christ_n as_o you_o can_v what_o pleasure_n do_v you_o take_v be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n etc._n etc._n what_o say_v you_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v agree_v with_o you_o or_o be_v they_o not_o a_o weariness_n to_o you_o be_v you_o nor_o ready_a to_o think_v that_o lords-day_n return_v too_o oâ—_n and_o that_o strict_a and_o serious_a religion_n be_v intolerable_a prociseness_n do_v not_o your_o heart_n rise_v against_o it_o be_v â—e_v not_o glad_a when_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v over_o though_o sour_a thing_n you_o will_v do_v to_o secure_a heaven_n for_o a_o reserve_n who_o you_o can_v enjoy_v the_o world_n no_o long_o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a temper_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o deplorable_a alas_o what_o shall_v you_o do_v in_o heaven_n with_o sod_a heart_n as_o these_o will_v you_o not_o be_v eternal_o weary_a oâ—_n a_o eternal_a sabbath_n will_v not_o your_o ungracious_a spirit_n be_v ever_o recoil_v and_o uneasy_a do_v you_o not_o yet_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n without_o new_a heart_n if_o not_o it_o be_v because_o you_o shut_v your_o eye_n certain_o if_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v â—n_v haven_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n it_o will_v be_v vast_o different_a even_o quite_o another_o thing_n from_o that_o which_o goâ—_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_n he_o but_o he_o shall_v man_n be_v happy_a against_o their_o own_o will_n or_o it_o state_n to_o which_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o spirit_n be_v not_o sure_v so_o true_a be_v that_o great_a say_v of_o a_o worthy_a divine_a when_o god_n have_v so_o determine_v that_o without_o â—â—â—ness_n none_o shall_v see_v he_o he_o lay_v no_o other_o law_n upon_o unholy_a soul_n than_o what_o their_o own_o impure_a nature_n lie_v upon_o themselves_o blessedness_n of_o the_o righteous_a pag._n 46_o by_o this_o time_n you_o see_v or_o may_v see_v if_o you_o will_v thâ—â—_n except_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n can_v be_v reverse_v the_o design_n of_o redemption_n pervert_v the_o office_n of_o the_o hâ—â—_n spirit_n nullify_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o ministry_n aâ—â—_n ordinance_n run_v down_o the_o threarning_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v of_o none_o effect_v the_o inheritance_n be_v attain_v without_o the_o earnest_n a_o new_a way_n find_v to_o heaven_n which_o none_o ever_o discover_v before_o and_o all_o this_o while_n the_o righteous_a themselves_o be_v scarce_o save_v in_o a_o word_n unless_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v quite_o overturn_v and_o palpable_a contradiction_n make_v to_o agree_v none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n till_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o wrought_v for_o it_o by_o divine_a grace_n lo_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a heb._n for_o thyself_o job_n 5.27_o chap._n vi_o several_a inference_n of_o truth_n draw_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n thus_o we_o have_v full_o prove_v that_o except_o you_o will_v be_v holy_a you_o can_v be_v happy_a if_o this_o therefore_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a a_o truth_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v also_o a_o very_a weighty_a and_o important_a one_o a_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o close_o apply_v because_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o what_o be_v infinite_o more_o than_o either_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a god_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v in_o it_o now_o since_o there_o be_v many_o other_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o intimate_a connexion_n with_o and_o dependence_n upon_o this_o great_a doctrine_n let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o for_o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n inser_n 1._o we_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o real_a holiness_n real_a i_o say_v in_o opposition_n to_o that_o vain_a empty_a show_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o multitude_n make_v a_o shift_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o even_o because_o they_o know_v no_o better_o and_o that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o know_v satan_n have_v take_v advantage_n by_o their_o own_o corruption_n to_o blind_v their_o mind_n and_o close_v their_o eye_n and_o thus_o they_o choose_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o see_v no_o beauty_n in_o holiness_n no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v the_o form_n and_o comeliness_n of_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o procurer_n of_o it_o isa_n 53.2_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a if_o they_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o do_v but_o debase_v they_o first_o by_o form_v low_a and_o unworthy_a notion_n of_o they_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o degenerate_a temper_n and_o spirit_n then_o they_o act_v according_o and_o after_o