in_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n than_o in_o the_o sun_n but_o because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v great_a than_o our_o visive_a faculty_n can_v direct_o bear_v and_o behold_v so_o we_o can_v more_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o distinct_a nature_n of_o thing_n moral_a and_o natural_a than_o we_o can_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a see_v john_n 3.14_o not_o that_o there_o be_v more_o substance_n or_o reality_n in_o they_o but_o because_o the_o ability_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v more_o suit_v unto_o the_o comprehension_n of_o they_o the_o other_o be_v above_o we_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v hinder_v and_o disorder_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a by_o ignorance_n temptation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o all_o sort_n in_o nothing_o more_o be_v man_n subject_a unto_o mistake_n than_o in_o the_o application_n of_o thing_n unto_o themselves_o and_o a_o judgement_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o they_o fear_v self-love_n with_o the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n do_v all_o engage_v their_o power_n to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o pervert_v its_o judgement_n in_o no_o case_n do_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o of_o sin_n which_o be_v all_o one_o more_o act_n itself_o hence_o multitude_n say_v peace_n to_o themselves_o to_o who_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v peace_n and_o some_o who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n do_v yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n hence_o be_v that_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o help_v in_o this_o case_n ephes._n 1.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a similitude_n between_o temporary_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v save_v and_o durable_a and_o between_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o operation_n which_o be_v that_o that_o be_v under_o present_a consideration_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v therefore_o that_o without_o the_o especial_a light_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o man_n can_v make_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o his_o state_n and_o his_o action_n as_o shall_v be_v a_o stable_a foundation_n of_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o of_o obtain_v peace_n unto_o his_o own_o soul._n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v constant_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o ordinary_o under_o this_o bless_a conduct_n in_o the_o search_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v come_v unto_o a_o satisfaction_n whether_o they_o be_v influence_v by_o faith_n and_o have_v grace_n exercise_v in_o they_o especial_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o whether_o it_o derive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n raise_v by_o light_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n only_o and_o so_o whether_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n therein_o do_v spring_n from_o a_o vital_a principle_n of_o grace_n or_o whether_o they_o come_v from_o occasional_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o if_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o or_o to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o themselves_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n at_o all_o per_fw-la adventure_n to_o leave_v all_o thing_n at_o hazard_n to_o put_v off_o all_o trial_n unto_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o so_o never_o call_v themselves_o unto_o a_o account_n as_o unto_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o any_o particular_a instance_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o distinction_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o unto_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o we_o impartial_o and_o severe_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o frames_n and_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o holy_a duty_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o thereon_o not_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v that_o plain_o unto_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o word_n speak_v unto_o we_o this_o diligent_a search_n ought_v to_o respect_v our_o principle_n aim_n end_n act_n with_o the_o whole_a deportment_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o every_o duty_n see_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o if_o a_o man_n receive_v much_o money_n and_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o superscription_n when_o he_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v great_a store_n of_o currant_n coin_n in_o gold_n and_o silver_n he_o may_v have_v only_a heap_n of_o lead_n or_o copper_n by_o he_o but_o he_o that_o trade_v in_o it_o as_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o his_o natural_a life_n and_o condition_n he_o will_v try_v what_o he_o receive_v both_o by_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o touchstone_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o much_o adulterate_v coin_n be_v passant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o man_n reckon_v on_o his_o duty_n by_o tale_n and_o number_n he_o may_v be_v utter_o deceive_v and_o be_v spiritual_o poor_a and_o a_o bankrupt_a when_o he_o esteem_v himself_o rich_a increase_v in_o good_n and_o want_v nothing_o some_o duty_n may_v appear_o hold_v in_o the_o balance_n as_o to_o weight_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v it_o at_o the_o touchstone_n as_o to_o worth_n both_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o our_o account_n thus_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o duty_n call_v the_o people_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o so_o like_a to_o have_v acceptance_n with_o he_o isa._n 58.