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
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 godliness_n do_v principal_o consist_v namely_o in_o such_o a_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n towards_o god_n it_o be_v the_o give_v our_o heart_n to_o he_o which_o before_o be_v most_o unreasonable_o and_o wicked_o alienate_v from_o he_o it_o be_v this_o which_o he_o do_v especial_o call_v for_o insist_v upon_o and_o expect_v from_o we_o this_o he_o set_v most_o by_o and_o without_o it_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o we_o can_v offer_v prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v more_o than_o all_o whole_a barnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n mark_n 12.33_o thus_o the_o wander_a soul_n be_v bring_v back_o to_o its_o proper_a centre_n and_o best_n it_o be_v a_o honest_a friendly_a good-natured_a disposition_n of_o heart_n god-ward_n always_o temper_v with_o dutiful_a reverence_n to_o so_o adorable_a a_o majesty_n who_o need_v not_o such_o poor_a silly_a worm_n as_o we_o but_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o who_o be_v will_v be_v gracious_a 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 god_n which_o before_o be_v shy_a reserve_v estrange_v shut_v up_o against_o he_o though_o they_o be_v always_o his_o by_o title_n yet_o not_o till_o now_o by_o consent_n before_o he_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la a_o right_a to_o they_o now_o he_o have_v jus_o in_o re_fw-mi a_o actual_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o possession_n of_o they_o the_o everlasting_a door_n be_v now_o open_v and_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n be_v enter_v in_o psal_n 24._o thus_o we_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n how_o shall_v i_o make_v it_o plain_o it_o be_v a_o sincere_a deep_a inward_a hearty_a prevail_a love_n to_o he_o who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n in_o one_o word_n love_n without_o this_o thou_o have_v only_o the_o shadow_n of_o holiness_n but_o real_o art_n nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.2_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o will_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a it_o be_v turn_v from_o god_n by_o sin_n yea_o and_o set_v against_o he_o grace_n reduce_v and_o reconcile_v it_o to_o he_o again_o so_o that_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o renew_a soul_n be_v towards_o god_n that_o it_o may_v know_v he_o more_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o better_o be_v bring_v yet_o near_o to_o he_o and_o more_o full_o conform_v to_o his_o will._n it_o detest_v all_o thought_n of_o happiness_n in_o which_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o include_v or_o rather_o which_o be_v not_o whole_o include_v in_o that_o enjoyment_n he_o say_v unto_o the_o lord_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n i_o can_v take_v up_o with_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o my_o portion_n and_o supreme_a good_a my_o soul_n pant_v after_o thou_o long_v for_o thou_o and_o be_v even_o weary_a of_o itself_o to_o find_v any_o remnant_n of_o its_o old_a aversion_n from_o thou_o these_o be_v my_o daily_a groan_n o_o that_o i_o can_v ascend_v more_o send_v forth_o o_o lord_n thy_o powerful_a attractive_a love_n let_v that_o holy_a flame_n consume_v my_o dross_n that_o the_o noble_a part_n may_v know_v in_o home_n its_o rest_n it_o be_v all_o how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n unto_o i_o o_o god_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o i_o know_v in_o some_o measure_n long_o since_o that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v make_v i_o complete_o happy_a i_o have_v often_o hear_v of_o this_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n but_o now_o i_o know_v it_o better_o my_o eye_n see_v it_o i_o find_v and_o feel_v that_o my_o soul_n be_v otherwise_o affect_v towards_o thou_o than_o iâ—_n be_v before_o thus_o the_o passage_n betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n be_v open_v thus_o the_o will_n be_v determine_v for_o god_n and_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o only_o hover_v in_o the_o brain_n or_o imagination_n sink_v down_o work_n into_o the_o very_a soul_n and_o attemper_v it_o to_o themselves_o i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o large_a upon_o this_o head_n but_o all_o be_v little_a enough_o to_o make_v unregenerate_a person_n understand_v these_o thing_n though_o still_o they_o pretend_v to_o love_v god_n but_o i_o proceed_v 4._o the_o sensitive_a passion_n or_o affection_n must_v also_o be_v sanctify_v so_o as_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o superior_a faculty_n especial_o the_o will_n and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o holiness_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v devote_v unto_o god_n exercise_v upon_o he_o and_o for_o he_o the_o rational_a and_o sensitive_a appetite_n be_v so_o near_o connex_v