so_o q._n 8._o can_v it_o be_v any_o good_a sign_n if_o you_o can_v recreate_v yourselves_o with_o that_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o grief_n and_o burden_n to_o your_o minister_n and_o many_o of_o your_o fellow_n christian_n because_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o sinful_a o_o how_o tender_a shall_v we_o be_v in_o this_o point_n how_o fearful_a shall_v we_o be_v of_o grieve_v or_o offend_v any_o of_o our_o brethren_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v he_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o he_o see_v they_o tender_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o grieve_v and_o offend_v at_o sin_n whether_o in_o themselves_o or_o other_o q._n 9_o tell_v i_o true_o how_o do_v your_o card_n relish_n with_o you_o when_o you_o be_v in_o the_o most_o serious_a frame_n when_o you_o find_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n impress_v upon_o your_o spirit_n in_o the_o most_o fresh_a and_o lively_a manner_n i_o very_o think_v if_o i_o shall_v fall_v to_o card_n one_o serious_a thought_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n one_o sober_a glance_n at_o my_o eternalstate_n will_v spoil_v my_o sport_n how_o be_v it_o with_o you_o in_o this_o matter_n if_o you_o must_v needs_o play_v on_o will_v you_o make_v trial_n the_o next_o time_n q._n 10._o to_o add_v no_o more_o whether_o will_v the_o remembrance_n of_o so_o many_o hour_n spend_v at_o card_n be_v please_a or_o torment_v to_o you_o when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v and_o whether_o will_v it_o be_v a_o comfortable_a or_o a_o sad_a hear_n from_o your_o judge_n when_o you_o come_v to_o give_v up_o your_o account_n we_o must_v account_v as_o strict_o for_o our_o time_n as_o for_o any_o other_o talon_n we_o be_v entrust_v with_o and_o the_o day_n which_o god_n have_v prefix_v for_o this_o solemn_a and_o weighty_a affair_n be_v draw_v nigh_o death_n may_v be_v upon_o we_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a and_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o be_v arrest_v and_o summon_v to_o appear_v without_o delay_n before_o god_n great_a tribunal_n then_o if_o ever_o conscience_n will_v be_v reflect_v upon_o our_o state_n and_o action_n and_o when_o it_o shall_v find_v so_o much_o precious_a time_n at_o best_a but_o lose_v and_o trifle_v away_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v spend_v in_o glorify_v god_n and_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n what_o chide_v language_n may_v we_o expect_v to_o hear_v from_o it_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o tremble_v sometime_o when_o i_o think_v what_o my_o own_o conscience_n may_v have_v upon_o this_o score_n then_o to_o charge_v i_o with_o alas_o poor_a creature_n we_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o stop_v its_o mouth_n now_o or_o to_o stop_v our_o ear_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n awake_v it_o then_o it_o will_v speak_v and_o so_o loud_o as_o shall_v make_v we_o hear_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o o_o fool_n be_v or_o somewhat_o worse_o that_o we_o be_v thus_o to_o lay_v in_o for_o our_o own_o torment_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n now_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v wise_a for_o the_o future_a and_o live_v more_o like_a to_o die_a man_n o_o that_o we_o can_v bring_v our_o heart_n to_o this_o before_o we_o venture_v upon_o any_o thing_n to_o think_v serious_o with_o ourselves_o will_v this_o be_v comfortable_a to_o i_o at_o the_o reckon_n shall_v i_o like_v to_o hear_v of_o this_o another_o day_n from_o my_o own_o conscience_n or_o from_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n or_o weight_n in_o the_o question_n i_o have_v here_o propound_v i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o a_o unreasonable_a request_n if_o i_o again_o earnest_o entreat_v for_o your_o serious_a thought_n about_o they_o and_o that_o you_o will_v not_o proceed_v far_o till_o you_o can_v answer_v they_o to_o god_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n one_o thing_n more_o with_o which_o i_o conclude_v you_o can_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v doubtful_a and_o disputable_a whether_o this_o game_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o whereas_o i_o dare_v affirm_v and_o can_v if_o need_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o without_o doubt_v it_o may_v lawful_o be_v forbear_v and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n for_o your_o observation_n here_o in_o dubiis_fw-la opportet_fw-la sequi_fw-la partem_fw-la tatiorem_fw-la in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v take_v that_o way_n