all_o high_o value_v themselves_o upon_o what_o they_o have_v do_v nevertheless_o the_o high_a excellency_n of_o holiness_n manifest_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o follow_v particular_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v draw_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v 1._o it_o be_v original_a it_o be_v from_o heaven_n the_o bless_a god_n be_v himself_o the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o text._n he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n be_v god_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a work_n and_o that_o not_o a_o common_a work_n neither_o but_o wrought_v in_o a_o way_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a excellency_n in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o great_a change_n be_v denominate_v bear_v of_o god_n joh._n 1.13_o bear_v from_o above_o chap._n 33._o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v render_v hereupon_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o name_n and_o relation_n of_o child_n 1_o joh._n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o call_v and_o not_o miscall_v for_o so_o they_o be_v as_o vers_n 2._o now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n speak_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o image_n draw_v upon_o it_o a_o participiation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o sweet_o and_o effectual_o incline_v all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n god-ward_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o prevail_v upon_o we_o it_o take_v away_o our_o unkind_a aversion_n and_o estrangedness_n from_o he_o and_o teach_v we_o to_o centre_n upon_o he_o as_o our_o portion_n happiness_n and_o chief_a good_n in_o short_a it_o be_v our_o devotedness_n unto_o god_n which_o imply_v a_o separation_n from_o whatsoever_o stand_v in_o opposition_n against_o he_o as_o such_o so_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a work_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o may_v have_v tell_v we_o whence_o it_o be_v for_o it_o bear_v the_o image_n and_o superscription_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o little_o do_v the_o proud_a despiser_n of_o holiness_n consider_v what_o they_o say_v or_o against_o who_o it_o be_v that_o they_o spirit_n themselves_o make_v a_o wide_a mouth_n and_o draw_v out_o the_o 〈◊〉_d isa_n 57.4_o to_o vilify_v this_o work_n be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o its_o author_n to_o cast_v dirt_n upon_o the_o image_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o its_o great_a original_a who_o scorn_v their_o scorner_n sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o laugh_v at_o they_o for_o he_o see_v that_o their_o day_n be_v come_v psal_n 37_o 13._o 3._o the_o bless_a end_n and_o issue_n of_o holiness_n show_v you_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o it_o come_v from_o above_o and_o thither_o it_o lead_v and_o be_v at_o last_o complete_v in_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n judge_n then_o of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o the_o end_n here_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o be_v high-born_a and_o a_o suitable_a inheritance_n be_v design_v they_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v slight_o of_o holiness_n be_v to_o contemn_v heaven_n itself_o which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n therein_o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cart-rope_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n isa_n 5.18_o 20._o it_o may_v be_v at_o last_o they_o will_v say_v as_o one_o of_o their_o predecessor_n do_v let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a not_o from_o any_o love_n to_o righteousness_n but_o from_o a_o slavish_a fear_n of_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o therefore_o those_o force_a
neglect_v no_o mean_n nor_o help_n in_o order_n thereto_o such_o resolution_n as_o these_o be_v most_o proper_a in_o your_o condition_n but_o if_o your_o heart_n still_o hang_v back_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o will_v you_o resolve_v upon_o vita_fw-la humana_fw-la sine_fw-la proposito_fw-la vaga_fw-la est_fw-la &_o languida_fw-la will_v you_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o venture_n and_o trouble_v your_o head_n no_o further_o about_o it_o but_o still_o go_v on_o at_o the_o old_a dull_a stupid_a rate_n if_o so_o this_o be_v wilful_o to_o destroy_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o who_o can_v you_o blame_v but_o yourselves_o will_v you_o sit_v down_o in_o despair_n this_o be_v to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v the_o riches_n of_o gospel-grace_n that_o be_v set_v before_o you_o those_o that_o come_v to_o christ_n he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o again_o will_v you_o delay_v for_o a_o while_n and_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n till_o hereafter_o answ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a case_n but_o almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o your_o time_n be_v not_o in_o your_o own_o hand_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o