at_o least_o in_o this_o life_n that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o former_a so_o far_o as_o we_o perceive_v they_o always_o take_v in_o somewhat_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o be_v common_o describe_v according_o moreover_o the_o passion_n of_o affection_n be_v ofttimes_o a_o occasion_n or_o mean_n to_o awaken_v and_o excite_v our_o reason_n and_o will_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o of_o exceed_v great_a use_n if_o right_o manage_v and_o improve_v and_o though_o the_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o high_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o intellectual_a namely_o in_o the_o vital_a active_a power_n understanding_n and_o will_n and_o must_v there_o be_v main_o seek_v and_o inquire_v after_o viz._n whether_o we_o have_v a_o high_a estimation_n of_o god_n and_o do_v resolve_o and_o rational_o cleave_v to_o he_o endeavour_v to_o act_v suitable_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n etc._n etc._n again_o though_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o our_o passion_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v move_v by_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a object_n as_o by_o sensible_a thing_n that_o be_v near_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n strong_a where_o judgement_n be_v weak_a and_o very_o uncertain_a too_o as_o depend_v much_o upon_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n etc._n etc._n yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o those_o person_n who_o affection_n move_v sensible_o and_o free_o towards_o other_o thing_n but_o scarce_o stir_v at_o all_o as_o to_o the_o best_a and_o high_a object_n be_v certain_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o languid_a state_n of_o soul_n if_o not_o quite_o dead_a if_o we_o be_v indeed_o rise_v with_o christ_n then_o as_o we_o ought_v so_o we_o shall_v in_o some_o measure_n set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o col._n 3.1_o 2._o if_o the_o will_v be_v predominant_o for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v but_o that_o the_o affection_n will_v in_o some_o degree_n go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o if_o they_o move_v but_o slow_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o will_v put_v we_o upon_o earnest_a strive_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o
to_o have_v concern_v the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n he_o hate_v the_o worker_n thereof_o to_o imagine_v therefore_o that_o impure_a unrenewed_a soul_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o heavenly_a joy_n without_o be_v first_o wrought_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o sanctify_a grace_n to_o suppose_v this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v to_o deny_v the_o divine_a holiness_n or_o to_o obscure_v the_o lustre_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o yea_o and_o to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o psal_n 50.21_o o_o sir_n be_v you_o but_o due_o sensible_a of_o his_o infinite_a purity_n in_o who_o sight_n the_o heaven_n be_v not_o clean_o job_n 15.15_o it_o will_v make_v you_o cry_v out_o who_o can_v stand_v before_o this_o holy_a lord_n god_n or_o to_o abhor_v yourselves_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n as_o a_o far_o better_a man_n do_v job_n 42.6_o or_o with_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n to_o cry_v our_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v because_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.5_o this_o will_v quick_o drive_v you_o unto_o christ_n that_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n you_o may_v be_v safe_a 2._o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v disow_v and_o contradict_v by_o these_o dare_a presumption_n how_o great_a a_o matter_n do_v god_n make_v of_o his_o veracity_n psal_n 138.2_o i_o will_v praise_v thy_o name_n for_o thy_o truth_n for_o thou_o have_v magnify_v thy_o word_n above_o all_o thy_o name_n but_o o_o what_o light_a account_n do_v these_o self-deceiver_n make_v thereof_o though_o nothing_o be_v more_o earnest_o frequent_o and_o plain_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n to_o fit_a man_n for_o heaven_n though_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o that_o few_o find_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o that_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v doom_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o yet_o they_o go_v on_o in_o carnal_a security_n and_o hope_v still_o as_o if_o all_o these_o warning_n be_v but_o idle_a tale_n thus_o they_o impute_v falsehood_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o can_v there_o be_v more_o horrid_a blasphemy_n than_o this_o 3._o the_o inflexible_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v contemn_v and_o slight_v by_o such_o person_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a will_v he_o justify_v the_o wicked_a no_o