work_v our_o heart_n to_o that_o temper_n whereof_o the_o psalmist_n word_n be_v very_o expressive_a psal_n 73.25_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o etc._n etc._n when_o this_o be_v do_v then_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n break_v than_o the_o soul_n stand_v no_o long_o at_o such_o a_o unkind_a distance_n from_o god_n as_o it_o do_v before_o but_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o have_v a_o ingenious_a childlike_a affection_n towards_o he_o o_o my_o god_n i_o can_v resist_v no_o long_o thou_o be_v strong_a than_o i_o and_o have_v prevail_v thy_o love_n have_v overcome_v i_o victorious_a grace_n have_v get_v the_o day_n other_o lord_n beside_o thou_o have_v have_v dominion_n over_o i_o but_o by_o thou_o only_o will_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o thy_o name_n isa_n 26.13_o thus_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o feel_v at_o length_n how_o good_a it_o be_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n psal_n 73.28_o in_o this_o it_o be_v that_o true_a grace_n holiness_n or_o real_a 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and_o will_v show_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v show_v mercy_n exod._n 33.19_o thus_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o fellowship_n with_o god_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o that_o henceforth_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o he_o as_o our_o best_a and_o dear_a friend_n and_o confident_o expect_v from_o he_o all_o that_o kindness_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o relation_n and_o what_o may_v we_o not_o hope_v for_o from_o such_o a_o friend_n such_o a_o father_n nothing_o shall_v be_v want_v that_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v luk._n 19.31_o son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n as_o one_o observe_v can_v by_o overset_v it_o know_v no_o difficulty_n the_o great_a the_o performance_n or_o vouchsafement_n the_o more_o suitable_a to_o divine_a love_n again_o this_o great_a change_n be_v a_o open_n of_o our_o heart_n towards_o 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nothing_o to_o put_v it_o off_o be_v thy_o case_n better_a oâ—_n worse_o labour_v to_o know_v it_o and_o come_v to_o a_o conclusion_n what_o it_o be_v 5._o last_o see_v that_o thy_o soul_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o discovery_n thou_o have_v make_v take_v it_o to_o heart_n that_o thoâ—_n may_v be_v prepare_v for_o what_o further_a work_n be_v before_o thou_o thus_o proceed_v orderly_o direct_v 4._o remember_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n be_v ordinary_o requisite_a for_o the_o right_n carry_v on_o this_o great_a work_n of_o self-examination_n do_v not_o think_v that_o so_o weighty_a a_o point_n be_v like_a to_o be_v resolve_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a you_o must_v search_v and_o search_v again_o 〈◊〉_d a_o work_n that_o must_v be_v do_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o 〈◊〉_d down_o in_o discouragement_n what_o though_o you_o long_a continâ—â—_n in_o doubt_n the_o case_n be_v not_o singular_a many_o good_a christian_n be_v keep_v a_o great_a while_n in_o 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in_o suspense_n but_o do_v sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o your_o case_n be_v it_o better_o or_o worse_o and_o that_o he_o himself_z his_o command_v you_o to_o search_v and_o try_v yourselves_o that_o the_o work_n be_v difficult_a and_o you_o dare_v not_o undertake_v it_o in_o your_o own_o strength_n in_o short_a that_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o rely_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o fail_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o appoint_a way_n say_v with_o the_o psalmist_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 chap._n x._o sundry_a question_n propose_v by_o which_o to_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o general_a direction_n be_v premise_v we_o now_o come_v to_o offer_v you_o some_o far_a help_n or_o to_o lead_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n through_o the_o duty_n itself_o that_o so_o you_o may_v at_o length_n discover_v how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o eternity_n and_o here_o let_v i_o first_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o main_a point_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o your_o soul_n be_v affect_v towards_o the_o glorious_a bless_a god_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a comprehensive_a question_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o â—he_v rest_n which_o be_v entire_o subordinate_a to_o it_o observe_v it_o will_v stop_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v it_o it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v help_v you_o to_o understand_v remember_v and_o true_o to_o resolve_v what_o further_a inquiry_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o you_o as_o be_v the_o centre_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v all_o design_v if_o as_o to_o the_o main_a you_o be_v right_a here_o viz_o if_o your_o soul_n be_v due_o affect_v towards_o god_n all_o be_v your_o own_o you_o may_v then_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n indeed_o you_o shall_v not_o miss_v of_o happiness_n if_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o infinite_a all-sufficient_a god_n to_o mâ—ke_v you_o happy_a luk._n 15.31_o son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o well_o then_o iâ—_n in_o your_o most_o serious_a deliberate_a judgement_n you_o do_v high_o esteem_v he_o as_o infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a good_a for_o you_o again_o if_o your_o will_n and_o heart_n do_v sincere_o cleave_v to_o he_o love_v he_o rest_n in_o he_o resolve_v for_o he_o as_o such_o and_o then_o if_o the_o state_v couâ—se_n of_o your_o life_n be_v in_o the_o main_a agreeable_a to_o such_o apprehension_n and_o resolution_n you_o may_v then_o go_v your_o wâ—y_n eat_v your_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v your_o wine_n with_o a_o merry_a heart_n because_o god_n accept_v you_o eccles_n 9_o 7._o yet_o let_v i_o far_o add_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n go_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v reâ—lly_o and_o true_o your_o case_n most_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o they_o esteem_v and_o love_n god_n above_o all_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n ezek._n 33.31_o nor_o will_v any_o have_v be_v more_o forward_o in_o so_o profess_v than_o those_o very_a person_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n speak_v john_n 5_o 42._o i_o know_v you_o that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o you_o let_v i_o therefore_o help_v you_o to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o case_n by_o the_o follow_a question_n question_v 1_o how_o do_v you_o relish_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o happiness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n i_o beseech_v you_o deal_v true_o and_o faithful_o with_o your_o soul_n
we_o be_v not_o yet_o admit_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o leâ—_n this_o quiet_a we_o notwithstanding_o our_o remain_a darkness_n we_o be_v go_v to_o the_o world_n of_o light_n however_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o wilful_a affect_a ignorance_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v not_o sloth_n prevent_v nor_o presumptuous_a curiosity_n pervert_v our_o inquiry_n about_o it_o labour_v after_o as_o distinct_a and_o clear_a a_o knowledge_n of_o heaven_n as_o you_o can_v but_o be_v sure_a to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n it_o seem_v plain_a from_o scripture_n as_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n consist_v main_o in_o or_o result_v from_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o perfect_a fitness_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o glorious_a bless_a god_n 2._o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o these_o be_v most_o intimate_o essential_a to_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v principal_o consider_v though_o there_o be_v also_o certain_a adjunct_n and_o circumstance_n of_o this_o blessedness_n which_o must_v not_o be_v whole_o pass_v by_o but_o of_o these_o afterward_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o other_o 1._o a_o perfect_a fitness_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v refine_v strengthen_v enlarge_v replenish_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o capacity_n with_o fullness_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o therein_o confirm_v and_o settle_v past_o all_o danger_n of_o revolt_n or_o decay_v and_o therefore_o complete_o fit_v subjective_o for_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o the_o bless_a god_n their_o objective_a happiness_n portion_n all._n as_o action_n and_o fruition_n presuppose_v be_v and_o nature_n so_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o former_a be_v necessary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o latter_a the_o best_a of_o man_n while_o here_o below_o have_v great_a remainder_n of_o sinful_a weakness_n all_o their_o grace_n be_v enfeeble_v by_o a_o contrary_a principle_n of_o corruption_n dwell_v in_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o working_n of_o their_o soul_n towards_o god_n be_v so_o weak_a and_o languid_a and_o the_o joy_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o so_o often_o interrupt_v and_o obscure_v but_o in_o heaven_n it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o there_o we_o shall_v have_v strength_n without_o weakness_n light_n without_o darkness_n love_n without_o any_o remain_a aversion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v joy_n without_o sorrow_n i_o know_v that_o