which_o be_v safe_a since_o the_o write_n of_o this_o i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o a_o lot_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o game_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o other_o ordinary_a affair_n and_o that_o your_o extraordinary_a lot_n can_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o any_o case_n how_o weighty_a soever_o except_o person_n have_v a_o divine_a warrant_n for_o it_o but_o though_o i_o see_v and_o be_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v my_o mistake_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o be_o i_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n i_o be_v before_o in_o reference_n to_o my_o own_o practice_n here_o and_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o professor_n especial_o will_v be_v very_o wary_a how_o they_o meddle_v with_o a_o game_n so_o ordinary_o abuse_v and_o that_o be_v so_o full_a of_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o without_o extraordinary_a caution_n they_o may_v as_o easy_o touch_v pitch_n and_o not_o be_v defile_v as_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o not_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o ensnare_v by_o it_o pious_a letter_n letter_n i._o to_o c._n f._n under_o she_o sore_o relative_n exercise_n june_n 28._o 1684._o dear_a cousin_n i_o have_v be_v much_o concern_v for_o you_o in_o my_o thought_n since_o i_o see_v you_o last_o i_o will_v be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o weep_v with_o they_o that_o weep_v and_o remember_v those_o that_o be_v in_o adversity_n as_o be_v myself_o also_o in_o the_o body_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o tender_o pity_v and_o earnest_o pray_v for_o you_o in_o this_o your_o afflict_a condition_n though_o i_o have_v cause_n sad_o to_o bewail_v it_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o wretched_a self_n in_o i_o which_o go_v so_o far_o with_o i_o that_o while_o i_o be_o at_o ease_n i_o be_o little_o affect_v with_o the_o hardship_n other_o undergo_v which_o plain_o show_v how_o far_o i_o be_o from_o the_o life_n of_o holy_a love_n there_o be_v a_o say_n of_o wise_a king_n solomon_n prov._n 27.9_o ointment_n and_o perfume_n rejoice_v the_o heart_n so_o do_v the_o sweetness_n of_o a_o man_n friend_n by_o hearty_a council_n o_o that_o i_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n and_o have_v ability_n according_a to_o my_o hearty_a desire_n to_o write_v or_o speak_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o your_o direction_n support_v and_o comfort_n o_o what_o pain_n shall_v i_o think_v too_o great_a keep_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o my_o call_n to_o be_v lay_v out_o any_o way_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o any_o poor_a soul_n which_o my_o lord_n and_o saviour_n do_v so_o esteem_v as_o to_o think_v it_o worth_a die_a for_o and_o see_v you_o have_v be_v please_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o open_v your_o case_n to_o i_o who_o you_o shall_v ever_o find_v very_o faithful_a i_o will_v humble_o adventure_n though_o i_o be_o very_o conscious_a of_o my_o own_o inability_n to_o do_v it_o effectual_o and_o very_o i_o think_v i_o have_v more_o need_n to_o come_v to_o you_o to_o learn_v as_o multitude_n of_o year_n increase_v wisdom_n and_o experience_n yet_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o my_o poor_a confuse_a thought_n what_o we_o shall_v learn_v from_o and_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o carry_v under_o afflictive_a providence_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v accept_v of_o my_o sincere_a desire_n though_o i_o fall_v very_o short_a in_o performance_n in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n consider_v a_o day_n of_o affliction_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o day_n of_o great_a thoughtfulness_n with_o we_o consider_v god_n do_v not_o afflict_v we_o willing_o without_o there_o be_v great_a need_n for_o it_o and_o he_o have_v wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n be_v in_o what_o he_o do_v his_o rod_n when_o ever_o lay_v upon_o our_o back_n have_v a_o loud_a voice_n in_o it_o o_o that_o we_o have_v diligent_a and_o tractable_a heart_n in_o harken_v to_o and_o obey_v it_o learn_v some_o spiritual_a lesson_n from_o every_o the_o least_o twig_n thereof_o o_o what_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a good_a may_v we_o thus_o extract_v out_o of_o our_o great_a evil_n and_o what_o a_o multitude_n of_o stroke_n may_v we_o thus_o prevent_v and_o that_o you_o and_o i_o may_v be_v so_o wise_a let_v we_o put_v the_o follow_a particular_n into_o practice_n one_a see_v we_o more_o and_o more_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o hate_n and_o mortify_v it_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o procure_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o
