n of_o conversion_n have_v begin_v to_o dawn_n 1_o pet._n 2_o 9_o and_o now_o can_v you_o upon_o sure_a trial_n put_v to_o your_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a herein_o 6._o have_v the_o scripture_n leave_v this_o either_o doubtful_a or_o dark_a in_o the_o least_o that_o to_o such_o as_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n be_v precious_a 1_o pet._n 2_o verf._n 7._o he_o have_v get_v their_o love_n have_v gain_v their_o heart_n and_o consent_n to_o be_v hence_o forth_o no_o more_o their_o own_o but_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 6_o 19_o and_o here_o to_o take_v up_o their_o rest_n never_o to_o part_v which_o must_v not_o want_v some_o trial_n if_o the_o world_n or_o if_o tribulation_n or_o distress_n will_v part_v they_o with_o his_o love_n now_o bring_v this_o near_o your_o thought_n what_o
you_o know_v of_o such_o a_o mark_n 7._o be_v it_o not_o clear_a that_o with_o a_o convert_a state_n the_o war_n be_v begin_v that_o will_v never_o cease_v here_o betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5_o 17._o and_o as_o the_o regenerate_a part_n be_v at_o a_o advantage_n the_o more_o vigorous_a be_v its_o opposition_n then_o against_o the_o flesh_n yea_o against_o such_o secret_a and_o spiritual_a evil_n that_o may_v lie_v most_o near_o from_o their_o natural_a temper_n and_o constitution_n as_o their_o right_a eye_n or_o right_a hand_n matth._n 5_o 29._o 8._o be_v it_o not_o with_o a_o renew_a state_n by_o grace_n this_o also_o must_v be_v know_v what_o the_o spiritual_a way_n of_o service_n to_o god_n in_o the_o deauty_n of_o worship_n be_v in_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n rom._n 7_o 6._o yea_o to_o know_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n which_o so_o sensible_o help_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o saint_n rom._n 8_o 26._o and_o what_o have_v you_o thus_o find_v to_o answer_v so_o plain_a a_o evidence_n and_o mark_n as_o this_o of_o your_o state_n and_o be_v in_o christ_n 9_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n dark_a or_o difficult_a here_o that_o if_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n this_o will_v native_o result_v from_o the_o same_o to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o col._n 3_o 7._o that_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v you_o will_v know_v then_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o have_v your_o heart_n and_o desire_n follow_v matth._n 6_o 21._o and_o some_o comfort_a converse_n with_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v to_o come_v yea_o a_o rejoice_n in_o the_o hope_n there_o of_o when_o you_o shall_v breath_n in_o that_o sweet_a air_n of_o the_o high_a paradise_n where_o love_n joy_n and_o oneness_n of_o heart_n with_o your_o bless_a head_n and_o the_o whole_a triumphant_a church_n there_o shall_v then_o never_o admit_v the_o small_a interruption_n for_o all_o eternity_n now_o be_v not_o these_o few_o mark_n on_o such_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a scripture_n ground_n as_o it_o be_v strange_a what_o shall_v make_v this_o a_o dark_a business_n to_o any_o who_o will_v not_o make_v it_o their_o choice_n to_o hold_v fast_o deceit_n or_o go_v down_o with_o a_o lie_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n to_o the_o grave_n though_o the_o comfort_v and_o clear_a evidence_n thereof_o be_v not_o the_o same_o at_o all_o time_n nor_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n alike_o to_o all_o qu._n vi_o since_o there_o be_v no_o question_v the_o truth_n &_o evidence_n of_o such_o mark_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v also_o what_o length_n be_v that_o which_o some_o may_v come_v in_o a_o temporary_a work_n and_o a_o be_v a_o almost_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o save_v since_o this_o be_v my_o great_a interest_n within_o time_n and_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o the_o night_n come_v a._n you_o have_v that_o sure_a and_o unerring_a record_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o go_v to_o where_o you_o may_v clear_o see_v 1._o what_o a_o length_n there_o be_v in_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n rom._n 2_o v._n 20._o and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o power_n 2._o tim_n 3_o v._n 5._o yea_o that_o this_o may_v be_v in_o a_o high_a measure_n and_o be_v not_o judas_n one_o of_o the_o twelve_o 2._o it_o be_v there_o you_o may_v see_v they_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n who_o have_v end_v in_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 3_o 3._o and_o what_o length_n such_o come_v