some_o be_v ignorant_a and_o vain_a enough_o to_o talk_v of_o a_o sinless_a perfection_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o once_o i_o meet_v with_o one_o who_o have_v the_o face_n to_o tell_v i_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o little_a passion_n for_o aught_o he_o know_v he_o be_v perfect_a i_o present_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o think_v he_o love_v god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o this_o put_v he_o to_o a_o stand_n or_o rather_o make_v he_o go_v back_o from_o his_o former_a assertion_n alas_o how_o little_a do_v such_o man_n know_v of_o their_o own_o heart_n or_o of_o the_o latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n psal_n 119.96_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o scripture_n have_v record_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n even_o as_o to_o those_o particular_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o eminent_a thus_o numb_a 12.3_o the_o man_n moses_n be_v very_o meek_a above_o all_o the_o man_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o we_o read_v psal_n 106.33_o that_o his_o spirit_n be_v so_o provoke_v that_o he_o speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o li_n insomuch_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o go_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n deut._n 32.51_o 52._o i_o mention_v not_o how_o that_o when_o his_o anger_n be_v hot_a he_o break_v the_o table_n of_o stone_n write_v with_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 32.19_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o be_v do_v by_o peculiar_a divine_a instinct_n to_o show_v that_o rebellious_a people_n how_o unworthy_a they_o be_v of_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n and_o how_o well_o they_o themselves_o deserve_v to_o be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o utter_o cast_v off_o of_o job_n it_o be_v say_v in_o general_a chap._n 2.3_o that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n etc._n etc._n and_o particular_o jam._n 5.11_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n and_o have_v we_o not_o hear_v of_o his_o impatience_n too_o chap._n 3._o when_o he_o curse_v his_o day_n etc._n etc._n how_o renown_a be_v solomon_n for_o wisdom_n who_o yet_o commit_v great_a folly_n in_o israel_n even_o in_o his_o old_a age_n 1_o king_n 11.4_o etc._n etc._n how_o remarkable_o forward_a and_o zealous_a for_o christ_n do_v we_o find_v peter_n to_o have_v be_v upon_o many_o occasion_n yet_o pitiful_o baffle_v by_o two_o silly_a maid_n one_o after_o another_o to_o the_o denial_n of_o his_o master_n mat._n 26.69_o 71._o thus_o you_o see_v how_o many_o strong_a one_o have_v fall_v and_o be_v wound_v even_o in_o those_o part_n where_o their_o great_a strength_n lay_v be_v it_o not_o then_o the_o height_n of_o madness_n or_o fanaticism_n to_o talk_v of_o universal_a sinless_a perfection_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n sure_o the_o most_o able_a experience_a christian_n speak_v at_o another_o rate_n phil._n 3.12_o not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v either_o be_v already_o perfect_a so_o 1_o joh._n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o but_o if_o once_o we_o get_v safe_a to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v sin_v no_o more_o grace_n will_v then_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o its_o full_a maturity_n and_o shall_v never_o be_v weaken_v by_o any_o contrary_a principle_n more_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a indeed_o heb._n 12.23_o there_o be_v no_o complaint_n of_o dull_a inactivity_n and_o listlessness_n to_o spiritual_a work_n paul_n be_v not_o there_o cry_v out_o as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o sorrowful_a yet_o comfortable_a chapter_n rom._n 7._o i_o miserâ—m_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o etc._n etc._n the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n sin_n dwell_v in_o i_o evil_n be_v present_a with_o i_o etc._n etc._n no_o no_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o any_o of_o this_o there_o all_o those_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n wherewith_o our_o mind_n be_v so_o over-shadowed_n in_o this_o present_a state_n will_v then_o be_v quite_o dissipate_v and_o go_v the_o remnant_n of_o our_o disaffection_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n which_o be_v now_o the_o matter_n or_o occasion_n of_o our_o most_o grievous_a and_o pierce_a complaint_n will_v then_o be_v perfect_o master_v and_o wrought_v out_o all_o these_o distemper_n will_v be_v cure_v which_o must_v needs_o cause_v so_o great_a a_o pleasure_n as_o none_o can_v have_v a_o full_a notion_n of_o but_o they_o who_o feel_v and_o possess_v it_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o a_o fullness_n of_o spiritual_a life_n strength_n and_o vigour_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v surround_v with_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o a_o perfect_a day_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v perfect_o reconcile_v to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o only_a soul-satisfying_a object_n no_o wonder_n that_o sorrow_n and_o sigh_v be_v over_o when_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o curse_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o occasion_v they_o be_v do_v away_o how_o great_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o imperfect_a beginning_n of_o this_o bless_a state_n in_o that_o work_n of_o grace_n which_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o true_o godly_a even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o psal_n 45.13_o change_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o thus_o true_a grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o relation_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n to_o which_o it_o be_v tend_v put_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o it_o how_o much_o more_o valuable_a than_o must_v that_o perfection_n itself_o be_v if_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o its_o present_a infant-state_n be_v so_o aimable_fw-fr what_o will_v it_o be_v when_o we_o come_v to_o perfect_a manhood_n when_o we_o shall_v arrive_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o excellency_n whereof_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a even_o so_o high_a as_o to_o be_v complete_o qualify_v for_o the_o more_o immediate_a enjoyment_n oâ—_n god_n himself_o i_o have_v almost_o forget_v to_o mention_v that_o our_o body_n shalâ—_n be_v raise_v spiritualised_a and_o make_v like_a unto_o christ_n
influence_v by_o this_o great_a change_n 1._o the_o soul_n be_v natural_o a_o vital_a active_a substance_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o vigour_n and_o sprightliness_n of_o its_o motion_n yea_o the_o best_a philosophy_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v never_o out_o of_o action_n but_o what_o then_o towards_o god_n it_o be_v unactive_a stupid_a dead_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v quicken_v by_o the_o same_o power_n which_o raise_v up_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a ephes_n 1.10_o 20._o ch._n 2.1_o 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v vital_a power_n must_v be_v further_o enliven_v by_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o divine_a spiritual_a life_n that_o it_o may_v be_v enable_v and_o incline_v to_o move_v ready_o strong_o constant_o towards_o god_n from_o who_o this_o spiritual_a life_n be_v derive_v through_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o act_n towards_o he_o and_o terminate_v in_o he_o the_o same_o way_n thus_o the_o active_a power_n must_v be_v sanctify_v that_o we_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o may_v ephes_n 6.10_o observe_v therefore_o that_o this_o vital_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o be_v improve_v corroborate_v or_o strengthen_v by_o holy_a habit_n than_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o viz._n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n though_o these_o be_v common_o most_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a power_n or_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o they_o it_o suscitates_fw-la they_o to_o action_n and_o communicate_v life_n and_o vigour_n to_o they_o ad_fw-la intra_fw-la as_o it_o execute_v the_o command_n of_o the_o will_n direct_v by_o the_o understanding_n ad_fw-la extra_fw-la the_o former_a sort_n of_o these_o act_n lie_v deep_a and_o inward_a be_v less_o observe_v and_o by_o many_o scarce_o at_o all_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o executive_a act_n be_v more_o open_a and_o discernible_a therefore_o this_o vital_a active_a power_n must_v be_v wrought_v to_o a_o holy_a vivacity_n or_o liveliness_n for_o god_n that_o we_o may_v move_v towards_o he_o and_o for_o he_o ready_o with_o promptitude_n and_o quickness_n of_o spirit_n and_o not_o be_v lazy_a or_o listless_a to_o duty_n strong_o with_o holy_a fortitude_n and_o vigour_n and_o not_o be_v formal_a lifeless_a or_o indifferent_a in_o duty_n what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o have_v heaven_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o yet_o stand_v still_o or_o move_v so_o slow_o as_o if_o they_o care_v not_o whether_o ever_o they_o get_v thither_o or_o no_o constant_o with_o a_o holy_a steadfastness_n not_o discourage_v by_o difficulty_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o way_n not_o faint_v nor_o weary_a of_o well_o do_v 2._o the_o soul_n be_v natural_o a_o intelligent_a be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v after_o truth_n yea_o and_o strong_o incline_v so_o to_o do_v all_o man_n be_v desirous_a of_o knowledge_n in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o some_o vehement_o set_v upon_o it_o and_o