little_a purpose_n we_o must_v never_o think_v to_o be_v any_o body_n for_o christian_n while_o we_o suffer_v these_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o we_o the_o devil_n know_v this_o well_o enough_o and_o so_o he_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o do_v almost_o any_o thing_n else_o while_o we_o will_v but_o keep_v far_o enough_o from_o these_o but_o touch_v these_o and_o we_o touch_v the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n he_o can_v endure_v it_o know_v that_o if_o we_o do_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n his_o interest_n in_o we_o be_v then_o like_a to_o go_v down_o apace_o as_o ever_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v thrive_a christian_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o these_o 5._o these_o sin_n of_o we_o slay_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o then_o sure_o if_o we_o let_v these_o go_v if_o we_o let_v these_o live_v we_o be_v not_o jesus_n his_o friend_n this_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a move_a consideration_n to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o any_o one_o of_o our_o sin_n can_v not_o have_v be_v obtain_v but_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o that_o precious_a blood_n of_o he_o and_o if_o we_o may_v suppose_v that_o some_o of_o our_o sin_n give_v he_o our_o dear_a lord_n a_o deep_a wound_n a_o sore_a or_o bruise_v than_o other_o of_o they_o they_o be_v these_o and_o do_v they_o not_o deserve_v a_o wound_n from_o we_o shall_v we_o not_o endeavour_v to_o give_v they_o a_o deadly_a crush_v for_o this_o yea_o it_o be_v one_o special_a end_n of_o his_o death_n to_o destroy_v these_o and_o shall_v he_o die_v for_o we_o and_o as_o to_o we_o lose_v his_o labour_n when_o he_o have_v do_v 6._o we_o shall_v be_v quicken_v to_o our_o work_n here_o especial_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v for_o england_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n among_o we_o matter_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o a_o very_a tickle_a tremble_a point_n what_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o do_v we_o know_v not_o but_o real_o many_o thing_n look_v very_o threaten_v and_o god_n faithful_a minister_n who_o be_v like_a to_o know_v most_o of_o his_o mind_n be_v often_o droop_a such_o hint_n as_o will_v make_v a_o sensible_a heart_n tremble_v now_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n that_o we_o can_v take_v to_o prevent_v england_n ruin_n nay_o if_o god_n save_v we_o not_o by_o his_o prerogative_n royal_a it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o it_o be_v unquestionable_o the_o duty_n of_o each_o of_o we_o to_o be_v fight_v for_o our_o country_n at_o home_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v do_v it_o and_o england_n have_v not_o a_o worse_a enemy_n than_o sin_n nor_o better_a friend_n at_o this_o pinch_n then_o such_o as_o do_v hearty_o and_o vigorous_o ply_v their_o work_n here_o and_o now_o shall_v england_n ruin_n lie_v at_o our_o door_n or_o shall_v deliverance_n come_v and_o we_o do_v nothing_o to_o set_v it_o forward_o on_o its_o way_n 7._o this_o work_n though_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a nay_o if_o we_o do_v sincere_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o it_o in_o god_n way_n and_o strength_n the_o victory_n be_v certain_a it_o be_v very_o true_a our_o enemy_n be_v many_o and_o mighty_a but_o it_o be_v also_o as_o true_a that_o they_o be_v all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baffle_v and_o conquer_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o we_o be_v poor_a weak_a thing_n but_o withal_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o our_o captain_n be_v strong_a we_o may_v venture_v to_o set_v one_o lord_n jesus_n against_o they_o all_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o our_o work_n but_o no_o argument_n for_o sloth_n for_o he_o require_v we_o shall_v be_v active_a in_o it_o though_o in_o a_o manner_n he_o do_v the_o work_n to_o our_o hand_n he_o have_v overcome_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o have_v purchase_v that_o grace_n for_o we_o whereby_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o overcome_v and_o how_o many_o saint_n be_v there_o now_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n with_o palm_n in_o their_o hand_n who_o be_v once_o as_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o conflict_n and_o it_o may_v be_v under_o as_o discourage_a