who_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v some_o discerneable_a growth_n a_o little_a yea_o forth_o with_o spring_v up_o matth._n 13_o vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o part_v of_o which_o be_v chock_a with_o these_o thorn_n of_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o other_o do_v quick_o wither_v and_o go_v back_o when_o persecution_n arise_v have_v no_o solid_a root_n a_o scripture_n which_o shall_v be_v much_o think_v on_o and_o deep_o lay_v to_o heart_n by_o all_o who_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v about_o a_o heaven_n and_o blessedness_n for_o ever_o 3._o you_o may_v see_v there_o likewise_o what_o length_n the_o foolish_a virgin_n come_v matth._n 25_o 8_o 9_o who_o want_v not_o a_o lamp_n and_o visible_a profession_n before_o other_o as_o may_v gain_v a_o name_n and_o testimony_n in_o their_o day_n &_o yet_o shut_v out_o for_o ever_o 4._o the_o scripture_n will_v let_v you_o see_v also_o what_o eminent_a gift_n even_o spiritual_a may_v be_v reach_v by_o a_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o conversion_n be_v never_o know_v lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n mat._n 22_o 7._o yea_o that_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n be_v no_o infalible_a evidence_n of_o sanctification_n as_o in_o that_o strange_a instance_n of_o balaam_n 5._o that_o some_o may_v cry_v unto_o god_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o name_n but_o not_o in_o truth_n you_o may_v read_v esai_n 48_o 1._o 6._o that_o there_o be_v a_o glory_v in_o appearance_n and_o not_o in_o heart_n you_o may_v see_v 2_o cor._n 5_o 12._o nor_o be_v it_o strange_a to_o see_v this_o at_o such_o a_o height_n as_o with_o jehuto_n invite_v the_o world_n to_o see_v their_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n &_o to_o inquire_v at_o other_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a whilst_o his_o own_o be_v most_o false_a &_o unstraight_o the_o world_n be_v no_o stranger_n to_o this_o what_o length_n of_o a_o profession_n have_v be_v to_o mask_v a_o private_a interest_n with_o such_o a_o show_n and_o appearance_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o also_o 1._o that_o nothing_o be_v here_o either_o to_o wound_v or_o affright_v the_o least_o of_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v in_o earnest_n how_o to_o be_v save_v since_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n be_v that_o great_a thing_n which_o the_o holy_a god_n regard_v and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o and_o a_o few_o grain_n of_o this_o weigh_v down_o many_o talent_n of_o outward_a performance_n let_v the_o righteous_a still_o hold_v on_o in_o his_o way_n and_o he_o that_o have_v clean_a hand_n wax_v strong_a and_o strong_a job._n 17_o 9_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o length_n that_o none_o can_v come_v who_o heart_n be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n sincere_a before_o the_o lord_n to_o have_v their_o salvation_n through_o christ_n lie_v so_o near_o as_o to_o be_v under_o some_o fear_n and_o tremble_n leave_v they_o be_v deceive_v there_o in_o so_o as_o they_o dare_v make_v a_o humble_a reference_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n search_v i_o and_o try_v wherein_o there_o may_v be_v any_o deceit_n or_o falsehood_n and_o lead_v i_o in_o a_o right_a way_n ps_n 139_o 23._o 24._o for_o when_o thus_o their_o heart_n condemn_v they_o not_o they_o may_v have_v confidence_n then_o before_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3_o 21._o 3._o what_o ever_o have_v be_v the_o further_a length_n of_o man_n deceive_v the_o world_n and_o themselves_o at_o once_o anent_o their_o religion_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o put_v the_o least_o blot_n on_o the_o spotless_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o nothing_o do_v the_o scripture_n more_o dreadful_o threaten_v than_o any_o such_o false_a show_n yea_o it_o be_v there_o you_o may_v see_v this_o in_o its_o true_a colour_n and_o how_o horrid_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o it_o do_v approach_v to_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a the_o more_o hateful_a and_o loathsome_a it_o be_v so_o as_o even_o such_o as_o comply_v therewith_o in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v enforce_v to_o loathe_v it_o in_o other_o qu._n vii_o though_o i_o be_o constrain_v to_o assent_v &_o subject_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o what_o you_o have_v speak_v since_o there_o be_v no_o fly_v before_o it_o yet_o may_v it_o not_o be_v safe_a to_o admit_v some_o delay_n