very_o industrious_a and_o eager_a in_o their_o pursuit_n after_o it_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o high_o value_v themselves_o upon_o it_o but_o then_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n matter_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a consequence_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n not_o only_o ignorant_a of_o they_o but_o strange_o blockish_a and_o undisposed_a to_o a_o right_a acquaintance_n with_o they_o we_o not_o only_o want_v the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o also_o a_o due_a aptitude_n and_o fitness_n to_o know_v they_o hence_o you_o shall_v find_v many_o person_n who_o as_o to_o other_o matter_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o apprehensive_a but_o in_o a_o perfect_a mist_n as_o to_o those_o truth_n wherein_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v yea_o multitude_n there_o be_v who_o have_v sit_v so_o long_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o but_o yet_o be_v themselves_o so_o dull_a that_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v teach_v again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n heb._n 5.11_o 12._o other_o there_o be_v who_o have_v indeed_o a_o form_n of_o knowledge_n rom._n 2.20_o and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n too_o but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o it_o many_o superficial_a notion_n float_v in_o their_o imagination_n and_o not_o a_o little_a puff_v up_o with_o they_o though_o still_o they_o know_v nothing_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v some_o acquaintance_n they_o have_v with_o word_n or_o sign_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o they_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n to_o the_o put_v oâ—_n of_o the_o old_a man._n ephes_n 4.21_o 22._o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v learn_v a_o great_a deal_n extensive_o but_o intensive_o they_o have_v learn_v nothing_o the_o article_n of_o their_o profess_a creed_n be_v not_o in_o their_o faith_n unless_o dream_a may_v pass_v for_o believe_v isa_n 53.1_o who_o have_v believe_v on_o report_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o see_v they_o see_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o understand_v mat._n 13.13_o thus_o the_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n be_v a_o state_n of_o darkness_n even_o such_o as_o may_v be_v feel_v be_v they_o not_o past_a feel_n too_o they_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o dark_a but_o they_o be_v darkness_n ephes_n 5.8_o a_o impure_a mass_n of_o conglobated_a darkness_n as_o one_o express_v it_o but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o work_v save_o upon_o a_o soul_n he_o cause_v his_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n irradiate_v the_o understanding_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o special_a illumination_n or_o powerful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o produce_v new_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n the_o man_n see_v with_o other_o eye_n and_o know_v to_o purpose_v what_o he_o only_o think_v he_o know_v before_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v he_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v deut._n 29.4_o he_o be_v now_o convince_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o chitf_a among_o ten_o thousand_o altogether_o lovely_a cant._n 5.10_o 16._o though_o former_o he_o can_v see_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n in_o he_o isa_n 53.2_o now_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n appear_v and_o he_o be_v even_o amaze_v at_o himself_o to_o think_v that_o he_o see_v it_o no_o soon_o thus_o divine_a light_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o understanding_n the_o dayspring_n from_o a_o high_a visit_n it_o the_o new_a man_n be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n col._n 3.10_o turn_v unto_o god_n be_v a_o rational_a intelligent_a act_n sincere_a religion_n move_v not_o blind_o but_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o another_o head_n 3._o the_o main_a point_n in_o this_o great_a change_n be_v yet_o behind_o i_o mean_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o will_n this_o be_v the_o faculty_n which_o stand_v it_o out_o the_o long_a against_o god_n be_v most_o wicked_o averse_a from_o he_o and_o therefore_o hardly_a bring_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o grace_n you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o mat._n 23.37_o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n and_o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o it_o be_v in_o this_o unwillingness_n that_o their_o impotency_n do_v main_o consist_v they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o comply_v o_o what_o deep_a conviction_n what_o fear_n and_o terror_n what_o pang_n and_o throw_n what_o vehement_a struggle_n do_v some_o undergo_v before_o they_o yield_v and_o some_o who_o never_o yield_v at_o all_o their_o faint_a inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v overpower_v by_o a_o more_o strong_a aversion_n thus_o the_o rebellious_a will_n of_o man_n stand_v it_o out_o against_o the_o law_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o far_o easy_a matter_n to_o convince_v man_n understanding_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o turn_v to_o god_n than_o to_o cure_v that_o disaffection_n and_o enmity_n which_o be_v root_v in_o their_o will_n and_o heart_n against_o he_o therefore_o i_o say_v the_o main_a work_n lie_v here_o viz._n in_o turn_v the_o bent_n of_o the_o will_n and_o put_v it_o in_o a_o right_a posture_n god-ward_o determine_v our_o resolution_n for_o he_o powerful_o and_o sweet_o incline_v we_o to_o close_v with_o he_o drawing_z and_o even_o constrain_a we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n the_o band_n of_o love_n
ordinance_n be_v a_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n 〈◊〉_d work_n by_o his_o appoint_a mean_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.8_o as_o also_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n rom._n 8.2_o and_o well_o may_v it_o be_v so_o call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n because_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n be_v give_v under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n than_o be_v usual_a before_o now_o the_o sacred_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v institured_a in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v he_o that_o qualify_v minister_n for_o their_o work_n assist_v they_o in_o it_o and_o make_v it_o successful_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o end_n moreover_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o that_o errand_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v send_v you_o have_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o chapter_n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o namely_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o have_v commit_v unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n now_o than_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n our_o business_n therefore_o be_v to_o treat_v with_o sinner_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n that_o we_o may_v persuade_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o offer_v of_o free_a grace_n and_o to_o edify_v strengthen_v and_o help_v the_o joy_n of_o those_o who_o have_v hearty_o comply_v ephes_n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o and_o o_o how_o strict_a a_o charge_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o etc._n etc._n we_o may_v now_o say_v it_o be_v already_o come_v 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 3_o 4._o and_o that_o we_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n heb._n 13.17_o and_o warn_v you_o of_o your_o danger_n that_o your_o blood_n may_v not_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n ezek._n 3.18_o and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o well_o then_o if_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o be_v wrought_v for_o it_o etc._n etc._n of_o what_o use_n be_v the_o ministerial_a office_n or_o why_o be_v we_o so_o strict_o charge_v moreover_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o rellgious_a duty_n that_o be_v appoint_v we_o with_o that_o seriousness_n and_o spirituality_n therein_o require_v do_v full_o prove_v the_o point_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n the_o holy_a reverend_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n do_v powerful_o tend_v to_o raise_v our_o soul_n near_o to_o he_o and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o like_o he_o to_o heal_v our_o spiritual_a distemper_n and_o to_o refine_v and_o purify_v all_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n and_o so_o to_o prepare_v and_o sit_v we_o for_o the_o state_n of_o heavenly_a perfection_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o such_o appointment_n as_o if_o they_o be_v only_o mere_a arbitrary_a injunction_n to_o exact_a homage_n from_o we_o but_o though_o sovereign_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o they_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v how_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v sure_v out_o work_n to_o our_o end_n our_o present_a duty_n to_o our_o future_a happiness_n that_o by_o the_o one_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o the_o other_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o our_o present_a life_n as_o also_o to_o our_o future_a blessedness_n we_o can_v neither_o serve_v nor_o enjoy_v god_n here_o or_o hereafter_o without_o be_v wrought_v thereto_o by_o his_o grace_n i_o mention_v nor_o the_o heartless_a service_n of_o hypocrite_n as_o not_o be_v worth_a take_v notice_n of_o hence_o also_o you_o may_v learn_v what_o