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pleasant_a enjoyment_n fright_v many_o from_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o the_o falsehood_n whereof_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o that_o spiritual_a religion_n allow_v a_o modest_a temperate_a use_n of_o sensitive_a pleasure_n and_o religion_n when_o serious_o practise_v sweeten_v those_o duty_n which_o to_o carnalist_n be_v so_o uneasy_a for_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o sinful_a affection_n and_o change_v into_o the_o divine_a likeness_n the_o suitableness_n between_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n cause_v the_o pure_a pleasure_n since_o our_o redeemer_n have_v reconcile_v god_n by_o his_o meritorious_a suffering_n and_o mediation_n and_o have_v obtain_v such_o precious_a privilege_n for_o all_o that_o will_v accept_v of_o he_o our_o present_a pardon_n and_o future_a glory_n holiness_n and_o happiness_n in_o perfection_n how_o can_v reasonable_a creature_n neglect_v the_o great_a salvation_n so_o dear_o buy_v and_o so_o free_o offer_v to_o they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o so_o easy_a and_o few_o mean_n methinks_v we_o shall_v hear_v convince_v and_o alarm_v sinner_n cry_v out_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o redeemer_n to_o obtain_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n by_o he_o the_o pearl_n of_o price_n be_v offer_v to_o all_o that_o sincere_o accept_v of_o it_o to_o press_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n upon_o a_o profane_a and_o mere_a profess_v christian_a be_v as_o if_o food_n be_v offer_v to_o a_o dead_a body_n to_o receive_v and_o digest_v as_o if_o the_o carry_v of_o heavy_a burden_n be_v recommend_v in_o exchange_n with_o a_o easy_a quiet_a and_o pleasant_a course_n of_o life_n the_o profane_a creature_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n though_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a as_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a life_n yet_o his_o soul_n be_v shut_v from_o the_o reception_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o spiritual_a death_n now_o to_o shut_v up_o all_o i_o will_v give_v you_o my_o repeat_v exhortation_n with_o some_o reflection_n annex_v to_o it_o respect_v the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v exhort_v therefore_o o_o profane_a mere_a professor_n and_o careless_a christian_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o three_o mean_n mention_v and_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o your_o performance_n from_o the_o extensiveness_n of_o your_o observe_v the_o passage_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o spirituality_n of_o your_o prayer_n solemn_a or_o ejaculatory_a from_o the_o strictness_n of_o your_o conformity_n to_o god_n word_n the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n and_o you_o will_v obtain_v the_o first_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o experimental_a increase_n of_o holiness_n and_o joy_n the_o world_n be_v blind_v and_o secure_a from_o lust_n that_o darken_v the_o mind_n and_o from_o tempt_a object_n in_o the_o world_n that_o divert_v from_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o the_o righteous_a god_n who_o be_v terrible_a against_o 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the_o private_a christian_n witness_n for_o christianity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o notional_a and_o erroneous_a apprehension_n of_o the_o arminian_n socinian_n and_o deist_n of_o the_o age_n with_o the_o easy_a and_o true_a mean_n lead_v the_o profane_a mere_a professor_n and_o lazy_a christian_a to_o the_o same_o experience_n as_o preservative_n against_o the_o infection_n of_o each_o and_o against_o the_o ill_a example_n of_o the_o practical_a blemish_n in_o lazy_a christian_n conversation_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n cockerill_n at_o the_o three_o leg_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1697._o the_o preface_n by_o a_o friend_n of_o the_o author_n be_v since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n by_o his_o rebellious_a sin_n he_o incur_v the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o felicity_n that_o principal_o consist_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v like_o a_o seal_a fountain_n all_o comfort_a emanation_n be_v obstruct_v divine_a justice_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o all_o 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earth_n to_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o difficult_a height_n which_o the_o carnal_a nature_n can_v arrive_v to_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o daily_a revolution_n but_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v assistance_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n love_n to_o believer_n that_o can_v never_o be_v cancel_v that_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o unrenewed_a world_n and_o appropriate_v they_o to_o god_n he_o first_o work_v those_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n wherein_o the_o image_n of_o god_n consist_v and_o by_o illustrate_v they_o in_o the_o view_n of_o conscience_n witness_n that_o they_o be_v god_n child_n he_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n ratify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o those_o who_o have_v feel_v his_o sanctify_a and_o comsort_v operation_n there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o impossible_a discovery_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o when_o reveal_v be_v incomprehensible_a now_o there_o be_v such_o evidence_n beyond_o all_o exception_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o