a_o little_a whilst_o man_n be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o year_n yea_o have_v so_o much_o oft_o to_o throng_v they_o from_o their_o necessary_a concern_v in_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v this_o over_o until_o age_n and_o sickness_n may_v give_v more_o freedom_n for_o be_v in_o such_o earnest_n about_o salvation_n whilst_o it_o be_v not_o a_o lay_v the_o same_o aside_o without_o some_o settle_a resolution_n to_o follow_v it_o in_o a_o fit_a time_n a._n do_v but_o take_v so_o much_o time_n now_o as_o to_o reason_n thus_o with_o yourself_o and_o then_o judge_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v safe_o defer_v which_o 1._o be_v the_o one_o necessary_a thing_n and_o be_v not_o a_o eternity_n of_o such_o weight_n that_o if_o there_o be_v many_o age_n insure_v to_o we_o much_o more_o a_o few_o day_n which_o be_v whole_o uncertain_a here_o be_v enough_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o some_o continue_a
throng_n it_o be_v sure_a either_o heaven_n and_o a_o glory_n there_o for_o ever_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o hell_n and_o everlasting_a torment_n must_v be_v to_o such_o but_o a_o dream_n and_o a_o conjectural_a thing_n else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a quiet_a without_o a_o know_a where_o they_o must_v dwell_v for_o ever_o 2._o can_v this_o be_v defer_v whilst_o we_o see_v time_n make_v such_o swift_a dispatch_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a while_o we_o now_o live_v and_o breath_n we_o be_v a_o die_a and_o have_v it_o in_o some_o degree_n begin_v and_o advance_v every_o hour_n of_o our_o life_n and_o oh_o shall_v die_a man_n keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n who_o so_o oft_o may_v hear_v it_o sound_v and_o the_o bell_n ring_v for_o other_o 3._o can_v this_o admit_v a_o delay_n to_o such_o be_v it_o but_o for_o some_o few_o day_n or_o hour_n who_o can_v possible_o be_v secure_v when_o they_o lie_v down_o at_o night_n but_o their_o breath_n may_v be_v stop_v by_o a_o sudden_a surprise_n of_o death_n ere_o they_o awake_v yea_o thus_o sleep_v at_o a_o adventure_n of_o be_v ere_o the_o next_o day_n in_o a_o irrecoverable_o lose_v state_n 4._o can_v there_o be_v a_o delay_n here_o by_o such_o who_o know_v not_o only_o the_o night_n be_v come_v when_o none_o can_v work_v but_o be_v so_o uncertain_a if_o the_o first_o touch_n of_o sickness_n and_o approach_n of_o death_n be_v not_o a_o lethargy_n wherein_o they_o can_v neither_o know_v nor_o reflect_v on_o their_o own_o case_n which_o i_o have_v know_v remarkable_o to_o have_v befall_v some_o who_o use_v to_o make_v such_o a_o account_n they_o will_v take_v religion_n to_o heart_n when_o once_o they_o be_v die_v 5._o be_v it_o not_o needful_a such_o have_v the_o work_n of_o their_o day_n put_v by_o in_o the_o season_n thereof_o without_o a_o dare_a to_o lay_v it_o over_o when_o to_o be_v sick_a and_o die_v be_v so_o great_a and_o solemn_a a_o work_n by_o itself_o 6._o be_v it_o not_o then_o too_o late_o for_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n to_o arise_v and_o bestir_v themselves_o when_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o season_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o make_v ready_a upon_o a_o midnight_n cry_v when_o they_o have_v sleep_v the_o time_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n and_o be_v not_o this_o put_v upon_o record_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o all_o after_o age_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ready_a with_o their_o loin_n gird_v and_o their_o lamp_n burn_v who_o know_v that_o death_n certain_o be_v before_o they_o and_o know_v not_o but_o that_o it_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n 7._o can_v they_o have_v a_o hour_n quiet_a if_o their_o eye_n be_v once_o open_v to_o see_v that_o horrible_a pit_n they_o lie_v into_o of_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o what_o they_o be_v estrange_v from_o of_o that_o bless_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o oh_o how_o little_a be_v this_o either_o understand_v or_o believe_v qu._n viii_o i_o confess_v i_o must_v either_o shut_v my_o eye_n or_o admit_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o press_v a_o present_a seriousness_n in_o make_v sure_a work_n for_o heaven_n but_o what_o you_o touch_v last_o of_o man_n not_o understand_v the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o put_v i_o to_o a_o new_a enquiry_n if_o ihis_n can_v be_v mean_v of_o such_o as_o live_v under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o converse_v with_o the_o same_o truth_n