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o add_v we_o must_v unto_o our_o own_o diligent_a enquiry_n fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v search_v and_o try_v we_o as_o unto_o our_o sincerity_n and_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n hereof_o we_o have_v a_o express_a example_n psal._n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v unto_o our_o sincerity_n with_o our_o own_o spirit_n there_o be_v need_n of_o call_v in_o divine_a assistance_n in_o this_o matter_n both_o from_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o from_o its_o difficulty_n god_n alone_o know_v full_o and_o perfect_o what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o in_o the_o impartial_a use_n of_o these_o mean_n a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o assure_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n such_o as_o wherein_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v whether_o he_o do_v animate_v and_o quicken_v his_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o duty_n with_o inward_a vital_a grace_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v impression_n on_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o duty_n a_o duty_n this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n now_o hypocrisy_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o inroad_a on_o profession_n and_o gift_n have_v doflowred_a grace_n in_o its_o principal_a operation_n no_o person_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o walk_v at_o hazard_n with_o god_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o duty_n unto_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o other_o for_o they_o may_v countenance_v themselves_o with_o a_o appearance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o in_o reality_n and_o power_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o we_o have_v see_v many_o earnest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n who_o have_v turn_v vile_a and_o debauch_a apostate_n some_o have_v be_v know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o indulgence_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o yet_o to_o abide_v constant_a in_o their_o duty_n isa._n 1.15_o and_o we_o may_v hear_v prayer_n sometime_o that_o open_o discover_v themselves_o unto_o spiritual_a sense_n to_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o brain_n by_o the_o help_n of_o gift_n in_o memory_n and_o invention_n without_o a_o evidence_n of_o any_o mixture_n of_o humility_n reverence_n or_o godly_a fear_n without_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o flow_v as_o wine_n yet_o smell_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o unsavoury_a cask_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v put_v ourselves_o on_o the_o severe_a trial_n lest_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o spiritual_a duty_n gift_n be_v gracious_a vouchsafement_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v grace_n useful_a unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o yea_o they_o may_v make_v they_o useful_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o who_o have_v no_o grace_n in_o themselves_o but_o as_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n declare_v and_o practical_o improve_v by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n rome_n 8.6_o to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n colos._n 3.2_o set_a your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o london_n print_v by_o j._n g._n for_o nathaniel_n ponder_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n near_o the_o church_n 1681._o the_o preface_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o plain_a ensue_a discourse_n which_o may_v both_o direct_v he_o in_o the_o read_n and_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o apology_n for_o myself_o in_o the_o publish_n of_o it_o he_o may_v therefore_o know_v that_o the_o thought_n here_o communicate_v be_v original_o private_a meditation_n for_o my_o own_o use_n in_o a_o season_n wherein_o i_o be_v every_o way_n unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o and_o far_o from_o expectation_n that_o ever_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o able_a any_o more_o in_o this_o world_n receive_v as_o i_o think_v some_o benefit_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o own_o meditation_n therein_o when_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o restore_v a_o little_a strength_n unto_o i_o i_o insist_v on_o the_o same_o subject_a in_o the_o instruction_n of_o a_o private_a congregation_n and_o this_o i_o do_v partly_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o advantage_n i_o have_v receive_v myself_o by_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o and_o partly_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o duty_n direct_v and_o press_v unto_o in_o the_o whole_a discourse_n be_v seasonable_a from_o all_o sort_n of_o present_a circumstance_n to_o be_v declare_v and_o urge_v on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o professor_n for_o leave_v other_o unto_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o method_n and_o design_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v the_o two_o thing_n whereby_o i_o regulate_v my_o