no_o they_o that_o do_v so_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o prov._n 17.15_o though_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clean_o the_o guilty_a exod._n 34.6_o 7._o it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o he_o to_o recompense_v vengeance_n to_o the_o ungodly_a and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o vindicate_v his_o own_o holiness_n truth_n and_o government_n god_n that_o be_v holy_a shall_v be_v sanctify_v in_o righteousness_n isa_n 5.16_o have_v he_o make_v law_n so_o just_a and_o good_a and_o will_v he_o not_o keep_v up_o the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o see_v that_o they_o be_v due_o execute_v he_o need_v not_o rule_v the_o world_n by_o deceit_n his_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o his_o promise_n be_v true_a and_o the_o final_a judgement_n will_v quick_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o so_o it_o be_v the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v just_a so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o impious_a hope_n of_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v baffle_v and_o disappoint_v at_o last_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o patience_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v despise_v by_o such_o person_n who_o wilful_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o yet_o think_v to_o escape_v his_o righteous_a judgement_n rom._n 2.3_o 4._o three_o such_o groundless_a hope_n be_v exceed_o dangerous_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o 1._o to_o themselves_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o particular_n i_o will_v mention_v only_o two_o 1._o hereby_o they_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o impenitent_a unregenerate_a state_n these_o blind_a presumption_n be_v so_o many_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n in_o their_o soul_n whereby_o he_o keep_v possession_n of_o they_o as_o i_o may_v at_o least_o allude_v to_o that_o luke_n 11.21_o when_o a_o strong_a man_n arm_v keep_v his_o palace_n his_o good_n be_v in_o peace_n a_o false_a peace_n indeed_o maintain_v and_o cherish_v by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n who_o be_v all_o the_o while_n carry_v on_o his_o design_n against_o they_o be_v the_o dark_a and_o when_o the_o veil_n be_v draw_v aside_o will_v ready_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o he_o have_v get_v the_o game_n thus_o he_o blind_v their_o mind_n and_o make_v sport_n with_o they_o as_o the_o philistine_n do_v with_o samsoâ—_n when_o they_o have_v put_v out_o his_o eye_n lead_v they_o captive_a at_o his_o will_n these_o vain_a hope_n hinder_v the_o due_a efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n upon_o they_o though_o we_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o danger_n over_o and_o over_o with_o never_o so_o much_o plainness_n yet_o they_o foolish_o conceit_n that_o their_o case_n be_v safe_a enough_o and_o this_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o further_a endeavour_n and_o so_o we_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v they_o where_o we_o find_v they_o or_o worse_a flatter_v themselves_o either_o that_o they_o be_v regenerate_v already_o or_o else_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v without_o so_o much_o ado_n those_o conviction_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o their_o present_a state_n which_o shall_v help_v to_o prepare_v they_o for_o christ_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v prevent_v mat._n 9.12_o they_o that_o be_v whole_a need_v not_o a_o physician_n etc._n etc._n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v we_o blind_a also_o hence_o our_o lord_n assure_v we_o that_o publican_n and_o harlot_n go_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n before_o such_o mat._n 21.31_o 32._o viz._n as_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o conviction_n and_o humiliation_n than_o those_o self-conceited_a pretender_n be_v isa_n 44.20_o hefee_v on_o ash_n a_o deceive_a heart_n have_v turn_v he_o aside_o that_o he_o can_v deliver_v his_o soul_n nor_o say_v be_v there_o not_o a_o lie_n in_o my_o right_a hand_n 2._o this_o unhappy_a presumption_n make_v their_o final_a ruin_n more_o dreadful_a and_o amaze_a when_v it_o come_v mat._n 7.26_o 27._o he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_v descend_v etc._n etc._n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o a_o great_a fall_n indeed_o when_o a_o man_n who_o in_o his_o expectation_n be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n shall_v in_o reality_n find_v himself_o as_o low_a as_o hell_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o astonish_a disappointment_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o matter_n will_v then_o be_v past_a redress_n o_o with_o what_o anguish_n and_o bitterness_n will_v they_o then_o cry_v out_o alas_o be_v all_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n come_v to_o