end_v to_o propose_v to_o yourselves_o in_o every_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o i_o proceed_v 5._o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n unregenerate_a person_n as_o such_o be_v peremptory_o exclude_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n itself_o you_o can_v produce_v the_o least_o syllable_n in_o scripture_n whereupon_o to_o ground_v those_o hope_n of_o heaven_n wherewith_o such_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o but_o i_o can_v show_v you_o enough_o to_o confound_v and_o overthrow_v their_o wicked_a presumption_n for_o ever_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o condemnation_n be_v legible_a in_o almost_o every_o leaf_n of_o the_o bible_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o consider_v it_o nor_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.3_o 18_o 36._o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n shall_v die_v without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n of_o god_n all_o this_o be_v settle_v long_o before_o thou_o be_v bear_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o exception_n against_o it_o thou_o come_v too_o late_o with_o they_o as_o one_o say_v assure_v yourselves_o that_o these_o sacred_a constitution_n can_v be_v disannul_v your_o unbelief_n shall_v not_o make_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n you_o will_v quick_o faâ—d_v who_o word_n shall_v stand_v his_o or_o you_o 〈◊〉_d true_a indeed_o pardon_v and_o life_n be_v free_o offer_v by_o the_o gospel-grant_a if_o thou_o will_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n throuâ—â—_n christ_n otherwise_o it_o bring_v upon_o thou_o a_o heavy_a condemnation_n than_o thou_o be_v under_o before_o john_n 3.10_o a_o sore_a punishment_n heb_fw-mi 10.29_o the_o câ—â—â—_n speak_v itself_o thou_o can_v plead_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unless_o thou_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n thereof_o abuse_v mercy_n turn_v to_o great_a indignation_n therefore_o it_o much_o concern_v you_o to_o inquire_v what_o those_o term_n be_v and_o not_o to_o venture_v your_o soul_n upon_o uncertainty_n behold_v the_o judge_n stand_v before_o the_o door_n jam._n 5.9_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 23.28_o mat._n 3.12_o 6._o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o have_v the_o earnest_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n how_o then_o shall_v they_o have_v the_o thing_n itself_o do_v you_o expect_v the_o fruit_n without_o the_o seed_n the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n without_o the_o beginning_n thereof_o the_o inheritance_n without_o the_o earnest_a how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v how_o absurd_a be_v such_o hope_n as_o these_o will_v you_o be_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n without_o first_o go_v through_o the_o infant-state_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n as_o for_o the_o true_o godly_a they_o have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o they_o even_o that_o save_v transform_a practical_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v which_o be_v the_o inchoation_n thereof_o but_o the_o ungodly_a be_v not_o so_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v carnal_o mind_v be_v death_n they_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n what_o then_o can_v they_o expect_v reasonable_o to_o reap_v but_o corruption_n will_v you_o sow_v one_o sort_n of_o grain_n and_o reap_v another_o know_v therefore_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n suitable_a inclination_n heaven-ward_n and_o desire_v after_o it_o that_o be_v rational_a judicious_a holy_a desire_n do_v thereby_o give_v they_o a_o earnest_n of_o it_o but_o still_o remember_v if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o rom._n 8_o 9_o 7._o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n which_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v under_o stand_v between_o they_o and_o heaven_n i_o hope_v you_o know_v that_o you_o be_v sinner_n and_o that_o you_o must_v be_v justify_v before_o you_o can_v be_v glorify_v the_o weight_n of_o gild_n must_v needs_o press_v you_o down_o into_o everlasting_a darkness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o take_v off_o by_o pardon_v mercy_n and_o grace_n and_o do_v you_o not_o also_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o pardon_n without_o true_a repentance_n and_o withal_o that_o true_a repentance_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o
christ_n as_o you_o can_v what_o pleasure_n do_v you_o take_v be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n etc._n etc._n what_o say_v you_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v agree_v with_o you_o or_o be_v they_o not_o a_o weariness_n to_o you_o be_v you_o nor_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o lords-day_n return_v too_o oâ—_n and_o that_o strict_a and_o serious_a religion_n be_v intolerable_a prociseness_n do_v not_o your_o heart_n rise_v against_o it_o be_v â—e_v not_o glad_a when_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v over_o though_o sour_a thing_n you_o will_v do_v to_o secure_a heaven_n for_o a_o reserve_n who_o you_o can_v enjoy_v the_o world_n no_o long_o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a temper_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o deplorable_a alas_o what_o shall_v you_o do_v in_o heaven_n with_o sod_a heart_n as_o these_o will_v you_o not_o be_v eternal_o weary_a oâ—_n a_o eternal_a sabbath_n will_v not_o your_o ungracious_a spirit_n be_v ever_o recoil_v and_o uneasy_a do_v you_o not_o yet_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n without_o new_a heart_n if_o not_o it_o be_v because_o you_o shut_v your_o eye_n certain_o if_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v â—n_v haven_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n it_o will_v be_v vast_o different_a even_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o which_o goâ—_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_n he_o but_o he_o shall_v man_n be_v happy_a against_o their_o own_o will_n or_o it_o state_n to_o which_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o sure_v so_o true_a be_v that_o great_a say_v of_o a_o worthy_a divine_a when_o god_n have_v so_o determine_v that_o without_o â—â—â—ness_n none_o shall_v see_v he_o he_o lay_v no_o other_o law_n upon_o unholy_a soul_n than_o what_o their_o own_o impure_a nature_n lie_v upon_o themselves_o blessedness_n of_o the_o righteous_a pag._n 46_o by_o this_o time_n you_o see_v or_o may_v see_v if_o you_o will_v thâ—â—_n except_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n can_v be_v reverse_v the_o design_n of_o redemption_n pervert_v the_o office_n of_o the_o hâ—â—_n spirit_n nullify_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o ministry_n aâ—â—_n ordinance_n run_v down_o the_o threarning_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v of_o none_o effect_v the_o inheritance_n be_v attain_v without_o the_o earnest_n a_o new_a way_n find_v to_o heaven_n which_o none_o ever_o discover_v before_o and_o all_o this_o while_n the_o righteous_a themselves_o be_v scarce_o save_v in_o a_o word_n unless_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v quite_o overturn_v and_o palpable_a contradiction_n make_v to_o agree_v none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o wrought_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a grace_n lo_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a heb._n for_o thyself_o job_n 5.27_o chap._n vi_o several_a inference_n of_o truth_n draw_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n thus_o we_o have_v full_o prove_v that_o except_o you_o will_v be_v holy_a you_o can_v be_v happy_a if_o this_o therefore_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a a_o truth_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v also_o a_o very_a weighty_a and_o important_a one_o a_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o close_o apply_v because_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o what_o be_v infinite_o more_o than_o either_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a god_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o it_o now_o since_o there_o be_v many_o other_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o intimate_a connexion_n with_o and_o dependence_n upon_o this_o great_a doctrine_n let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o for_o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n inser_n 1._o we_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o real_a holiness_n real_a i_o say_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o vain_a empty_a show_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o multitude_n make_v a_o shift_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o even_o because_o they_o know_v no_o better_o and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o know_v satan_n have_v take_v advantage_n by_o their_o own_o corruption_n to_o blind_v their_o mind_n and_o close_v their_o eye_n and_o thus_o they_o choose_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o see_v no_o beauty_n in_o holiness_n no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v the_o form_n and_o comeliness_n of_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o procurer_n of_o it_o isa_n 53.2_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a if_o they_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o do_v but_o debase_v they_o first_o by_o form_v low_a and_o unworthy_a notion_n of_o they_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o degenerate_a temper_n and_o spirit_n then_o they_o act_v according_o and_o after_o all_o high_o value_v themselves_o upon_o what_o they_o have_v do_v nevertheless_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o holiness_n