work_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o my_o ministry_n to_o impart_v those_o truth_n of_o who_o power_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v have_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o real_a experience_n and_o to_o press_v those_o duty_n which_o present_a occasion_n temptation_n and_o other_o circumstance_n do_v render_v necessary_a to_o be_v attend_v unto_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v principal_o apply_v myself_o unto_o in_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v other_o for_o as_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o general_a the_o whole_a council_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v declare_v so_o in_o particular_a we_o be_v not_o to_o fight_v uncertain_o as_o man_n beat_v the_o air_n nor_o shoot_v our_o arrow_n at_o random_n without_o a_o certain_a scope_n and_o design_n knowledge_n of_o the_o flock_n whereof_o we_o be_v overseer_n with_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o their_o want_n their_o grace_n their_o temptation_n their_o light_n their_o strength_n and_o weakness_n be_v require_v herein_o and_o when_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n the_o preparation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v dispense_v proceed_v from_o zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o compassion_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n when_o it_o be_v deliver_v with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o a_o due_a reverence_n unto_o god_n who_o word_n it_o be_v and_o of_o authority_n towards_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v dispense_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o that_o great_a account_n which_o both_o they_o that_o preach_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v must_v short_o give_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n there_o may_v the_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o bless_a issue_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n but_o my_o present_a design_n be_v only_o to_o declare_v in_o particular_a the_o reason_n why_o i_o judge_v the_o preach_a and_o publish_v of_o this_o small_a and_o plain_a discourse_n concen_v the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a not_o to_o be_v altogether_o unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o of_o most_o christian_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v observe_v unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o present_a importunity_n of_o the_o world_n to_o impose_v itself_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o various_a way_n of_o insinuation_n whereby_o it_o possess_v and_o fill_v they_o if_o it_o attain_v hereunto_o if_o it_o can_v fill_v the_o mind_n the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n with_o itself_o it_o will_v in_o some_o fortify_v the_o soul_n against_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o in_o other_o weaken_v all_o grace_n and_o endanger_v eternal_a ruin_n for_o if_o we_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o when_o the_o world_n fill_v our_o thought_n it_o will_v entangle_v our_o affection_n and_o first_o the_o present_a state_n of_o all_o public_a affair_n in_o it_o with_o a_o apprehend_a concernment_n of_o private_a person_n therein_o continual_o exercise_v the_o thought_n of_o many_o and_o be_v almost_o the_o only_a subject_n of_o their_o mutual_a converse_n for_o the_o world_n be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o mighty_a hurry_n and_o be_v in_o many_o place_n cast_v off_o from_o all_o foundation_n of_o steadfastness_n it_o make_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n giddy_a with_o its_o revolution_n or_o disorderly_a in_o the_o expectation_n of_o they_o thought_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v both_o allowable_a and_o unavoidable_a if_o they_o take_v not_o the_o mind_n out_o of_o its_o own_o power_n by_o their_o multiplicity_n vehemency_n and_o urgency_n until_o it_o be_v unframe_v as_o unto_o spiritual_a thing_n retain_v neither_o room_n nor_o time_n for_o their_o entertainment_n hence_o man_n walk_v and_o talk_v as_o if_o the_o world_n be_v all_o when_o comparative_o it_o be_v nothing_o and_o when_o man_n come_v with_o their_o warm_a affection_n reek_v with_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o or_o attendance_n unto_o any_o spiritual_a duty_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o they_o if_o not_o impossible_a to_o stir_v up_o any_o grace_n unto_o a_o due_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n unless_o this_o plausible_a advantage_n which_o the_o world_n have_v obtain_v of_o insinuate_a itself_o and_o its_o occasion_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o fill_v they_o and_o possess_v they_o be_v watch_v against_o and_o obviate_v so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o that_o it_o may_v not_o transform_v the_o mind_n into_o its_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n this_o grace_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n which_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n can_v be_v attain_v nor_o keep_v unto_o its_o due_a exercise_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v any_o of_o we_o deliver_v from_o this_o snare_n at_o this_o season_n without_o a_o watchful_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o constant_a contemplation_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a proceed_v from_o the_o prevalent_a adherence_n of_o our_o affection_n unto_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n again_o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o