you_o the_o long_a you_o delay_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n that_o shall_v help_v you_o will_v be_v grieve_v by_o your_o backwardness_n satan_n will_v have_v the_o fast_o hold_v of_o you_o and_o if_o death_n overtake_v you_o before_o the_o work_n be_v do_v you_o be_v damn_v therefore_o i_o say_v turn_v your_o thought_n which_o way_n you_o will_v all_o other_o resolution_n will_v be_v find_v mad_a and_o dangerous_a except_o that_o of_o the_o prodigal_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o do_v you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o your_o resolution_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a lest_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v afterward_o arise_v in_o your_o way_n shall_v discourage_v you_o and_o that_o they_o be_v speedy_a lest_o death_n overtake_v you_o unprepared_a and_o also_o that_o in_o this_o whole_a business_n you_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n lest_o you_o miscarry_v through_o foolish_a self-confidence_n but_o of_o that_o more_o by_o and_o by_o direct_v 4._o see_v that_o your_o resolution_n be_v forthwith_o put_v into_o practice_n by_o this_o it_o must_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o hearty_a if_o the_o will_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o case_n suitable_a endeavour_n will_v ensue_v and_o here_o your_o work_n lie_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n 1._o humble_a yourselves_o deep_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o sin_n and_o folly_n which_o hitherto_o you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o consider_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n call_v to_o remembrance_n your_o own_o sin_n and_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n bewail_v the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o estrangedness_n of_o your_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o with_o that_o inordinate_a propension_n to_o the_o creature_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man_n do_v main_o consist_v proceed_v then_o to_o consider_v those_o actual_a transgression_n which_o have_v all_o along_o issue_v from_o this_o corruption_n viz._n your_o loss_n of_o precious_a time_n misimprovement_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n your_o pride_n passion_n earthliness_n sensuality_n etc._n etc._n confess_v these_o thing_n humble_o and_o feel_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n labour_v to_o melt_v into_o a_o ingenuous_a childlike_a sorrow_n for_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o unworthy_o to_o so_o good_a and_o gracious_a a_o father_n that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o slave_n and_o may_v consist_v with_o as_o much_o love_n to_o sin_n as_o ever_o but_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v animate_v by_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n which_o raise_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o rational_a hearty_a grief_n for_o its_o transgression_n against_o he_o a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o for_o the_o future_a this_o be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o towards_o god_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n prov._n 28.13_o yea_o as_o matter_n now_o stand_v such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o well_o as_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v sin_z wheresoever_o with_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v confess_v 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o i_o say_v give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o your_o sin_n lay_v yourselves_o low_a that_o his_o glory_n may_v â—â—e_v advance_v put_v your_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n justify_v his_o holy_a law_n though_o in_o so_o do_v you_o condemn_v yourselves_o say_v with_o the_o return_v prodigal_n luk._n 15.21_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n etc._n etc._n 2._o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o riches_n of_o freegrace_n in_o that_o god_n be_v yet_o please_v to_o offer_v you_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n the_o golden_a sceptre_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v touch_v it_o and_o live_v methinks_v this_o shall_v encourage_v you_o and_o put_v life_n and_o vigour_n into_o your_o proceed_n and_o draw_v out_o your_o very_a soul_n in_o sweet_a return_v of_o love_n to_o god_n lord_n be_v there_o yet_o hope_n be_v there_o any_o mercy_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o behold_v i_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o call_n blessed_n be_v god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o humble_o implore_v pardon_v mercy_n for_o your_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o your_o present_a and_o future_a duty_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o case_n shall_v make_v you_o very_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a in_o these_o request_n so_o you_o have_v great_a encouragement_n give_v you_o to_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a goodness_n god_n delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o