circumstance_n as_o we_o can_v be_v we_o have_v the_o same_o captain_n that_o they_o have_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o and_o for_o they_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v yea_o and_o will_v certain_o and_o short_o do_v for_o and_o in_o we_o if_o we_o belong_v to_o he_o abide_v in_o he_o and_o continue_v with_o he_o so_o that_o difficulty_n shall_v not_o be_v plead_v by_o we_o as_o discouragement_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o necessity_n for_o 8._o and_o last_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o we_o here_o but_o we_o must_v either_o kill_v or_o die_v sin_n as_o some_o of_o we_o late_o hear_v be_v such_o a_o tyrant_n all_o who_o law_n be_v write_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n it_o be_v sin_n that_o bring_v death_n into_o this_o world_n and_o that_o have_v dig_v hell_n in_o the_o next_o nothing_o so_o deadly_a as_o sin_n and_o suppose_v but_o one_o sin_n allow_v and_o spare_v that_o one_o will_v as_o infallable_o undo_v we_o for_o ever_o as_o a_o thousand_o and_o far_o suppose_v our_o heart_n be_v sincere_a and_o so_o prevail_o for_o god_n and_o therefore_o safe_a in_o the_o main_a yet_o if_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n here_o those_o sin_n of_o we_o will_v not_o only_o keep_v we_o short_a both_z as_o to_o grace_n and_o peace_n here_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o but_o which_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a they_o will_v also_o cause_v we_o to_o fall_v short_a of_o those_o degree_n of_o glory_n which_o otherwise_o we_o may_v hereafter_o have_v attain_v unto_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o which_o shall_v be_v of_o more_o account_n with_o we_o than_o all_o our_o worldly_a interest_n lay_v together_o yea_o then_o all_o this_o whole_a world_n and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o such_o as_o have_v lay_v up_o our_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o we_o be_v true_o ourselves_o question_n iii_o how_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o give_v and_o receive_v reproof_n to_o be_v manage_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n not_o only_o of_o minister_n to_o reprove_v sin_n in_o other_o though_o to_o do_v it_o ministerial_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o their_o commission_n and_o charge_n thereupon_o but_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v also_o the_o duty_n of_o private_a christian_n be_v plain_a leu._n 19.17_o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_n thy_o neighbour_n and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o now_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n how_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v i_o shall_v give_v my_o thought_n 1._o by_o lay_v down_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v necessary_a qualification_n in_o the_o person_n that_o will_v be_v a_o right_n successful_a reprover_n 2._o some_o needful_a caution_n 3._o some_o general_a rule_n and_o direction_n the_o qualification_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n these_o be_v necessary_a because_o the_o right_a management_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v a_o work_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n and_o for_o want_v of_o these_o some_o well_o mean_v person_n mar_v the_o work_n and_o instead_o of_o do_v good_a do_v harm_v this_o way_n light_n and_o heat_n shall_v go_v together_o otherwise_o the_o motion_n will_v be_v irregular_a we_o need_v these_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o suit_v our_o reproof_n 1._o to_o the_o person_n we_o reprove_v and_o that_o 1._o with_o respect_n to_o their_o different_a estate_n for_o though_o we_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o all_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o use_v the_o like_a freedom_n of_o expression_n with_o all_o job_n 34.18_o be_v it_o fit_a to_o say_v to_o a_o king_n thou_o be_v wicked_a or_o to_o prince_n you_o be_v ungodly_a 1_o tim._n 5.1_o rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o entreat_v he_o as_o a_o father_n 2._o with_o respect_n to_o their_o disposition_n and_o temper_v for_o some_o be_v natural_o more_o stubborn_a and_o hard_a to_o work_v on_o other_o more_z soft_a and_o tender_a judas_n 22_o 23._o and_o of_o some_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n and_o other_o save_v with_o fear_n pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n i_o know_v it_o there_o be_v some_o of_o that_o temper_n and_o especial_o where_o any_o of_o they_o be_v also_o under_o that_o distemper_n which_o render_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o impression_n of_o this_o sort_n take_v such_o ordinary_o i_o say_v and_o one_o shall_v wound_v they_o deep_o with_o the_o soft_a word_n nay_o with_o a_o silent_a reproof_n in_o a_o look_n than_o some_o other_o with_o the_o most_o sharp_a and_o cut_a reproof_n 2._o we_o need_v