this_o how_o will_v conscience_n wrack_v and_o torment_v they_o for_o have_v slight_v all_o the_o warning_n which_o be_v give_v they_o how_o will_v the_o great_a deceiver_n triumph_n and_o insult_v over_o they_o when_o they_o be_v past_a hope_n and_o help_v for_o ever_o though_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v terrible_a yet_o that_o of_o self-deceiving_a hypocrite_n will_v be_v most_o surprise_v because_o least_o expect_v isa_n 33.14_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fearfulness_n have_v surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o devour_a fire_n who_o aâ—onest_a we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n or_o with_o the_o burn_n of_o eternity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_n thess_n 5.3_o for_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v peace_n and_o safety_n then_o sudden_a destruction_n come_v upon_o they_o then_o will_v they_o find_v to_o their_o endless_a confusion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a though_o before_o they_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v it_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n it_o be_v
too_o strict_a for_o they_o they_o have_v itch_a ear_n isa_n 30.10_o speak_v unto_o we_o smooth_a thing_n but_o their_o righteous_a judge_n will_v not_o flatter_v they_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n will_v confute_v their_o folly_n lo_o this_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o they_o who_o forget_v god_n thus_o shall_v their_o hope_n fall_v and_o rise_v no_o more_o so_o dangerous_a be_v their_o presumption_n to_o themselves_o 2._o they_o be_v also_o dangerous_a to_o other_o who_o froâ—_n hence_o take_v encouragement_n to_o cherish_v the_o like_a groundless_a hope_n thus_o they_o mutual_o harden_v one_o another_o against_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o a_o agreement_n with_o hell_n for_o they_o have_v make_v lie_v their_o refuge_n and_o under_o falshood_n have_v they_o hide_v themselves_o isa_n 28.15_o as_o noise_n and_o company_n put_v great_a boldness_n into_o army_n than_o there_o be_v in_o single_a person_n alone_o so_o be_v it_o here_o as_o if_o god_n will_v spare_v they_o because_o of_o their_o multitude_n though_o his_o holiness_n truth_n and_o justice_n be_v engage_v to_o the_o contrary_n how_o shall_v such_o man_n prosper_v job_n 9.4_o why_o say_v they_o we_o take_v no_o great_a liberty_n nor_o hope_v better_o for_o ourselves_o that_o our_o neighbour_n do_v what_o shall_v none_o be_v save_v but_o a_o few_o strict_a precise_a person_n who_o pretend_v to_o great_a holiness_n and_o diligence_n than_o all_o about_o they_o god_n forbid_v thus_o they_o go_v on_o but_o stay_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v the_o matter_n as_o you_o go_v if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n it_o be_v not_o your_o follow_v a_o multitude_n therein_o that_o will_v serve_v to_o excuse_v you_o have_v you_o never_o read_v that_o christ_n expect_v his_o disciple_n shall_v do_v more_o than_o other_o mat._n 5.47_o and_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o of_o it_o nor_o must_v be_v conform_v to_o it_o know_v therefore_o that_o those_o very_a person_n who_o be_v most_o earnest_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v withal_o most_o sensible_a in_o how_o many_o thing_n they_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o lest_o prone_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o presumptuous_a hope_n and_o be_v you_o they_o that_o shall_v escape_v in_o your_o â—gross_a negligence_n and_o vain_a confidence_n no_o such_o matter_n 〈◊〉_d four_o and_o last_o it_o be_v very_o unnatural_a thus_o to_o soothe_v up_o yourselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n the_o principle_n of_o self_n preservation_n be_v most_o deep_o implant_v in_o human_a nature_n and_o according_o be_v wont_v to_o take_v place_n in_o all_o other_o case_n but_o this_o where_o yet_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o it_o if_o your_o life_n liberty_n estate_n reputation_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o danger_n how_o thankful_a will_v you_o be_v to_o any_o that_o will_v warn_v you_o of_o that_o danger_n and_o help_v you_o to_o avoid_v it_o but_o while_o your_o soul_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n you_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v tell_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n they_o hate_v he_o that_o reprove_v in_o the_o gate_n and_o thus_o they_o play_v about_o the_o side_n of_o the_o pit_n and_o so_o drop_v in_o one_o after_o another_o without_o so_o much_o as_o think_v serious_o whither_o they_o be_v go_v as_o fly_n about_o the_o flame_n of_o a_o candle_n till_o it_o catch_v hold_v upon_o they_o o_o more_o than_o brutish_a stupidity_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o satan_n will_v do_v his_o worst_a to_o deceive_v you_o but_o must_v you_o also_o favour_v the_o deceit_n and_o take_v part_n with_o your_o