have_v proclaim_v his_o gracious_a name_n exod._n 34.6_o 9_o use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v psal_n 25.11_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a plead_v the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assure_v yourselves_o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o forgive_v as_o you_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o forsake_v your_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n psal_n 51.17_o and_o since_o the_o work_n that_o lie_v before_o you_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a therefore_o trust_v not_o to_o your_o own_o resolution_n or_o strength_n pray_v hard_o for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n â—ay_v your_o soul_n open_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n yield_v yourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n careful_o strike_v in_o with_o all_o his_o motion_n lord_n here_o be_o i_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v teach_v i_o the_o way_n wherein_o i_o shall_v go_v incline_v my_o heart_n to_o thy_o testimony_n strengthen_v i_o with_o may_v in_o my_o inward_a man._n magnify_v thy_o power_n in_o my_o weakness_n speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o 4._o and_o now_o give_v up_o yourselves_o unfeigned_o to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n if_o you_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v your_o god_n that_o be_v your_o portion_n happiness_n soul-satisfying_a good_a you_o must_v be_v his_o people_n devote_v to_o his_o love_n and_o service_n the_o covenant_n must_v be_v mutual_a else_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v a_o covenant_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o great_a freedom_n cheerfulness_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n you_o will_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o choice_n he_o will_v be_v your_o shield_n and_o your_o exceed_a great_a reward_n 5._o live_v henceforth_o as_o become_v the_o covenant-people_n of_o god_n renounce_v your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n let_v the_o time_n pass_v of_o your_o life_n suffice_v you_o to_o have_v fulfil_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n remember_v you_o must_v now_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o heretofore_o you_o have_v do_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n must_v be_v
of_o our_o natural_a animal_n spirit_n though_o lively_a affection_n in_o duty_n be_v very_o desirable_a and_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v after_o yet_o in_o try_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n the_o inward_a deep_a rational_a working_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god_n be_v main_o to_o be_v look_v at_o viz._n a_o fix_a and_o high_a estimation_n of_o he_o above_o all_o in_o our_o understanding_n and_o hearty_a resolution_n for_o he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o in_o our_o will_n with_o correspondent_a endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o and_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o duty_n do_v consist_v those_o be_v the_o holy_a soul_n who_o be_v inward_o and_o deep_o most_v incline_v towards_o god_n resolve_v for_o he_o and_o solicitous_a to_o please_v he_o not_o those_o who_o have_v the_o most_o transport_v passion_n or_o movable_a affection_n the_o sacred_a recess_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o i_o may_v allude_v to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n persius_n satyr_n second_o be_v more_o inward_a the_o affectionate_a part_n come_v more_o into_o view_n god_n be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o more_o fit_a for_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n than_o the_o passion_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o grand_a essential_o of_o holiness_n be_v more_o deep_a and_o steady_a passionate_a strive_n of_o affection_n make_v a_o great_a noise_n but_o be_v nothing_o near_o so_o valuable_a beside_o weak_a judgement_n and_o strong_a passion_n oft_o go_v together_o the_o wise_a and_o weighty_a person_n be_v usual_o must_v sedate_v and_o compose_v direct_v 8._o remember_v that_o god_n often_o make_v the_o full_a discovery_n of_o his_o love_n to_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a self-denying_a part_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o tell_v you_o of_o the_o transport_v joy_n which_o many_o of_o the_o martyr_n have_v find_v in_o their_o sharp_a suffering_n when_o all_o man_n have_v forsake_v they_o god_n have_v stand_v by_o they_o and_o comfort_v they_o he_o have_v visit_v they_o in_o their_o prison_n and_o enlarge_v their_o soul_n with_o spiritual_a refreshment_n when_o their_o body_n have_v be_v under_o confinement_n he_o have_v enable_v they_o to_o triumph_v in_o the_o very_a flame_n and_o to_o baffle_v their_o enemy_n by_o their_o patience_n magnanimity_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o suffer_v paul_n and_o silas_n sing_v in_o the_o stock_n stephen_n have_v heaven_n open_v to_o he_o when_o his_o enemy_n be_v rage_v against_o he_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n