manifest_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o follow_v particular_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v 1._o it_o be_v original_a it_o be_v from_o heaven_n the_o bless_a god_n be_v himself_o the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o text._n he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n be_v god_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a work_n and_o that_o not_o a_o common_a work_n neither_o but_o wrought_v in_o a_o way_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a excellency_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o great_a change_n be_v denominate_v bear_v of_o god_n joh._n 1.13_o bear_v from_o above_o chap._n 33._o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v render_v hereupon_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o name_n and_o relation_n of_o child_n 1_o joh._n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o call_v and_o not_o miscall_v for_o so_o they_o be_v as_o vers_n 2._o now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n speak_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o image_n draw_v upon_o it_o a_o participiation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o sweet_o and_o effectual_o incline_v all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n god-ward_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o prevail_v upon_o we_o it_o take_v away_o our_o unkind_a aversion_n and_o estrangedness_n from_o he_o and_o teach_v we_o to_o centre_n upon_o he_o as_o our_o portion_n happiness_n and_o chief_a good_n in_o short_a it_o be_v our_o devotedness_n unto_o god_n which_o imply_v a_o separation_n from_o whatsoever_o stand_v in_o opposition_n against_o he_o as_o such_o so_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a work_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o may_v have_v tell_v we_o whence_o it_o be_v for_o it_o bear_v the_o image_n and_o superscription_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o little_o do_v the_o proud_a despiser_n of_o holiness_n consider_v what_o they_o say_v or_o against_o who_o it_o be_v that_o they_o spirit_n themselves_o make_v a_o wide_a mouth_n and_o draw_v out_o the_o 〈◊〉_d isa_n 57.4_o to_o vilify_v this_o work_n be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o its_o author_n to_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o the_o image_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o its_o great_a original_a who_o scorn_v their_o scorner_n sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o laugh_v at_o they_o for_o he_o see_v that_o their_o day_n be_v come_v psal_n 37_o 13._o 3._o the_o bless_a end_n and_o issue_n of_o holiness_n show_v you_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o it_o come_v from_o above_o and_o thither_o it_o lead_v and_o be_v at_o last_o complete_v in_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n judge_n then_o of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o the_o end_n here_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o be_v high-born_a and_o a_o suitable_a inheritance_n be_v design_v they_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v slight_o of_o holiness_n be_v to_o contemn_v heaven_n itself_o which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n therein_o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cart-rope_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n isa_n 5.18_o 20._o it_o may_v be_v at_o last_o they_o will_v say_v as_o one_o of_o their_o predecessor_n do_v let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a not_o from_o any_o love_n to_o righteousness_n but_o from_o a_o slavish_a fear_n of_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o therefore_o those_o force_a
righteous_a governor_n and_o ungrateful_o abuse_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n they_o tread_v underfoot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v just_o account_v enemy_n and_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v treat_v according_o luk._n 19.27_o but_o those_o my_o enemy_n which_o will_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v hither_o and_o slay_v they_o before_o i_o they_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n heb._n 10.29_o and_o in_o all_o this_o they_o prefidious_o break_v their_o baptismal_a covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v solemn_o devote_v to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o withal_o they_o wilful_o destroy_v themselves_o and_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o other_o consideration_n a_o unregenerate_a state_n be_v a_o miserable_a state_n how_o shall_v it_o he_o otherwise_o can_v a_o man_n harden_v himself_o against_o god_n and_o prosper_v no_o no_o such_o person_n be_v under_o the_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o the_o almighty_a a_o abomination_n to_o he_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v they_o his_o holy_a law_n be_v arm_v with_o most_o dreadful_a curse_n and_o threaten_n against_o they_o god_n shall_v wound_v the_o head_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o hairy_a scalp_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o trespass_n psal_n 68.21_o they_o be_v slave_n of_o satan_n lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n who_o employ_v they_o in_o treasure_v up_o unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n even_o the_o offer_v of_o gospel-grace_n which_o be_v daily_o make_v to_o they_o as_o they_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n will_v also_o make_v their_o condemnation_n heavy_a thus_o that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o their_o good_a become_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n unto_o they_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v they_o be_v heir_n of_o hell_n condemn_v already_o in_o point_n of_o law_n though_o judgement_n have_v not_o yet_o pass_v the_o final_a sentence_n they_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o be_v spare_v a_o hour_n long_o one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v make_v they_o ill_o at_o ease_n till_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o better_a posture_n it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o think_v what_o shift_n they_o make_v to_o avoid_v the_o anticipation_n of_o hell_n in_o their_o own_o breast_n put_v all_o this_o together_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o miserable_a state_n psal_n 50.22_o now_o consider_v this_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n lest_o i_o tear_v you_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v 2._o think_v next_o what_o great_a thing_n god_n himself_o have_v do_v in_o order_n to_o your_o deliverance_n from_o this_o sinful_a miserable_a state_n though_o your_o transgression_n be_v many_o and_o heinous_a he_o have_v provide_v a_o ransom_n for_o you_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n though_o your_o nature_n be_v exceed_o corrupt_v his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o help_v and_o heal_v you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o wilful_o resist_v and_o grieve_v he_o prov._n 1.23_o turn_v you_o â—t_a my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pouâ—_n out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o though_o your_o spiritual_a enemy_n â—e_v strong_a â—ubâ—â—â—_n and_o malignant_a they_o can_v destroy_v you_o unless_o you_o obstinate_o side_n with_o they_o the_o stand_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v appoint_v to_o treat_v with_o you_o in_o order_n to_o your_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n with_o gâ—d_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o affront_v you_o have_v do_v to_o the_o â—iviâ—e_n patiencâ—_n god_n still_o wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o you_o though_o you_o little_a deserve_v â—o_o be_v thus_o treat_v it_o be_v yet_o put_v to_o your_o choice_n that_o you_o may_v be_v happy_a if_o â—e_n will_v be_v holy_a a_o throne_n of_o grace_n be_v erect_v for_o your_o encouragement_n god_n have_v swoâ—n_v by_o himself_o that_o he_o delight_v noâ—â—n_v your_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n burnisher_o that_o you_o shall_v repeâ—t_v and_o live_v he_o condescend_v in_o a_o way_n of_o â—â—â—creâ—_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o you_o turn_v 〈◊〉_d turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v cease_v to_o dâ—_n evil_a â—â—â—â—n_n to_o 〈◊〉_d well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v 〈◊〉_d reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o sâ—â—w_v though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n isa_n 1.16_o 17_o 18._o in_o a_o word_n matter_n be_v bring_v so_o far_o in_o order_n to_o your_o recovery_n that_o nothing_o but_o your_o own_o wilfulness_n and_o final_a impenitency_n can_v be_v your_o ruin_n 3_o and_o now_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n expect_v from_o you_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o method_n of_o his_o grace_n viz._n that_o from_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o your_o past_a folly_n and_o a_o belleve_a apprehension_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o christ_n you_o do_v sincere_o turn_v unto_o he_o through_o this_o great_a mediator_n and_o then_o all_o be_v your_o own_o be_v not_o these_o term_n high_o reasonable_a be_v they_o not_o full_a of_o rich_a grace_n and_o benignity_n can_v you_o imagine_v that_o divine_a mercy_n shall_v stoop_v low_o will_v you_o be_v save_v from_o wrath_n while_o you_o resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o your_o enmity_n against_o god_n what_o then_o will_v become_v of_o his_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o truth_n his_o government_n his_o inflexible_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n will_v you_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n