a_o earthly_a worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o many_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v high_a time_n they_o be_v call_v unto_o a_o due_a consideration_n how_o unanswerable_a they_o be_v therein_o unto_o the_o power_n and_o spirituallity_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v there_o be_v no_o way_n whereby_o such_o a_o frame_n may_v be_v evince_v to_o prevail_v in_o many_o yea_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o such_o professior_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a unto_o all_o in_o their_o habit_n attire_n and_o vestment_n in_o their_o usual_a converse_n and_o mispence_v of_o time_n in_o their_o over_o liberal_a entertainment_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o unto_o the_o border_n of_o excess_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o a_o a_o like_a nature_n there_o be_v in_o many_o such_o a_o conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n a_o thing_n severe_o forbid_v that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o these_o thing_n do_v manifest_v such_o a_o predominancy_n of_o carnal_a affection_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o whatever_o may_v be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_a be_v inconsistent_a with_o spiritual_a peace_n to_o call_v man_n off_o from_o this_o evil_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o discover_v the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o to_o direct_v they_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v effect_v to_o supply_v their_o thought_n and_o affection_n with_o better_a object_n to_o discover_v and_o press_v that_o excercise_n of_o they_o which_o be_v indispensible_o require_v of_o all_o believer_n if_o they_o design_v life_n and_o
thought_n some_o way_n that_o have_v be_v find_v out_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o pretence_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v destructive_a unto_o it_o but_o herein_o consist_v the_o very_a life_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o usual_a expression_n of_o all_o the_o due_a respect_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o and_o that_o because_o where_o that_o be_v not_o in_o exercise_n nothing_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o and_o thence_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o wisdom_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v therein_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o prevalent_a exercise_n in_o all_o wherein_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o immediate_o all_o our_o duty_n be_v utter_o lose_v as_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n chap._n ix_o what_o of_o god_n or_o in_o god_n we_o be_v to_o think_v and_o meditate_v upon_o his_o be_v reason_n of_o it_o opposition_n to_o it_o the_o way_n of_o their_o conquest_n thought_n of_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n peculiarly_a necessary_a the_o reason_n hereof_o as_o also_o of_o his_o omnipotency_n the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o such_o thought_n these_o thing_n mention_v have_v be_v premise_v in_o general_n as_o unto_o the_o nature_n manner_n and_o way_n of_o exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n on_o god_n that_o which_o remain_v be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v upon_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n and_o what_o we_o will_v be_v conversant_a withal_o in_o our_o thought_n if_o so_o be_v we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v at_o present_a on_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v his_o grace_n and_o love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o belong_v unto_o another_o head_n but_o on_o those_o which_o have_v a_o immediate_a respect_n unto_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o and_o its_o holy_a essential_a property_n 1._o think_v much_o of_o the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n herein_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o relation_n and_o access_n unto_o he_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v this_o be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o reason_n and_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v exercise_v unto_o multiply_v thought_n about_o it_o renew_v on_o all_o occasion_n for_o many_o who_o be_v not_o direct_a atheist_n yet_o live_v without_o any_o solid_a wellgrounded_n assent_v unto_o the_o divine_a be_v they_o do_v not_o so_o believe_v it_o as_o to_o be_v practical_o influence_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o inbred_a light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n will_v give_v any_o rational_a creature_n satisfaction_n in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v in_o the_o most_o a_o anticipation_n of_o any_o thought_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o tradition_n and_o education_n which_o have_v invite_v man_n into_o a_o assent_n unto_o it_o they_o know_v not_o how_o they_o never_o call_v it_o into_o question_n nor_o have_v as_o they_o suppose_v any_o cause_n so_o to_o do_v nature_n itself_o startle_v at_o the_o first_o thought_n of_o deny_v of_o it_o but_o if_o ever_o such_o person_n on_o any_o urgent_a occasion_n come_v to_o have_v real_a thought_n about_o it_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o fluctuate_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o not_o have_v any_o certain_a indubitable_a convicton_n of_o its_o truth_n wherefore_o as_o our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v be_v as_o to_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o