have_v one_o walk_v with_o they_o like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v upon_o suffering_n till_o god_n call_v we_o thereto_o but_o if_o it_o please_v he_o so_o to_o do_v we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o call_v as_o a_o prize_n put_v into_o our_o hand_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o comfort_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o you_o be_v for_o take_v up_o with_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a religion_n and_o excuse_v yourselves_o from_o the_o more_o difficult_a self-denying_a part_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n your_o grace_n be_v but_o weak_a at_o best_a and_o therefore_o your_o comfort_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v strong_a will_v you_o sow_v spare_o and_o reap_v plentiful_o how_o can_v you_o expect_v full_a assurance-of_a the_o love_n of_o god_n while_o you_o care_v not_o how_o little_a you_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o for_o he_o and_o what_o though_o you_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o fiery_a trial_n yet_o if_o you_o will_v but_o set_v yourselves_o earnest_o to_o the_o frequent_a diligent_a spiritual_a exercise_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o the_o mortificaiton_n of_o your_o belove_a lust_n and_o to_o the_o do_v of_o all_o the_o good_a you_o can_v in_o the_o several_a place_n wherein_o you_o stand_v you_o will_v certain_o find_v difficulty_n enough_o to_o exercise_v your_o grace_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o your_o great_a comfort_n because_o the_o flesh_n will_v draw_v back_o from_o such_o work_n as_o this_o the_o world_n be_v at_o hand_n ready_a to_o entangle_v you_o satan_n will_v do_v his_o worst_a to_o hinder_v you_o and_o so_o will_v all_o his_o instrument_n accustom_v yourselves_o to_o self-denying_a obedience_n and_o in_o so_o do_v you_o may_v expect_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n direct_v 9_o understand_v aright_o the_o ordinary_a method_n which_o the_o spirit_n take_v in_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n lest_o you_o abuse_v yourselves_o by_o expect_v what_o be_v unusual_a or_o extraordinary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o none_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o those_o who_o comply_v with_o the_o term_n of_o that_o covenant_n nor_o can_v any_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o they_o have_v so_o comply_v now_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o sincere_a believer_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o incline_v our_o heart_n by_o his_o grace_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o benefit_n offer_v and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v that_o be_v true_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o when_o we_o have_v so_o do_v our_o case_n be_v safe_a but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v further_a requisite_a to_o discern_v our_o own_o sincerity_n in_o this_o covenant-closure_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n now_o here_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o further_a help_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o so_o to_o draw_v that_o comfortable_a conclusion_n viz._n that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o spirit_n comfort_v believer_n and_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n by_o help_v they_o to_o discover_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o it_o be_v foolish_a presumption_n to_o expect_v assurance_n any_o other_o way_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n will_v enable_v man_n to_o rejoice_v in_o they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o to_o conclude_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o know_v not_o why_o we_o must_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n o_o do_v not_o deceive_v yourselves_o by_o expect_v enthusiastical_a impulse_n irrational_a rapture_n inward_a voice_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o endeavour_v to_o get_v such_o a_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n as_o become_v his_o child_n and_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v such_o the_o sanctify_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o believer_n be_v the_o witness_n or_o evidence_n of_o their_o adopuon_n take_v care_n also_o that_o you_o deceive_v not_o yourselves_o by_o expect_v such_o rapture_n of_o joy_n as_o be_v extraordinary_a all_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o degree_n of_o comfort_n nor_o will_v know_v how_o to_o manage_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v it_o but_o if_o you_o have_v so_o much_o as_o tolerable_o support_v your_o spirit_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o sink_v bless_v god_n and_o be_v humble_a and_o have_v a_o care_n of_o peevishness_n or_o imparience_n direct_v 10._o distinguish_v careful_o between_o your_o state_n in_o the_o main_a and_o the_o more_o remote_a accident_n or_o circumstance_n wherewith_o it_o may_v be_v attend_v between_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o sincere_a christian_a