while_o you_o wilful_o reject_v he_o will_v you_o be_v save_v by_o his_o blood_n without_o be_v sanctify_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o govern_v by_o his_o law_n or_o will_v you_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n while_o you_o be_v still_o quench_v and_o resist_v his_o influence_n in_o short_a can_v you_o tell_v what_o you_o will_v have_v think_v well_o of_o it_o and_o you_o will_v find_v either_o that_o you_o desire_n be_v utter_o immodest_a and_o unreasonable_a or_o eâ—se_v that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o grant_v they_o 4._o consider_v also_o how_o many_o million_o be_v get_v safe_a to_o heaven_n who_o be_v once_o at_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o it_o as_o you_o the_o saint_n now_o in_o glory_n be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o beside_o the_o gild_n of_o many_o actual_a transgression_n how_o long_o do_v many_o of_o they_o stand_v it_o out_o against_o the_o call_n of_o divine_a grace_n as_o you_o have_v do_v but_o at_o last_o they_o yield_v and_o so_o escape_v methinks_v this_o consideration_n shall_v animate_v and_o encourage_v you_o yea_o and_o even_o inflame_v you_o with_o a_o generous_a ambition_n oâ—_n attain_v the_o same_o happiness_n have_v so_o many_o poor_a sinner_n find_v mercy_n why_o then_o stand_v you_o look_v one_o upon_o another_o as_o if_o you_o can_v not_o find_v your_o hand_n be_v you_o content_a to_o pine_v away_o in_o your_o iniquity_n oâ—_n up_o and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n in_o great_a mercy_n be_v with_o you_o 5._o consider_v how_o little_a the_o world_n or_o flesh_n signify_v to_o counter_a balance_n the_o ruin_n of_o your_o immortal_a soul_n what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n etc._n etc._n you_o be_v gross_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n if_o you_o think_v that_o terrene_a or_o sensual_a delight_n and_o enjoyment_n will_v satisfy_v they_o isa_n 55.2_o etc._n etc._n what_o though_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v abundant_o provide_v for_o and_o fair_a delicious_o every_o day_n you_o will_v still_o find_v something_o within_o you_o that_o be_v not_o fill_v and_o so_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o your_o sufficiency_n you_o will_v be_v in_o strait_n job_n 20.22_o and_o beside_o creature-enjoyment_n be_v uncertain_a as_o well_o as_o insufficient_a they_o may_v be_v take_v from_o you_o you_o must_v be_v take_v from_o they_o will_v it_o be_v any_o relief_n to_o your_o miserable_a soul_n in_o another_o world_n to_o remember_v the_o fleshly_a prosperity_n and_o ease_n you_o have_v in_o this_o will_v your_o possession_n spâ—rt_n and_o jollity_n follow_v you_o into_o eternity_n or_o will_v not_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o rather_o cut_v you_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n when_o be_v doom_v to_o everlasting_a disconsolate_a darkness_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o forget_v how_o foolish_o you_o destroy_v yourselves_o for_o mere_a trifle_n o_o consider_v this_o and_o do_v not_o hazard_v your_o soul_n for_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o how_o fast_o be_v you_o post_v continual_o
towards_o eternity_n your_o continuance_n on_o earth_n be_v like_a to_o be_v but_o short_a at_o long_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o uncertainty_n may_v prove_v much_o short_a than_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o imagine_v or_o hear_v of_o do_v you_o not_o see_v other_o daily_o drop_v into_o the_o grave_a before_o your_o eye_n even_o such_o as_o be_v as_o likely_a for_o life_n as_o yourselves_o and_o how_o little_a do_v you_o know_v how_o soon_o your_o turn_n may_v come_v and_o what_o if_o your_o glass_n shall_v be_v run_v before_o your_o work_n be_v do_v where_o be_v you_o then_o it_o may_v be_v when_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v upon_o you_o you_o will_v then_o cry_v out_o for_o more_o time_n but_o how_o little_a reason_n have_v you_o to_o expect_v that_o such_o cry_n shall_v be_v regard_v from_o person_n who_o have_v trifle_v away_o so_o much_o time_n already_o to_o no_o purpose_n o_o labour_n so_o to_o number_v your_o day_n as_o to_o apply_v your_o heart_n to_o wisdom_n 6._o consider_v how_o easy_a the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v how_o light_a his_o burden_n mat._n 11.30_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o the_o hearâ—_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v deep_o prejudice_v against_o the_o way_n of_o serious_a godliness_n partly_o through_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o partly_o through_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o such_o prejudices_fw-la must_v needs_o be_v most_o unworthy_a and_o unreasonable_a how_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n or_o truth_n against_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a here_o let_v i_o reason_v the_o case_n a_o little_a with_o you_o bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a argument_n what_o be_v there_o that_o offend_v you_o in_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n do_v you_o fear_v they_o will_v tend_v to_o your_o loss_n or_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o world_n why_o be_v you_o yet_o to_o learn_v that_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v luk._n 12.15_o our_o heavenly_a father_n know_v how_o far_o we_o have_v need_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v a_o table_n in_o the_o wilderness_n if_o we_o crust_v he_o not_o with_o our_o soul_n we_o be_v undo_v but_o if_o we_o do_v iâ—_n it_o not_o very_o absurd_a to_o distrust_v he_o as_o to_o our_o outward_a concern_v what_o a_o preposterous_a kind_n of_o solicitude_n be_v this_o if_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o earthly_a thing_n and_o you_o believe_v not_o how_o shall_v you_o believe_v if_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n job_n 1.12_o i_o only_o allude_v to_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v promise_n to_o rest_v upon_o this_o matter_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v mat._n 6.33_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v etc._n etc._n psal_n 37.3_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v good_a so_o shall_v thou_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n and_o very_o thou_o shall_v be_v feed_v beside_o the_o promise_n of_o aâ—â—_n hundred_o fold_v to_o those_o who_o forsake_v their_o worldly_a enjoyment_n for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n mat._n 19.29_o do_v you_o apprehend_v that_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o your_o dishonour_n to_o engage_v strict_o in_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n judgement_n those_o that_o honour_n god_n he_o will_v honour_v but_o they_o that_o despise_v he_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v do_v you_o think_v that_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v irksome_a or_o unpleasant_a answ_n if_o you_o consider_v the_o duty_n enjoin_v the_o promise_v annex_v the_o support_v and_o assistance_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o godly_a the_o experience_n and_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v try_v the_o pleasure_n of_o both_o kind_n yea_o or_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o pleasure_n itself_o you_o will_v find_v abundant_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o joy_n comparable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o godly_a but_o that_o wisdom_n excel_v folly_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n prov._n 3.17_o thus_o you_o must_v by_o serious_a consideration_n endeavour_v to_o dispossess_v those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n against_o religion_n there_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v to_o show_v how_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a their_o objection_n be_v therefore_o let_v your_o reason_n be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o case_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o your_o own_o light_n plead_v not_o for_o your_o disease_n nor_o argue_v in_o the_o dark_a against_o thing_n which_o you_o know_v not_o first_o try_v and_o then_o judge_v it_o be_v not_o cavil_v against_o your_o duty_n which_o will_v serve_v to_o excuse_v you_o from_o it_o 7._o consider_v what_o great_a encouragement_n you_o have_v humble_o to_o expect_v the_o assistance_n of_o special_a grace_n if_o you_o careful_o improve_v the_o ability_n and_o help_n that_o be_v already_o grant_v you_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o satan_n and_o your_o own_o corrupt_a heart_n may_v suggest_v to_o you_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o trouble_v your_o thought_n about_o these_o thing_n because_o special_a grace_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n who_o diâ—â—_n with_o his_o own_o as_o he_o please_v but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o grace_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n else_o it_o be_v not_o grace_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o you_o must_v sit_v still_o in_o a_o sluggish_a stupidity_n and_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v without_o any_o care_n or_o concern_v of_o your_o own_o about_o iâ—_n be_v not_o the_o mercy_n of_o common_a providence_n as_o food_n raiment_n friend_n health_n etc._n etc._n the_o gift_n of_o god_n will_v you_o therefore_o argue_v that_o no_o care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v about_o these_o thing_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o your_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n be_v employ_v early_o and_o late_o in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o it_o it_o seem_v you_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o