that_o other_o do_v for_o what_o can_v the_o most_o discern_a christian_a see_v further_o in_o scripture_n truth_n than_o such_o as_o exerce_fw-la their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n about_o they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o what_o be_v these_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v get_v a_o sight_n of_o which_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v whole_o stranger_n unto_o ans_fw-fr you_o know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o word_n can_v tell_v what_o a_o thing_n day_n light_n be_v to_o they_o that_o never_o know_v it_o which_o can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o its_o own_o evidence_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o give_v a_o account_n in_o another_o way_n of_o a_o spiritnal_a discern_a the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o not_o in_o degree_n but_o kind_n be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n as_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n be_v above_o a_o candle_n o_o what_o another_o thing_n be_v a_o spiritual_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o thing_n themselves_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n than_o any_o notion_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o which_o may_v enable_v to_o talk_v or_o dispute_v whilst_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o be_v never_o know_v on_o the_o soul_n yea_o nor_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n ephes_n 4_o 21._o but_o for_o answer_n to_o your_o proposal_n i_o shall_v tell_v you_o in_o a_o few_o word_n what_o such_o be_v admit_v to_o see_v yea_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n thereof_o whilst_o other_o neither_o know_v nor_o see_v what_o they_o see_v but_o be_v whole_o stranger_n thereto_o 1._o the_o excellency_n and_o loveliness_n of_o their_o belove_a master_n so_o as_o to_o they_o there_o be_v but_o one_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n who_o room_n none_o can_v fill_v but_o himself_o yea_o can_v give_v that_o answer_n to_o such_o as_o inquire_v he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a that_o be_v their_o belove_a with_o who_o none_o none_o may_v offer_v to_o come_v in_o competition_n cant._n 5_o 16._o 2._o they_o see_v and_o know_v a_o reconciled_a god_n in_o christ_n with_o that_o assure_a evidence_n as_o some_o time_n no_o cloud_n be_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o their_o soul_n with_o that_o sensible_a intimation_n of_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o further_a sure_a they_o see_v feel_v and_o enjoy_v what_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o express_v to_o other_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o that_o marvellous_a light_n only_o break_v then_o in_o at_o their_o first_o entry_n into_o a_o spiritual_a state_n but_o there_o be_v a_o sight_n sometime_o a_o christian_a have_v of_o scripture_n truth_n and_o break_v up_o of_o some_o further_a discovery_n there_o to_o their_o soul_n that_o if_o they_o will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n they_o can_v have_v at_o other_o time_n 4._o such_o know_v assure_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o whole_o a_o supernatural_a thing_n wherewith_o natural_a reason_n can_v have_v no_o acquaintance_n nor_o be_v it_o strange_a how_o much_o other_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o this_o who_o know_v so_o little_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n what_o it_o mean_v except_o by_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n thereof_o 5._o do_v you_o ask_v what_o such_o know_v or_o discern_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o which_o most_o be_v stranger_n they_o see_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n the_o truth_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o a_o 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christian_a walk_n can_v this_o be_v but_o further_o follow_v how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o find_v that_o those_o be_v they_o who_o be_v most_o in_o the_o work_n and_o exercise_v of_o prayer_n which_o have_v so_o close_o a_o intercourse_n with_o the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n nor_o can_v ever_o one_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o one_o flourish_v and_o be_v fruitful_a in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o much_o under_o the_o ground_n in_o this_o exercise_n which_o be_v most_o a_o internal_a thing_n where_o the_o loud_a cry_n to_o heaven_n make_v oft_o the_o least_o noise_n qu._n xii_o these_o i_o