enemy_n against_o yourselves_o while_o your_o friend_n stand_v by_o and_o pity_v you_o but_o can_v help_v you_o because_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o have_v your_o own_o way_n be_v not_o your_o understanding_n make_v to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n be_v it_o not_o natural_a to_o they_o so_o to_o do_v why_o then_o do_v you_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o affect_a ignorance_n of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v principal_o give_v you_o and_o all_o this_o while_o the_o light_n shine_v round_o about_o you_o though_o you_o close_v your_o eye_n against_o it_o and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o everlasting_a consequence_n even_o the_o one_o thing_n needful_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o you_o be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o the_o world_n more_o honour_v or_o respect_v by_o other_o or_o that_o you_o fare_v more_o delicious_o than_o your_o neighbour_n but_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o your_o peace_n be_v make_v with_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o the_o disease_n of_o your_o soul_n heal_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o else_o you_o be_v ruin_v for_o ever_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n how_o unnatural_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o so_o earnest_o in_o provide_v for_o the_o flesh_n while_o the_o better_a part_n even_o the_o immortal_a soul_n be_v betray_v starve_v and_o undo_v have_v you_o not_o be_v tell_v already_o that_o your_o foolish_a presumption_n can_v be_v support_v except_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n be_v overturn_v because_o holiness_n be_v essential_o include_v in_o the_o true_a happiness_n of_o the_o rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o to_o expect_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o be_v to_o separate_v a_o thing_n from_o itself_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v put_v out_o his_o own_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v see_v more_o clear_o will_v not_o this_o be_v very_o natural_a think_v you_o you_o see_v then_o how_o vain_a sinful_a dangerous_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v thus_o to_o abuse_v yourselves_o i_o have_v consider_v these_o particular_n distinct_o though_o indeed_o they_o can_v real_o be_v divide_v be_v most_o intimate_o connect_v together_o and_o involve_a one_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o another_o for_o vanity_n in_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v sinful_a if_o idle_a word_n must_v be_v account_v for_o to_o be_v sure_o idle_a hope_n will_v not_o pass_v free_a again_o that_o which_o be_v sinful_a must_v needs_o be_v dangerous_a nor_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v dangerous_a but_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o put_v a_o sting_n into_o all_o danger_n whatsoever_o but_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o and_o then_o again_o to_o run_v wilful_o upon_o so_o much_o vanity_n sin_n and_o danger_n be_v certain_o unnatural_a if_o self-destruction_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o call_v and_o so_o it_o appear_v how_o great_o those_o person_n be_v to_o be_v reprove_v who_o thus_o cheat_n and_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o object_n but_o some_o will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v strange_a kind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o that_o it_o be_v like_a 1._o to_o drive_v man_n to_o despair_n and_o so_o 2._o to_o distract_v they_o and_o then_o at_o last_o 3._o to_o break_v their_o heart_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v answ_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v strange_a to_o you_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v no_o better_o acquaint_v with_o your_o bibles_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o true_a for_o all_o that_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o objection_n 1._o you_o ought_v not_o to_o despair_v of_o find_v mercy_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n upon_o gospel-term_n the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o as_o great_a sinner_n as_o you_o have_v be_v pardon_v and_o many_o also_o have_v perish_v who_o never_o sin_v at_o the_o rate_n that_o you_o have_v do_v take_v that_o along_o with_o you_o as_o the_o former_a consideration_n may_v keep_v you_o from_o sinful_a despair_n let_v the_o latter_a keep_v you_o from_o presumption_n let_v i_o therefore_o tell_v you_o withal_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o despair_v of_o be_v save_v in_o any_o other_o way_n but_o what_o god_n have_v appoint_v he_o be_v merciful_a indeed_o but_o he_o be_v also_o just_a and_o true_a except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v perish_v the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v etc._n etc._n do_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v falsify_v his_o word_n to_o justify_v your_o presumption_n will_v you_o slight_v his_o mercy_n and_o then_o complain_v of_o he_o as_o unmerciful_a as_o to_o the_o 2d_o have_v not_o such_o person_n the_o plain_a symptom_n of_o distraction_n upon_o they_o already_o be_v they_o not_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o themselves_o how_o can_v they_o be_v mad_a than_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o they_o must_v not_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o for_o fear_n of_o distract_n or_o disturb_v they_o that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o use_v our_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v they_o