to_o have_v a_o cloak_n for_o your_o sloth_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n though_o you_o will_v laugh_v at_o he_o who_o shall_v argue_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n as_o to_o temporal_a concern_v therefore_o to_o be_v plain_a with_o you_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o special_a grace_n while_o through_o mere_a sloth_n and_o perverseness_n you_o will_v not_o excite_v your_o natural_a faculty_n nor_o strike_v in_o with_o conviction_n and_o other_o help_n of_o common_a grace_n which_o be_v vouchsafed-you_a but_o rather_o you_o may_v just_o fear_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n to_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o prov._n 1.32_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n you_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o encouragement_n if_o in_o good_a earnest_n you_o fall_v to_o the_o work_n it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v say_v that_o yâ—_n have_v no_o full_a proper_a promise_n to_o depend_v upon_o for_o special_a grace_n though_o you_o shall_v improve_v the_o common_a help_n that_o be_v give_v you_o but_o here_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o be_v there_o not_o many_o dreadful_a threatening_n to_o the_o slothful_a neglector_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n be_v you_o not_o earnest_o inviteâ—_n to_o come_v in_o and_o accept_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o god_n with_o who_o you_o have_v to_o do_v mereâ—ful_a and_o gracious_a be_v not_o the_o great_a redeemer_n full_a of_o compassion_n be_v you_o not_o command_v to_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v sound_a and_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_a isa_n 55_o 6_o â—_o and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o encouragement_n in_o all_o this_o his_o god_n set_v you_o about_o needless_a unpregnable_n wâ—â—â—_n will_v he_o not_o be_v sound_a of_o they_o that_o see_v he_o doâ—h_v not_o he_o love_v holiness_n better_o than_o you_o and_o will_v he_o not_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o vouchsafe_v the_o sanâ—â—â—_n you_o influenceâ—_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o you_o be_v ardaly_a to_o desâ—â—e_v 〈◊〉_d bâ—â—â—r_n after_o they_o what_o iniquity_n have_v you_o â—â—â—u_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d in_o â—im_n â—hat_n you_o shoulâ—_n entertain_v such_o mean_a low_a narrow_a 〈◊〉_d oughts_z of_o his_o goodness_n where_o be_v the_o man_n and_o what_o be_v his_o name_n that_o can_v say_v lord_n i_o do_v to_o my_o utmost_a improve_v the_o help_n thou_o give_v i_o and_o yer_z thou_o râ—â—â—â—â—'st_v to_o
of_o our_o natural_a animal_n spirit_n though_o lively_a affection_n in_o duty_n be_v very_o desirable_a and_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v after_o yet_o in_o try_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n the_o inward_a deep_a rational_a working_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god_n be_v main_o to_o be_v look_v at_o viz._n a_o fix_a and_o high_a estimation_n of_o he_o above_o all_o in_o our_o understanding_n and_o hearty_a resolution_n for_o he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o in_o our_o will_n with_o correspondent_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o and_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o duty_n do_v consist_v those_o be_v the_o holy_a soul_n who_o be_v inward_o and_o deep_o most_v incline_v towards_o god_n resolve_v for_o he_o and_o solicitous_a to_o please_v he_o not_o those_o who_o have_v the_o most_o transport_v passion_n or_o movable_a affection_n the_o sacred_a recess_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o i_o may_v allude_v to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n persius_n satyr_n second_o be_v more_o inward_a the_o affectionate_a part_n come_v more_o into_o view_n god_n be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o more_o fit_a for_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n than_o the_o passion_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o grand_a essential_o of_o holiness_n be_v more_o deep_a and_o steady_a passionate_a strive_n of_o affection_n make_v a_o great_a noise_n but_o be_v nothing_o near_o so_o valuable_a beside_o weak_a judgement_n and_o strong_a passion_n oft_o go_v together_o the_o wise_a and_o weighty_a person_n be_v usual_o must_v sedate_v and_o compose_v direct_v 8._o remember_v that_o god_n often_o make_v the_o full_a discovery_n of_o his_o love_n to_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a self-denying_a part_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o tell_v you_o of_o the_o transport_v joy_n which_o many_o of_o the_o martyr_n have_v find_v in_o their_o sharp_a suffering_n when_o all_o man_n have_v forsake_v they_o god_n have_v stand_v by_o they_o and_o comfort_v they_o he_o have_v visit_v they_o in_o their_o prison_n and_o enlarge_v their_o soul_n with_o spiritual_a refreshment_n when_o their_o body_n have_v be_v under_o confinement_n he_o have_v enable_v they_o to_o triumph_v in_o the_o very_a flame_n and_o to_o baffle_v their_o enemy_n by_o their_o patience_n magnanimity_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o suffer_v paul_n and_o silas_n sing_v in_o the_o stock_n stephen_n have_v heaven_n open_v to_o he_o when_o his_o enemy_n be_v rage_v against_o he_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n have_v one_o walk_v with_o they_o like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v upon_o suffering_n till_o god_n call_v we_o thereto_o but_o if_o it_o please_v he_o so_o to_o do_v we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o call_v as_o a_o prize_n put_v into_o our_o hand_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o comfort_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o you_o be_v for_o take_v up_o with_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a religion_n and_o excuse_v yourselves_o from_o the_o more_o difficult_a self-denying_a part_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n your_o grace_n be_v but_o weak_a at_o best_a and_o therefore_o your_o comfort_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v strong_a will_v you_o sow_v spare_o and_o reap_v plentiful_o how_o can_v you_o expect_v full_a assurance-of_a the_o love_n of_o god_n while_o you_o care_v not_o how_o little_a you_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o for_o he_o and_o what_o though_o you_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o fiery_a trial_n yet_o if_o you_o will_v but_o set_v yourselves_o earnest_o to_o the_o frequent_a diligent_a spiritual_a exercise_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o the_o mortificaiton_n of_o your_o belove_a lust_n and_o to_o the_o do_v of_o all_o the_o good_a you_o can_v in_o the_o several_a place_n wherein_o you_o stand_v you_o will_v certain_o find_v difficulty_n enough_o to_o exercise_v your_o grace_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o your_o great_a comfort_n because_o the_o flesh_n will_v draw_v back_o from_o such_o work_n as_o this_o the_o world_n be_v at_o hand_n ready_a to_o entangle_v you_o satan_n will_v do_v his_o worst_a to_o hinder_v you_o and_o so_o will_v all_o his_o instrument_n accustom_v yourselves_o to_o self-denying_a obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v you_o may_v expect_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n direct_v 9_o understand_v aright_o the_o ordinary_a method_n which_o the_o spirit_n take_v in_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n lest_o you_o abuse_v yourselves_o by_o expect_v what_o be_v unusual_a or_o extraordinary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o none_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o those_o who_o comply_v with_o the_o term_n of_o that_o covenant_n nor_o can_v any_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o they_o have_v so_o comply_v now_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o sincere_a believer_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o incline_v our_o heart_n by_o his_o grace_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o benefit_n offer_v and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v that_o be_v true_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o when_o we_o have_v so_o do_v our_o case_n be_v safe_a but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v further_a requisite_a to_o discern_v our_o own_o sincerity_n in_o this_o covenant-closure_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n now_o here_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o further_a help_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o so_o to_o draw_v that_o comfortable_a conclusion_n viz._n that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o spirit_n comfort_v believer_n and_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n by_o help_v they_o to_o discover_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o it_o be_v foolish_a presumption_n to_o expect_v assurance_n any_o other_o way_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n will_v enable_v man_n to_o rejoice_v in_o they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o to_o conclude_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o know_v not_o why_o we_o must_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n o_o do_v not_o deceive_v yourselves_o by_o expect_v enthusiastical_a impulse_n irrational_a rapture_n inward_a voice_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o get_v such_o a_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n as_o become_v his_o child_n and_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v such_o the_o sanctify_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o believer_n be_v the_o witness_n or_o evidence_n of_o their_o adopuon_n take_v care_n also_o that_o