confess_v be_v clear_a but_o what_o will_v most_o help_v to_o make_v this_o duty_n both_o comfort_v and_o easy_a whilst_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n to_o many_o how_o to_o express_v themselves_o thisway_o and_o other_o find_v it_o a_o sore_a weariness_n to_o the_o flesh_n yea_o less_o easy_a to_o be_v thus_o alone_o and_o take_v some_o time_n for_o secret_a prayer_n than_o to_o wait_v 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help_v christian_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v know_v otherwise_o 5._o the_o more_o frequency_n and_o continuance_n cause_v true_a delight_n and_o freedom_n in_o this_o exercise_n as_o the_o wear_n out_o and_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v quick_o wear_v such_o out_o of_o any_o delight_n there_o yea_o to_o make_v they_o disrelish_v any_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n qu._n xiii_o but_o be_v it_o not_o sore_o to_o continue_v in_o prayer_n when_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a return_n yea_o that_o after_o most_o sensible_a and_o feel_v access_n in_o this_o duty_n there_o seem_v oft_o a_o thick_a darkness_n to_o follow_v answ_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a though_o this_o be_v a_o trial_n indeed_o yea_o sometime_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a way_n search_v which_o put_v the_o faith_n of_o so_o great_a and_o establish_v a_o man_n to_o this_o stand_n as_o to_o cry_v out_o ps_n 69_o 3._o i_o be_o weary_a with_o my_o cry_n my_o throat_n be_v dry_a while_o i_o wait_v for_o my_o god_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v therewith_o 1._o that_o through_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a to_o be_v the_o lord_n usual_a way_n to_o confirm_v before_o he_o try_v yea_o to_o follow_v the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n with_o some_o remarkable_o sharp_a trial_n 2._o the_o wait_a christian_n can_v yet_o never_o say_v a_o return_n come_v too_o late_o but_o in_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o opportune_a season_n even_o when_o it_o have_v be_v long_o defer_v how_o strange_a will_v these_o seem_v yet_o most_o sweet_o accord_v luk._n 18_o 7_o 8._o though_o he_o bear_v long_o yet_o will_v he_o avenge_v speedy_o 3._o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o be_v answer_v with_o strength_n in_o your_o soul_n and_o for_o be_v help_v to_o wait_v until_o the_o outgate_n more_o full_o break_v up_o since_o a_o divine_a power_n may_v be_v no_o less_o marvellous_o see_v in_o the_o christian_n support_v than_o in_o the_o most_o astonish_a delivery_n 4._o be_v not_o a_o subdue_a spirit_n with_o a_o humble_a resignation_n to_o the_o lord_n under_o a_o long_o defer_v hope_n a_o high_a mercy_n when_o true_o consider_v than_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o we_o most_o follow_v and_o be_v these_o loser_n where_o thus_o more_o be_v give_v than_o what_o they_o either_o seek_v or_o hope_v for_o 5._o be_v not_o this_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o make_v haste_n by_o onwait_v and_o the_o choice_a mean_n to_o gain_v time_n and_o bring_v a_o christian_a and_o his_o desire_n soon_o together_o which_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o a_o most_o experience_a christian_a i_o have_v with_o much_o longing_n seek_v such_o a_o thing_n from_o the_o lord_n yet_o get_v no_o return_n but_o when_o once_o i_o be_v help_v through_o grace_n to_o give_v he_o his_o will_n and_o to_o be_v resign_v whole_o thereto_o then_o be_v it_o he_o give_v i_o my_o will_n also_o in_o what_o i_o have_v seek_v 6._o the_o more_o prayer_n and_o wrestle_n have_v come_v betwixt_o the_o christian_n trial_n and_o outgate_n be_v it_o not_o find_v the_o more_o comfort_v and_o sweet_a when_o it_o have_v come_v that_o whilst_o hope_v defer_v make_v the_o heart_n sick_a yet_o how_o great_a a_o interest_n do_v it_o pay_v in_o for_o the_o further_a loss_n and_o pain_n in_o onwait_v when_o as_o a_o tree_n of_o life_n it_o have_v at_o last_o blossom_v after_o many_o a_o winter_n storm_n 7._o his_o thought_n be_v not_o as_o we_o and_o his_o way_n not_o as_o we_o esai_n 55_o vers_fw-la 9_o we_o see_v not_o at_o present_a nor_o can_v fathom_n the_o depth_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o how_o needful_a it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o heart_n bring_v low_a that_o not_o only_a patience_n may_v have_v its_o perfect_a work_n jam._n 1_o 4._o but_o a_o christian_n be_v more_o fit_v for_o the_o desire_a mercy_n 8._o but_o what_o do_v you_o expect_v which_o be_v not_o of_o free_a and_o marvellous_a grace_n for_o to_o continue_v in_o