lay_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o operation_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n about_o the_o work_n and_o effect_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v increase_v and_o render_v useful_a by_o faith_n in_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o divine_a power_n through_o they_o by_o this_o faith_n we_o ought_v to_o let_v in_o frequent_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o existence_n and_o that_o on_o two_o reason_n render_v the_o duty_n necessary_a in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n in_o this_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v 1._o the_o abound_v of_o atheism_n both_o notional_a and_o practical_a the_o reason_n of_o it_o have_v be_v give_v before_o and_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_a unto_o any_o ordinary_a observation_n and_o on_o two_o account_n with_o respect_n hereunto_o we_o ought_v to_o abound_v in_o thought_n of_o faith_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o a_o especial_a testimony_n be_v require_v in_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o curse_a effect_n of_o hell_n he_o therefore_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v can_v but_o have_v many_o thought_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n thereby_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o isai._n 43.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o let_v all_o the_o nation_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o let_v the_o people_n be_v assemble_v who_o among_o they_o can_v declare_v this_o and_o show_v we_o former_a thing_n let_v they_o bring_v forth_o their_o witness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v justify_v or_o let_v they_o hear_v and_o say_v it_o be_v truth_n you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o my_o servant_n who_o i_o have_v choose_v that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v i_o and_o understand_v that_o i_o be_o he_o before_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n form_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v after_o i_o ay_o even_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o saviour_n i_o have_v declare_v and_o have_v save_v and_o i_o have_v show_v when_o there_o be_v no_o strange_a god_n among_o you_o therefore_o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o be_o god_n chap._n 44.8_o fear_v you_o not_o neither_o be_v afraid_a have_v not_o i_o tell_v thou_o from_o that_o time_n and_o have_v declare_v it_o you_o be_v even_o my_o witness_n be_v there_o a_o god_n beside_o i_o yea_o there_o be_v no_o god_n i_o know_v not_o any_o 2._o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n of_o they_o continual_o administer_v unto_o we_o those_o atheistical_a impiety_n principle_n and_o practice_n which_o abound_v among_o we_o be_v grievous_a provocation_n unto_o all_o pious_a soul_n without_o frequent_a retreat_n unto_o thought_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o relief_n nor_o refreshment_n to_o be_v have_v under_o they_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o noah_n in_o the_o old_a world_n and_o of_o lot_n in_o sodom_n which_o render_v their_o grace_n illustrious_a 2._o because_o of_o the_o unaccountable_a confusion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v fill_v withal_o at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n whatever_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v a_o temptation_n in_o humane_a affair_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o abound_v at_o this_o day_n never_o have_v man_n profane_a and_o profligate_v great_a outward_a appearance_n to_o strengthen_v they_o in_o their_o atheism_n nor_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a great_a trial_n for_o their_o faith_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o visible_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o psalmist_n of_o old_a on_o such_o a_o occasion_n be_v almost_o surprise_v into_o unbelieving_a complaint_n psal._n 73.2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o such_o surprisal_n may_v now_o also_o befall_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o he_o very_o i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n for_o all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v i_o be_v plague_v and_o chastened_a every_o morning_n hence_o when_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n be_v exercise_v with_o thought_n about_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o declare_v chap._n 1.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o consideration_n in_o the_o fresh_a exercise_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o be_v and_o property_n of_o god_n v_o 12_o 13._o and_o david_n make_v that_o his_o retreat_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n psal._n 11.3_o 4_o 5._o in_o such_o a_o season_n as_o this_o be_v upon_o both_o the_o account_v mention_v those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v will_n much_o exercise_v their_o thought_n about_o the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n they_o will_v say_v within_o themselves_o very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o he_o be_v a_o god_n who_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n hence_o will_v follow_v such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o immensity_n of_o his_o nature_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n as_o will_v hold_v their_o soul_n firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o high_a storm_n of_o temptation_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o yet_o be_v there_o