you_o deceive_v not_o yourselves_o by_o expect_v such_o rapture_n of_o joy_n as_o be_v extraordinary_a all_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o degree_n of_o comfort_n nor_o will_v know_v how_o to_o manage_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v it_o but_o if_o you_o have_v so_o much_o as_o tolerable_o support_v your_o spirit_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o sink_v bless_v god_n and_o be_v humble_a and_o have_v a_o care_n of_o peevishness_n or_o imparience_n direct_v 10._o distinguish_v careful_o between_o your_o state_n in_o the_o main_a and_o the_o more_o remote_a accident_n or_o circumstance_n wherewith_o it_o may_v be_v attend_v between_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a as_o such_o and_o what_o be_v further_o requisite_a to_o his_o wellbeing_a growth_n and_o comfort_n or_o if_o you_o will_v between_o foundation_n and_o building_n work_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v confound_v it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a you_o shall_v have_v any_o settle_a peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o your_o soul_n those_o who_o have_v true_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v who_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o main_a for_o god_n christ_n holiness_n and_o heaven_n such_o i_o say_v be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n use_v have_v a_o right_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o even_o such_o person_n themselves_o be_v oft_o guilty_a of_o great_a defect_n and_o intermission_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o
our_o soul_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o serious_a discharge_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o conclude_v this_o head_n be_v not_o so_o intent_n upon_o any_o one_o part_n of_o duty_n as_o to_o overlook_v the_o rest_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.6_o i_o esteem_v thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n vers_fw-la 128._o 4._o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o generation_n of_o seeker_n psal_n 24.6_o so_o psal_n 27.8_o when_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o hâ—aâ—t_n say_v uâ—to_fw-mi thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v how_o 〈◊〉_d do_v we_o find_v this_o duty_n press_v upon_o we_o pray_v always_o pray_v and_o faint_v not_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n pray_v to_o your_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a pray_v every_o where_o pray_v without_o cease_v etc._n etc._n yea_o we_o find_v the_o holy_a person_n frequent_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a duty_n psal_n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n psal_n 109.4_o i_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o prayer_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o example_n but_o i_o forbear_v o_o sir_n it_o be_v on_o our_o knee_n that_o we_o must_v get_v strength_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n the_o actuate_a of_o holy_a desire_n and_o present_v they_o to_o god_n must_v needs_o tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o strengthen_v those_o habit_n of_o grace_n from_o which_o such_o desire_n proceed_v beside_o as_o it_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o a_o undeniable_a duty_n shall_v not_o a_o people_n seek_v unto_o their_o god_n a_o most_o reasonable_a piece_n of_o service_n so_o a_o answerable_a blessing_n may_v be_v expect_v upon_o it_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o psal_n 81.10_o ask_v for_o great_a thing_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n come_v not_o with_o mean_a poor_a narrow_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v not_o cold_a nor_o lazy_a in_o your_o request_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5._o a_o learned_a divine_a mention_n secret_a prayer_n in_o the_o forefront_n of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v natural_o most_o backward_o mr._n baxter_n now_o one_o will_v think_v our_o own_o necessity_n shall_v even_o constrain_v we_o to_o it_o alas_o how_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o it_o and_o how_o much_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o strive_v against_o our_o indisposition_n to_o it_o how_o sweet_a be_v a_o duty_n when_o rescue_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o difficulty_n o_o sir_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o god_n hear_v no_o often_o from_o we_o and_o with_o no_o great_a fervency_n sure_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a approach_n to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o more_o like_o he_o remember_v god_n have_v way_n enough_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o your_o knee_n what_o if_o dark_a cloud_n shall_v arise_v upon_o you_o or_o some_o sharp_a affliction_n befall_v you_o then_o it_o be_v likely_a you_o will_v come_v cry_v after_o he_o and_o seek_v he_o early_o hos_fw-la 5.15_o but_o why_o not_o without_o so_o much_o ado_n why_o shall_v not_o gentle_a method_n prevail_v with_o you_o be_v but_o acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o you_o need_v not_o want_v either_o matter_n or_o motive_n for_o this_o great_a duty_n never_o expect_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n without_o keep_v up_o life_n and_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n with_o a_o passage_n which_o i_o late_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o excellent_a mr._n philip_n henry_n to_o the_o publisher_n whereof_o i_o here_o return_v my_o most_o humble_a thanks_o it_o be_v as_o follows_z pag._n 75._o be_v sure_o you_o look_v to_o secret_a duty_n keep_v that_o up_o whatever_o you_o do_v the_o soul_n can_v prosper_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o apostasy_n general_o begin_v at_o the_o closer-door_n secret_a prayer_n be_v first_o neglect_v and_o careless_o perform_v then_o frequent_o omit_v and_o after_o a_o while_n whole_o cast_v off_o and_o then_o farewell_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o religion_n 5._o learn_v the_o art_n of_o holy_a meditation_n it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o draw_v in_o life_n strength_n and_o sweetness_n from_o those_o great_a gospel-truths_n which_o inconsiderate_a person_n lay_v by_o as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o useless_a thing_n it_o be_v this_o that_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o clear_v our_o apprehension_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o set_v on_o work_v our_o resolution_n affection_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o soul-improving_a duty_n indeed_o nor_o can_v you_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o meditation_n if_o you_o will_v but_o see_v your_o thought_n at_o work_n and_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o it_o meditate_v upon_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n truth_n all-sufficiency_n think_v i_o say_v on_o these_o and_o think_v again_o till_o become_v impression_n be_v wrought_v upon_o your_o own_o spirit_n change_v you_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o think_v not_o upon_o god_n in_o a_o slighty_a or_o ordinary_a manner_n but_o with_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o admiration_n lest_o you_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a whereof_o you_o may_v be_v guilty_a in_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n let_v every_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v mighty_a upon_o you_o and_o participate_v in_o some_o suitable_a measure_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o almighty_a object_n think_v much_o on_o your_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o he_o be_v what_o he_o do_v what_o he_o suffer_v and_o why_o as_o also_o what_o he_o have_v further_a promise_v to_o do_v thus_o let_v christ_n dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n think_v on_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n upon_o your_o soul_n how_o infinite_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o he_o how_o much_o you_o have_v still_o to_o do_v with_o he_o how_o direct_a and_o explicit_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o your_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o he_o as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o how_o careful_a you_o shall_v be_v to_o carry_v becoming_o towards_o he_o think_v on_o the_o holiness_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n how_o sweet_a how_o reasonable_a how_o advantageous_a that_o obedience_n be_v which_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n psal_n 119.97_o think_v on_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n what_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n and_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v do_v what_o they_o be_v enjoy_v till_o your_o soul_n be_v on_o the_o wing_n long_v to_o be_v join_v to_o that_o holy_a and_o happy_a society_n think_v on_o the_o grace_n wherein_o you_o be_v most_o defective_a consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o how_o ill_o you_o can_v live_v without_o they_o or_o without_o great_a degree_n of_o they_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o grace_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o meditation_n lift_v up_o your_o eye_n and_o your_o soul_n to_o heaven_n for_o help_v therein_o o_o that_o you_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o try_v this_o course_n to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a and_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o meditation_n the_o advantage_n will_v be_v great_a every_o way_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o this_o more_o state_v exercise_n of_o meditation_n it_o will_v be_v 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