seem_v light_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o as_o hard_o as_o i_o can_v do_v you_o endeavour_v to_o pray_v down_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n into_o my_o heart_n and_o then_o my_o poor_a prayer_n may_v stand_v you_o in_o more_o stead_n i_o desire_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o your_o circumstance_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o can_v who_o be_o your_o love_a brother_n i._n b._n letter_n xiii_o to_o s._n e._n may_n 6._o 1685._o dear_a s._n i_o receive_v you_o and_o can_v but_o sympathize_v with_o you_o in_o your_o trouble_n i_o have_v be_v under_o those_o inward_a trouble_n late_o that_o have_v take_v off_o my_o thought_n from_o other_o thing_n otherwise_o i_o have_v be_v and_o be_o under_o circumstance_n much_o like_o your_o own_o i_o have_v more_o and_o more_o experience_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o creature_n o_o how_o vain_a a_o thing_n be_v man_n but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o sister_n as_o i_o tell_v my_o own_o heart_n i_o be_o afraid_a we_o expect_v too_o much_o from_o the_o creature_n we_o meet_v with_o disappointment_n in_o and_o from_o the_o creature_n who_o bid_v we_o look_v for_o better_a not_o our_o bibles_n the_o lord_n will_v soon_o or_o late_a make_v we_o know_v the_o creature_n as_o the_o creature_n if_o we_o belong_v to_o he_o that_o we_o place_v not_o too_o much_o of_o our_o happiness_n in_o it_o and_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o cross_a providence_n that_o be_v bless_v by_o he_o to_o that_o end_n o_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o live_v more_o upon_o god_n and_o let_v we_o learn_v not_o to_o be_v too_o much_o concern_v at_o such_o thing_n they_o be_v without_o we_o and_o unless_o we_o open_v they_o the_o door_n they_o can_v get_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o sink_v they_o god_n be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a friend_n remember_v that_o indeed_o we_o live_v far_o below_o ourselves_o as_o i_o trust_v we_o be_v heir_n according_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n if_o we_o suffer_v such_o little_a thing_n to_o distract_v and_o deject_v we_o i_o have_v write_v soon_o but_o that_o i_o hope_v before_o this_o to_o have_v see_v you_o i_o shall_v be_v contrive_v for_o a_o opportunity_n as_o soon_o as_o i_o can_v who_o be_o your_o love_a brother_n i._n b._n letter_n fourteen_o to_o c._n h._n dear_a cousin_n methinks_v our_o ill_a husband_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v bring_v we_o to_o this_o that_o we_o must_v either_o beg_v or_o starve_v the_o lord_n have_v former_o afford_v we_o rich_a mean_n to_o live_v upon_o how_o have_v we_o be_v feast_v in_o his_o public_a ordinance_n many_o a_o poor_a hungry_a soul_n will_v have_v get_v a_o good_a meal_n out_o of_o our_o live_n but_o now_o alas_o we_o have_v almost_o run_v out_o of_o all_o now_o we_o have_v but_o hungry_a sabbath_n god_n know_v what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o poor_a soul_n now_o well_o but_o here_o be_v a_o way_n whereby_o you_o and_o i_o may_v get_v a_o good_a live_n still_o by_o the_o right_a improvement_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o may_v be_v thrive_a christian_n still_o show_v i_o a_o pray_a soul_n i_o dare_v say_v that_o be_v a_o happy_a soul_n that_o soul_n have_v many_o a_o sweet_a morsel_n from_o heaven_n that_o other_o taste_v not_o of_o that_o soul_n be_v grow_v rich_a but_o then_o we_o must_v acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o the_o divine_a art_n and_o mystery_n that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o duty_n alas_o our_o soul_n can_v live_v upon_o the_o wind_n word_n in_o prayer_n be_v but_o wind_n but_o in_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n there_o be_v nourishment_n for_o our_o poor_a soul_n for_o your_o help_n he_o accept_v of_o this_o small_a sheet_n which_o about_o two_o year_n since_o i_o receive_v from_o one_o that_o be_v as_o well_o skill_v in_o this_o spiritual_a mystery_n as_o any_o christian_n that_o i_o know_v and_o when_o you_o be_v with_o god_n in_o this_o duty_n then_o remember_v i_o a_o poor_a wretch_n that_o after_o so_o many_o year_n practise_v of_o it_o to_o my_o sorrow_n still_o find_v many_o rove_a wander_a thought_n much_o deadness_n of_o spirit_n and_o inactivity_n of_o grace_n i_o be_o confident_a you_o be_v many_o time_n in_o my_o pray_a thought_n