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 suspense_n betwixt_o hope_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o their_o sincerity_n and_o that_o many_o time_n for_o want_n of_o constancy_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o selfreflection_n and_o even_o those_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o more_o comfortable_a assurance_n iâ—_n this_o matter_n do_v yet_o see_v reason_n to_o be_v often_o renew_v thâ—_n trial_n and_o to_o look_v over_o their_o evidence_n again_o as_o weâ—â—_n know_v what_o need_n there_o be_v to_o go_v upon_o solid_a ground_n and_o what_o a_o treacherous_a thing_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o shall_v be_v account_v part_n of_o our_o daâ—ly_a business_n as_o christian_n to_o commune_v with_o our_o owâ—_n heart_n by_o way_n of_o self-examination_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o call_v in_o question_n our_o state_n as_o to_o the_o main_a yet_o even_o that_o shall_v sometime_o be_v do_v so_o far_o as_o to_o review_v the_o discovery_n which_o we_o have_v former_o make_v and_o to_o try_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o have_v proceed_v especial_o upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n as_o when_o temptation_n arise_v or_o when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o any_o extraordinary_a duty_n or_o office_n yea_o or_o after_o some_o unusual_a fall_n into_o sin_n or_o when_o distemper_n threaten_v our_o dissolution_n as_o also_o before_o we_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o we_o examine_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o sincerity_n not_o so_o as_o to_o give_v way_n to_o unjust_a doubt_n and_o jealousy_n but_o to_o quiet_a compose_v and_o support_v our_o soul_n in_o peace_n direct_v 5._o last_o see_v that_o this_o work_n be_v right_o circumstantiate_v both_o as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n as_o for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o worldly_a business_n that_o you_o may_v attend_v upon_o this_o work_n without_o distraction_n enter_v into_o your_o closet_n shut_v the_o door_n upon_o you_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n remember_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o reverend_a witness_n of_o all_o your_o proceed_n who_o stand_v by_o and_o judge_v you_o while_o you_o be_v judge_v yourselves_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o this_o or_o nothing_o will_v over-awe_n your_o mind_n and_o make_v you_o impartial_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o business_n as_o for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n have_v a_o care_n of_o needless_a delay_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o do_v not_o rush_v precipitant_o upon_o it_o when_o you_o be_v unfit_a for_o such_o a_o undertake_n take_v such_o a_o season_n for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o possible_a when_o your_o spirit_n be_v lively_a your_o head_n clear_a your_o affection_n calm_a and_o compose_v otherwise_o if_o you_o set_v about_o it_o when_o your_o head_n be_v confuse_v your_o spirit_n deject_v or_o oppress_v with_o melancholy_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o your_o passion_n tumultuous_a and_o afloat_a you_o will_v make_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v sometime_o find_v that_o satan_n himself_o though_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n will_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o put_v a_o poor-trembling_a soul_n upon_o this_o work_n when_o he_o know_v it_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o and_o as_o ready_a will_v he_o be_v to_o triumph_v over_o such_o person_n and_o contempt_n they_o to_o despair_v when_o he_o see_v they_o be_v baffle_v and_o confound_v in_o their_o search_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o direct_v you_o in_o this_o point_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o in_o all_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n humble_o beg_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v lead_v you_o into_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n tell_v he_o you_o can_v be_v satisfy_v to_o hang_v 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
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