prayer_n be_v a_o express_o command_v duty_n though_o no_o sensible_a fruit_n or_o income_n shall_v follow_v yea_o can_v bring_v no_o price_n in_o its_o hand_n to_o obtain_v what_o we_o seek_v and_o shall_v these_o quarrel_n with_o onwait_v who_o have_v all_o this_o keep_v in_o their_o sight_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o mercy_n thou_o have_v show_v to_o thy_o servant_n gen._n 32_o 10_o 9_o can_v we_o ever_o know_v the_o use_n make_v and_o comfort_n of_o these_o great_a promise_n to_o onwaiter_n such_o as_o esai_n 30_o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o 40_o v._n 31._o psal_n 25_o vers_fw-la 3._o if_o grace_n be_v not_o thus_o keep_v in_o exercise_n dialogue_n iii_o quest_n i._o since_o we_o shall_v find_v our_o delight_n most_o where_o our_o true_a interest_n and_o great_a concern_v lie_v the_o late_a occasion_n we_o have_v to_o converse_v together_o on_o so_o necessary_a and_o weighty_a a_o subject_n do_v press_v i_o to_o follow_v the_o same_o yet_o further_o and_o to_o gain_v such_o a_o hour_n when_o so_o many_o be_v unprofitable_o lose_v and_o now_o let_v i_o serious_o ask_v may_v there_o not_o be_v a_o safe_a own_n of_o some_o more_o lax_n conception_n of_o practical_a religion_n than_o what_o you_o have_v hitherto_o speak_v seem_v to_o allow_v since_o it_o seem_v very_o sad_a and_o affright_v to_o look_v on_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o those_o who_o own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o great_a latitude_n for_o christian_n both_o in_o their_o principle_n and_o practsce_n yea_o whilst_o this_o want_v not_o a_o great_a patrociny_n in_o the_o present_a time_n answer_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a where_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o receive_v in_o love_n that_o man_n kindle_v a_o light_n
to_o themselves_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o spark_n thereof_o but_o i_o hope_v you_o debate_v not_o the_o scripture_n where_o the_o safe_a way_n of_o be_v eternal_o save_v can_v only_o be_v know_v yea_o that_o it_o be_v sure_a can_v we_o make_v this_o way_n more_o large_a and_o br●ad_a there_o be_v no_o conceivable_a interest_n or_o gain_n to_o conceal_v the_o same_o which_o be_v so_o please_v to_o most_o in_o these_o time_n but_o since_o there_o be_v one_o way_n and_o here_o alone_o must_v all_o the_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n get_v safe_a to_o that_o bless_a land_n which_o be_v above_o i_o hope_v you_o dare_v own_o no_o other_o conception_n thereof_o than_o be_v there_o express_o show_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v such_o where_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a latitude_n for_o shift_v off_o fear_n tenderness_n and_o diligence_n in_o our_o christian_a walk_n and_o thus_o to_o make_v sure_a for_o eternal_a life_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o strait_a and_o narrow_a way_n where_o the_o multitude_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v even_o of_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v sure_a another_o way_n will_v never_o be_v find_v to_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n luk._n 13_o v._n 24_o 3._o such_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o follow_v the_o lord_n there_o with_o a_o hide_a reserve_n or_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o the_o heart_n psal_n 66_o 18._o or_o a_o cleave_v to_o any_o private_a interest_n so_o as_o to_o keep_v it_o up_o deliberate_o and_o not_o adventure_v the_o same_o for_o jesus_n christ_n be_v it_o as_o their_o right_a eye_n or_o right_a hand_n matth._n 5_o 29_o 4._o there_o be_v no_o possible_a conception_n of_o religion_n man_n can_v have_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o take_v off_o that_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o write_v of_o the_o law_n upon_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yea_o thus_o to_o know_v religion_n as_o a_o internal_a thing_n which_o must_v first_o 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and_o evident_a truth_n though_o it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n to_o see_v what_o essay_n be_v by_o many_o to_o oppose_v not_o only_o the_o power_n and_o spirituality_n of_o religion_n in_o its_o practice_n but_o in_o its_o principle_n also_o but_o what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o the_o delight_n and_o sweetness_n thereof_o you_o have_v now_o speak_v be_v it_o not_o from_o what_o be_v in_o hope_n and_o in_o another_o world_n but_o not_o here_o in_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n since_o you_o know_v what_o prejudice_n be_v