when_o you_o think_v not_o of_o it_o may_v i_o not_o beg_v the_o like_a from_o you_o for_o a_o requital_n you_o i._n b._n letter_n xv._o to_o c._n w._n dear_a friend_n your_o soul_n be_v very_o precious_a in_o my_o sight_n my_o hearty_a desire_n and_o prayer_n for_o you_o be_v that_o you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o o_o that_o i_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o promote_v it_o it_o please_v i_o much_o to_o think_v in_o how_o hopeful_a a_o way_n you_o be_v for_o heaven_n and_o o_o how_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v you_o crown_v there_o but_o alas_o we_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o the_o fight_n with_o our_o enemy_n yet_o faint_v not_o hold_v on_o and_o the_o day_n be_v our_o own_o conquer_v and_o we_o be_v crown_v yet_o be_v we_o jealous_a of_o ourselves_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o tremble_v when_o i_o think_v of_o our_o danger_n by_o our_o enemy_n the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o very_a cheat_n and_o how_o ready_a we_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o it_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o never_o think_v there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o carnality_n in_o my_o heart_n as_o i_o late_o discover_v and_o o_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v much_o more_o abominable_a wickedness_n that_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o discover_v o_o methinks_v i_o will_v have_v something_o beside_o god_n for_o my_o portion_n i_o be_o loath_a to_o cast_v all_o my_o worldly_a hope_n over_o board_n o_o my_o folly_n well_o my_o love_n to_o you_o incline_v i_o to_o impart_v some_o of_o my_o thought_n to_o you_o in_o this_o matter_n god_n and_o the_o world_n be_v present_v to_o our_o choice_n and_o this_o be_v our_o choose_n time_n now_o that_o you_o and_o i_o may_v make_v a_o wise_a choice_n one_a let_v we_o serious_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o god_n o_o happy_a soul_n indeed_o who_o portion_n the_o lord_n be_v o_o wonderful_a wonderful_a that_o the_o ever_o bless_a god_n shall_v be_v wil_v to_o become_v the_o creature_n portion_n a_o portion_n for_o such_o wretch_n as_o we_o be_v let_v all_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n of_o god_n admire_v and_o adore_v he_o for_o this_o his_o matchlef_n condescension_n and_o godlike_a bounty_n now_o think_v what_o god_n be_v and_o can_v we_o not_o be_v content_a with_o he_o for_o a_o portion_n what_o not_o with_o god_n why_o what_o be_v there_o that_o our_o soul_n can_v reasonable_o desire_v that_o be_v not_o eminent_o in_o he_o o_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o god_n to_o make_v we_o complete_o and_o eternal_o happy_a and_o what_o will_v we_o have_v more_o two_o think_v we_o serious_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n o_o what_o trifle_n be_v these_o that_o man_n make_v such_o a_o hurry_n about_o such_o as_o be_v project_v most_o throng_o for_o the_o world_n alas_o what_o have_v they_o when_o they_o have_v get_v it_o but_o a_o little_a vanity_n for_o which_o they_o many_o time_n loose_a a_o eternal_a crown_n o_o woeful_a choice_n when_o such_o come_v to_o die_v they_o will_v put_v another_o estimate_n upon_o the_o world_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o your_o own_o experience_n when_o you_o have_v any_o serious_a thought_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v then_o o_o how_o little_a you_o regard_v the_o world_n i_o find_v it_o thus_o with_o i_o now_o let_v we_o learn_v this_o project_n to_o set_v one_o enemy_n against_o another_o to_o set_v death_n against_o the_o world_n as_o one_o say_v frequentiy_n lie_v down_o in_o our_o own_o grave_n and_o thence_o take_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o take_v our_o coffin_n into_o the_o field_n with_o we_o when_o we_o go_v to_o fight_v the_o world_n and_o far_o to_o make_v we_o serious_a let_v we_o consider_v it_o be_v for_o everlasting_a that_o we_o choose_v here_o choose_v god_n in_o christ_n for_o our_o portion_n and_o he_o be_v our_o own_o for_o ever_o choose_v sin_n and_o the_o world_n and_o we_o loose_v he_o and_o hell_n must_v be_v our_o portion_n and_o our_o loss_n herein_o will_v be_v everlasting_o imparable_a the_o lord_n help_v we_o to_o act_v like_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o i_o must_v take_v leave_n if_o i_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o you_o i_o will_v entitle_v a_o dear_a redeemer_n to_o it_o will_v you_o choose_v he_o i_o hope_v you_o have_v but_o will_v you_o renew_v and_o confirm_v your_o choice_n and_o never_o rest_n till_o you_o can_v my_o belove_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o i_o