as_o such_o and_o what_o be_v further_o requisite_a to_o his_o wellbeing_a growth_n and_o comfort_n or_o if_o you_o will_v between_o foundation_n and_o building_n work_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v confound_v it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a you_o shall_v have_v any_o settle_a peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o your_o soul_n those_o who_o have_v true_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v who_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v in_o the_o main_a for_o god_n christ_n holiness_n and_o heaven_n such_o i_o say_v be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n use_v have_v a_o right_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o even_o such_o person_n themselves_o be_v oft_o guilty_a of_o great_a defect_n and_o intermission_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o
cry_n will_v avail_v they_o nothing_o inser_n 2._o learn_v from_o hence_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o equity_n yea_o the_o wonderful_a grace_n and_o benignity_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n over_o fall_a man_n see_v what_o a_o connexion_n there_o be_v between_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n all_o the_o precept_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o may_v just_o he_o esteem_v as_o so_o many_o direction_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o our_o own_o welfare_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o law_n be_v enforce_v by_o the_o divinâ—_n command_n but_o be_v that_o any_o injury_n to_o we_o that_o the_o moâ—â—_n bless_v glorious_a god_n have_v by_o his_o sovereign_a righâ—â—â—_n authority_n over_o we_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v happy_a put_v we_o under_o such_o a_o law_n that_o we_o can_v be_v innocent_o miserable_a if_o we_o perish_v it_o shall_v be_v our_o own_o fault_n that_o we_o do_v soâ—â—â—_n well_o may_v it_o be_v call_v a_o paternal_a government_n god_n iâ—_n please_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o that_o tidâ—_n which_o he_o have_v condescend_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o viâ—â—_n the_o father_n of_o spirit_n behold_v how_o tender_o and_o gent_o he_o deal_v with_o his_o offspring_n even_o the_o rational_a souâ—â—_n that_o issue_v from_o he_o his_o love_n invite_v they_o hâ—â—_n authority_n enjoy_v they_o to_o be_v happy_a he_o reason_n thâ—_n case_n with_o they_o why_o will_v you_o die_v yea_o he_o beseech_v they_o in_o the_o most_o earnest_a move_a manner_n as_o though_o gâ—â—_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o 2_o cor_fw-la 5.20_o they_o be_v impoâ—cuned_v from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o his_o name_n to_o lay_v aside_o theâ—â—â—_n frowardness_n and_o enmity_n against_o he_o who_o alone_a 〈◊〉_d make_v they_o complete_o bless_v and_o thus_o he_o wait_v 〈◊〉_d be_v gracious_a to_o they_o how_o little_o do_v we_o deserve_v to_o 〈◊〉_d thus_o treat_v methinks_v this_o shall_v make_v we_o even_o to_o 〈◊〉_d ashamed_a and_o blush_v to_o consider_v our_o unworthy_a 〈◊〉_d disingenuous_a carriage_n towards_o he_o and_o convioâ—us_o at_o length_n how_o much_o better_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o 〈◊〉_d government_n than_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o conduct_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a the_o first_o aâ—â—_n principal_a of_o they_o be_v this_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n etc._n etc._n what_o but_o the_o despertâ—â—â—_n wickedness_n of_o our_o deprave_a sinful_a nature_n can_v maâ—â—_n this_o seem_v a_o hard_a say_v who_o shall_v we_o love_v not_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o thâ—_n most_o suitable_a good_a for_o we_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o we_o ever_o enjoy_v upon_o who_o both_o 〈◊〉_d being_n and_o well-being_n do_v entire_o depend_v you_o 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o put_v we_o off_o with_o trifle_n but_o offer_v himâ—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o promise_v all_o thoâ—â—â—_n return_v of_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n which_o can_v rational_o be_v desire_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o can_v you_o yâ—â—_n refuse_v to_o love_n o_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o so_o may_v a_o aversion_n from_o he_o what_o iniquity_n have_v you_o ever_o find_v in_o he_o jer._n 2.5_o lord_n into_o how_o great_a confusion_n and_o distraction_n be_v we_o fall_v by_o forsake_v he_o and_o sink_v into_o our_o own_o wretched_a self_n alas_o that_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v so_o averse_a from_o close_v with_o the_o infinite_a universal_a all_o comprehend_v good_a he_o have_v make_v our_o capacity_n such_o as_o none_o but_o himself_o can_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v therefore_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v uneasy_a or_o restless_a while_o we_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o sure_o then_o no_o precept_n can_v tend_v more_o direct_o to_o our_o own_o felicity_n than_o this_o of_o love_a god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o