every_o where_o against_o this_o way_n yea_o nothing_o seem_v more_o sad_a and_o afflict_v than_o the_o christian_n life_n within_o time_n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a oft_o what_o can_v be_v comfort_v in_o their_o lot_n answ_n this_o question_n though_o strange_a and_o amaze_a in_o itself_o yet_o be_v not_o for_o such_o as_o look_v but_o at_o a_o distance_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o godliness_n that_o lie_v so_o hide_v and_o deep_a upon_o the_o 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lot_n o_o do_v but_o come_v near_a and_o try_v what_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o cottage_n of_o such_o as_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o live_v near_o god_n and_o under_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v more_o than_o in_o the_o most_o stately_a &_o magnific_a dwelling_n of_o other_o what_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n of_o many_o such_o be_v their_o hide_a and_o retire_v walk_n yea_o their_o comfort_n sometime_o in_o the_o night_n season_n how_o sweet_a to_o tell_v the_o hour_n as_o they_o be_v go_v by_o which_o they_o know_v be_v bring_v they_o more_o near_o to_o the_o eternity_n of_o joy_n and_o put_v over_o some_o part_n of_o their_o appoint_a grief_n here_o with_o what_o refreshment_n these_o can_v look_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n to_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o triumph_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n who_o have_v form_v the_o same_o whilst_o they_o know_v what_o a_o marvellous_a change_n 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the_o matter_n of_o duty_n answer_n we_o be_v indeed_o fall_v in_o try_v time_n but_o consider_v also_o 1._o what_o great_a confirmation_n have_v be_v give_v in_o to_o the_o truth_n ere_o our_o night_n grow_v so_o dark_a and_o have_v now_o lose_v sight_n of_o they_o all_o 2._o what_o keep_v the_o saint_n from_o sink_v a_o hundred_o year_n past_a when_o to_o be_v burn_v at_o the_o stake_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o usual_a lesson_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o quit_v all_o for_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o their_o strength_n and_o resolution_n grow_v as_o the_o tide_n grow_v strong_a against_o they_o 3._o look_v through_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o on_o the_o church_n condition_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o this_o that_o the_o great_a triumph_n that_o ever_o jesus_n christ_n have_v have_v in_o his_o follower_n be_v not_o in_o calm_a and_o prosperous_a time_n 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his_o follower_n than_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o oh_o how_o rare_a a_o practice_n be_v it_o now_o to_o believe_v when_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o sensible_a ground_n to_o be_v comfort_v 3_o though_o former_a age_n have_v not_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o be_v now_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v see_v how_o the_o awe_n and_o authority_n thereof_o be_v in_o another_o manner_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o work_n to_o live_v religion_n when_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a inducement_n to_o profess_v the_o same_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n but_o they_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a and_o do_v live_v and_o feed_v on_o the_o very_a marrow_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n in_o another_o manner_n than_o seem_v by_o the_o most_o of_o professor_n now_o to_o be_v understand_v qu._n iii_o what_o may_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_v for_o recovery_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o 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the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v now_o in_o these_o late_a time_n have_v most_o peculiar_o assign_v to_o witness_v for_o yea_o this_o great_a truth_n we_o may_v see_v not_o there_o alone_o but_o else_o where_o most_o visible_o oppose_v &_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v own_v as_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o who_o thl_v crown_n and_o supremacy_n of_o their_o glorious_a head_n shall_v be_v dear_a than_o all_o their_o interest_n within_o time_n great_a be_v that_o peace_n and_o joy_n will_v be_v find_v in_o a_o close_o adherence_n thereto_o a_o more_o large_a outpowr_a of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v hope_v for_o to_o follow_v this_o testimony_n when_o it_o be_v now_o call_v for_o