o_o happy_a place_n and_o happy_a person_n who_o continual_a work_n be_v perfect_a love_n and_o joy_n and_o praise_n i_o be_o your_o love_a obedient_a s._n i._o b._n letter_n xxii_o to_o t._n w._n my_o dear_a f._n your_o line_n be_v very_o welcome_a to_o i_o both_o as_o they_o express_v your_o affection_n to_o i_o your_o readiness_n to_o sympathize_v with_o i_o your_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o i_o and_o likewise_o as_o they_o give_v some_o revival_n to_o our_o former_a intercourse_n which_o my_o thought_n be_v work_v upon_o a_o day_n or_o two_o since_o with_o much_o desire_n i_o can_v hearty_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o comfortable_a society_n i_o have_v former_o have_v with_o you_o o_o can_v we_o not_o both_o of_o we_o remember_v many_o a_o hour_n with_o comfort_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v a_o three_o with_o we_o yea_o and_o i_o hope_v when_o a_o few_o minute_n of_o time_n more_o be_v past_a we_o shall_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o meet_v upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o spice_n o_o a_o happy_a meeting_n that_o will_v be_v will_v it_o not_o think_v you_o o_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v look_v and_o long_v and_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o that_o bless_a day_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v quicken_a and_o encourage_v one_o another_o in_o the_o way_n it_o be_v my_o hearty_a desire_n now_o we_o can_v so_o frequent_o pray_v and_o discourse_v together_o as_o we_o have_v former_o do_v i_o be_o persuade_v to_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n of_o we_o both_o it_o be_v my_o desire_n i_o say_v that_o we_o may_v maintain_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n by_o writing_n and_o methinks_v i_o have_v much_o to_o tell_v my_o friend_n of_o now_o but_o that_o straightness_n of_o time_n and_o some_o bodily_a indisposition_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o i_o be_v very_o gracious_a o_o how_o manifold_a be_v his_o mercy_n indeed_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n have_v follow_v i_o all_o my_o day_n and_o methinks_v there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o love_n mix_v with_o the_o severe_a of_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o i_o that_o i_o can_v but_o love_v he_o the_o more_o and_o praise_v he_o the_o more_o for_o they_o o_o they_o be_v not_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o enemy_n nor_o the_o chastizement_n of_o a_o cruel_a one_o god_n be_v all_o love_n yet_o even_o when_o he_o take_v as_o well_o as_o when_o he_o give_v o_o to_o see_v love_n in_o every_o thing_n be_v not_o that_o sweet_a o_o what_o be_v this_o heart_n of_o i_o make_v of_o that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o affect_v o_o help_v i_o love_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o come_v let_v we_o exalt_v his_o name_n together_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v very_o favourable_a as_o to_o my_o f._n his_o distemper_n not_o so_o violent_a as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v though_o his_o weakness_n have_v be_v very_o great_a how_o the_o lord_n may_v dispose_v of_o he_o i_o can_v tell_v he_o continue_v very_o weak_a though_o i_o hope_v the_o distemper_n be_v much_o abate_v but_o this_o i_o know_v god_n will_v do_v all_o thing_n well_o pray_v for_o we_o still_o yea_o and_o praise_v the_o lord_n on_o our_o behalf_n i_o be_o affectiona_o you_o i._n b._n letter_n xxiii_o to_o s._n m._n dear_a s._n i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o take_v it_o ill_a that_o you_o have_v not_o hear_v from_o i_o before_o now_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o be_v much_o in_o my_o thought_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o exchange_v a_o letter_n with_o you_o now_o and_o then_o i_o have_v many_o affectionate_a concern_v thought_n about_o you_o when_o i_o hear_v of_o your_o late_a illness_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a comfort_n to_o i_o when_o i_o hear_v of_o your_o recovery_n much_o more_o shall_v the_o health_n and_o prosperity_n of_o your_o soul_n rejoice_v my_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v daily_o promote_v by_o all_o the_o method_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o well_o as_o by_o his_o ordinance_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v my_o daily_a prayer_n to_o that_o god_n who_o i_o hope_v have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n there_o dear_a s._n the_o near_a relation_n i_o be_o in_o to_o you_o lay_v i_o under_o a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o