this_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v reduce_v for_o it_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o sure_o the_o obedience_n of_o love_n will_v be_v pleasant_a if_o thy_o mind_n be_v once_o bring_v up_o to_o this_o holy_a love_n the_o work_n be_v do_v thy_o cavil_n against_o any_o other_o command_n will_v then_o be_v at_o a_o end_n thou_o will_v ever_o justify_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o humble_v thyself_o that_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n thou_o fall_v short_a thou_o will_v then_o see_v reason_n to_o convince_v thou_o that_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o be_v wont_a to_o look_v upon_o as_o over_o great_a severity_n in_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o thy_o case_n make_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o thy_o cure_n that_o no_o needless_a restraint_n be_v lay_v upon_o thou_o that_o the_o most_o exact_a watchfulness_n the_o great_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n be_v all_o little_a enough_o to_o keep_v so_o froward_a a_o nature_n within_o its_o due_a bound_n in_o a_o word_n thou_o will_v see_v that_o god_n have_v restrain_v thou_o from_o nothing_o which_o be_v true_o good_a for_o thou_o but_o only_o deny_v thou_o the_o liberty_n of_o self_n undo_v and_o therefore_o that_o his_o way_n be_v equal_a how_o unequal_a soever_o thy_o own_o way_n have_v be_v infer_v 3._o learn_v from_o hence_o what_o woeful_a work_n sin_n have_v make_v in_o human_a nature_n forasmuch_o as_o so_o great_a a_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o refit_n and_o qualifyâ—it_v â—it_z for_o its_o proper_a use_n and_o end_n all_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n be_v exceed_o deprave_a and_o enfeeble_v by_o the_o fall_n in_o we_o that_o be_v in_o our_o flesh_n there_o dwell_v no_o good_a â—â—ing_n when_o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o we_o rom._n 7.18_o 21._o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v all_o unregenerate_a person_n can_v please_v god_n chap._n 8.8_o some_o indeed_o there_o be_v who_o deny_v original_a sin_n and_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o imitation_n that_o we_o become_v wicked_a but_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a and_o clear_a in_o the_o case_n psal_n 51.5_o behold_v i_o be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o in_o sin_n do_v my_o mother_n couceive_v i_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ephes_n 2.3_o hence_o our_o saviour_n show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n joh._n â—_o 5_o 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n verse_n 7._o marvel_v not_o that_o i_o say_v into_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d must_v â—e_v bear_v again_o be_v not_o death_n the_o wage_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o infant_n die_v even_o before_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o actual_a sin_n therefore_o they_o have_v original_a sin_n and_o why_o be_v they_o wash_v with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n if_o they_o have_v no_o sinful_a defilement_n upon_o they_o and_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o corruption_n do_v so_o early_o discover_v itself_o in_o they_o but_o because_o they_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o world_n with_o they_o true_a it_o be_v that_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v create_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n endue_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n fit_v for_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o he_o etc._n etc._n this_o man_n once_o be_v lad_n to_o say_v be_v and_o be_v not_o our_o gold_n be_v become_v dress_v the_o crown_n be_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n woe_n unto_o we_o for_o wâ—_n have_v sin_v how_o be_v the_o mighty_a fall_v the_o distemper_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v now_o past_o number_v the_o understanding_n and_o will_n which_o be_v make_v to_o govern_v the_o inferior_a faoulty_n the_o one_o by_o guidance_n the_o other_o by_o command_n be_v themselves_o enslave_v to_o lust_n and_o appetite_n so_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a asâ—s_n colt_n folly_n and_o vanity_n it_o bind_v up_o in_o his_o heart_n from_o hâ—_n very_a childhood_n be_v depart_v from_o god_n the_o centre_n in_o which_o aâ—_n our_o faculty_n shall_v unite_v and_o for_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v improve_v and_o employ_v we_o be_v become_v at_o variance_n with_o one_o another_o and_o each_o man_n with_o himself_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o bitter_a strife_n and_o envy_n the_o bloody_a war_n and_o contention_n whereby_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n yea_o and_o less_o society_n too_o rise_v up_o one_o against_o another_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v how_o strange_o inconsistent_a even_o with_o themselves_o ungodly_a man_n be_v one_o will_v think_v they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n the_o sensitive_a part_n be_v against_o the_o rational_a the_o will_n against_o