do_v the_o utmost_a i_o be_o able_a to_o promote_v the_o welfare_n of_o your_o outward_a man_n but_o methinks_v i_o feel_v my_o affection_n especial_o work_v towards_o your_o soul_n well_o how_o be_v it_o be_v your_o soul_n in_o health_n do_v your_o soul_n prosper_v by_o nature_n our_o soul_n be_v like_o hospital_n for_o spiritual_a disease_n o_o there_o be_v no_o sound_n part_v leave_v in_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o divine_a pity_n and_o bounty_n have_v provide_v a_o wife_n able_a and_o tender_a heart_a physician_n for_o we_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v prepare_v a_o rich_a medicine_n every_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o disease_n of_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o he_o be_v daily_o beg_v for_o patient_n and_o his_o great_a complaint_n be_v that_o man_n will_v not_o come_v to_o he_o who_o will_v assure_o and_o free_o heal_v they_o but_o rather_o choose_v death_n now_o o_o that_o you_o and_o i_o may_v see_v more_o of_o our_o need_n of_o he_o our_o soul_n be_v real_o o_o that_o they_o be_v more_o sensible_o sick_a our_o disease_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n mortal_a one_o and_o all_o other_o beside_o he_o be_v physician_n of_o no_o value_n but_o if_o he_o undertake_v our_o cure_n the_o danger_n be_v over_o no_o fear_n of_o miscarry_v under_o his_o hand_n o_o that_o now_o we_o may_v be_v so_o thorough_o convince_v of_o our_o need_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o ability_n skill_n and_o good_a will_n that_o we_o may_v now_o look_v after_o he_o indeed_o and_o no_o more_o neglect_v he_o as_o we_o have_v do_v but_o may_v sincere_o hearty_o cheerful_o and_o thankful_o accept_v he_o and_o fiducial_o put_v our_o life_n our_o soul_n our_o all_o into_o his_o hand_n confide_v in_o he_o and_o in_o he_o alone_o and_o obediential_o follow_v his_o prescription_n than_o our_o soul_n shall_v live_v and_o not_o die_v but_o i_o must_v take_v leave_n let_v i_o hear_v how_o it_o be_v with_o you_o you_o have_v a_o daily_a remembrance_n in_o my_o poor_a prayer_n who_o be_o affectionate_o you_o i._n b._n letter_n xxiv_o to_o s._n m._n dear_a s._n i_o receive_v you_o which_o i_o take_v very_o kind_o i_o have_v thought_n of_o writing_n to_o you_o before_o i_o receive_v it_o for_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a of_o intercourse_n this_o way_n and_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v so_o manage_v as_o that_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o we_o both_o we_o shall_v ever_o act_v like_o person_n for_o another_o world_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o manage_v every_o thing_n so_o as_o may_v help_v ourselves_o and_o other_o forward_o in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n o_o that_o we_o may_v i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o advise_v you_o to_o and_o let_v my_o council_n be_v acceptable_a the_o first_o be_v high_o esteem_v and_o according_o improve_v your_o precious_a time_n sure_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v how_o much_o great_a and_o necessary_a work_n lie_v upon_o our_o hand_n we_o can_v not_o so_o light_o esteem_v and_o squander_v away_o that_o short_a and_o precious_a time_n allot_v to_o we_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o in_o we_o have_v much_o to_o do_v for_o god_n to_o promote_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n much_o to_o do_v for_o ourselves_o for_o our_o soul_n we_o have_v our_o salvation_n to_o work_v out_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n to_o secure_v and_o clear_a weak_a grace_n to_o strengthen_v strong_a corruption_n to_o subdue_v many_o and_o strong_a temptation_n to_o resist_v and_o overcome_v many_o hard_a and_o difficult_a duty_n to_o discharge_v and_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o the_o task_n of_o duty_n though_o in_o another_o sense_n we_o shall_v not_o look_v upon_o duty_n as_o a_o task_n will_v be_v increase_a as_o we_o grow_v up_o and_o much_o we_o have_v to_o do_v for_o other_o to_o promote_v their_o good_a we_o have_v our_o generation_n to_o serve_v in_o the_o place_n god_n set_v we_o in_o and_o all_o this_o must_v be_v do_v in_o time_n and_o be_v not_o that_o time_n to_o be_v account_v precious_a and_o far_o it_o may_v be_v much_o short_a than_o we_o think_v of_o what_o be_v man_n life_n take_v at_o its_o full_a length_n it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o span_n day_n and_o year_n pass_v away_o like_o the_o wind_n be_v spend_v as_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v but_o let_v not_o you_o and_o i_o promise_v ourselves_o long_a life_n but_o be_v think_v of_o a_o short_a cut_n than_o ordinary_a