any_o doctrine_n declare_v in_o it_o though_o sublime_a and_o supernatural_a and_o contrary_a to_o our_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la and_o passion_n just_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o it_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o testimony_n a_o object_n be_v evident_a by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o the_o impression_n it_o make_v immediate_o on_o the_o mind_n thus_o it_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n between_o what_o be_v fair_a and_o what_o be_v fraudulent_a as_o the_o eye_n see_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o day_n and_o night_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o testimony_n be_v when_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infallible_a for_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o deceive_v now_o of_o the_o gospel_n divine_a original_a there_o be_v external_a character_n and_o sign_n and_o internal_a of_o the_o external_a character_n miracle_n be_v the_o most_o conspicuous_a of_o the_o internal_a the_o sanctify_a and_o comfort_v operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v most_o sensible_a and_o convince_a for_o certain_o humane_a nature_n though_o assist_v by_o moral_a counsel_n and_o constancy_n can_v never_o produce_v such_o divine_a effect_n the_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n that_o the_o spirit_n in_o concomitancy_n with_o the_o gospel_n work_v in_o sincere_a christian_n produce_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o strong_a assurance_n of_o its_o truth_n than_o the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n for_o holiness_n be_v a_o attribute_n as_o true_o divine_a as_o power_n and_o have_v a_o near_a affinity_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a glory_n the_o cleanse_n and_o change_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n the_o calm_v of_o the_o afflict_a conscience_n be_v a_o more_o eminent_a effect_n of_o power_n than_o the_o turn_n of_o a_o wilderness_n into_o a_o paradise_n or_o the_o lay_n storm_n and_o tempest_n the_o sanctify_a and_o comfort_v virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o word_n be_v a_o more_o inward_a and_o last_a proof_n than_o miracle_n a_o miracle_n like_o a_o sudden_a flash_n of_o lightning_n astonish_v man_n at_o the_o present_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v propose_v but_o when_o the_o surprise_n be_v over_o they_o may_v neglect_v their_o duty_n but_o real_a holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n like_o the_o sun_n irradiate_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o constant_a light_n he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n within_o himself_o inward_a experimental_a religion_n be_v perceive_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o that_o have_v it_o and_o can_v be_v so_o clear_o demonstrate_v by_o word_n who_o can_v see_v a_o taste_n from_o hence_o many_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a person_n expose_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o ignominy_n and_o contempt_n as_o the_o dotage_n of_o enthusiast_n and_o doctrinal_a professor_n who_o owe_v their_o religion_n to_o tradition_n and_o education_n and_o be_v mere_o titular_a christian_n can_v understand_v and_o believe_v what_o the_o saint_n real_o enjoy_v they_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o unbelief_n because_o many_o have_v father_v the_o bastard_n of_o their_o delude_a fancy_n upon_o the_o spirit_n but_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o pretence_n consider_v it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o low_a life_n of_o sense_n have_v perceptive_a faculty_n that_o live_a creature_n feel_v that_o they_o live_v and_o the_o spiritual_a life_n more_o raise_v and_o excellent_a than_o the_o rational_a shall_v not_o perceive_v itself_o be_v it_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o prodigy_n that_o the_o soul_n shall_v live_v the_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o joy_n like_o a_o plant_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o or_o because_o many_o be_v deceive_v with_o a_o false_a light_n and_o please_v with_o a_o delusion_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o have_v vital_a experience_n of_o religion_n be_v deceive_v one_o may_v dream_v that_o he_o be_v awake_a but_o a_o man_n that_o be_v awake_a know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o the_o delusion_n of_o one_o do_v not_o weaken_v the_o assurance_n of_o another_o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o genuine_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spurious_a and_o counterfeit_n a_o clear_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v discover_v and_o know_v his_o operation_n this_o be_v no_o vicious_a circle_n i_o know_v i_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o understanding_n that_o discover_v other_o object_n in_o the_o direct_a act_n be_v the_o object_n of_o itself_o in_o the_o reflective_a act_n thus_o i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o divine_a life_n act_v in_o i_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v operation_n they_o be_v all_o in_o consent_n and_o congruity_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v the_o inditer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o can_v contradict_v himself_o they_o make_v man_n more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a and_o as_o the_o star_n direct_v the_o wiseman_n to_o christ_n the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n always_o direct_v we_o to_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v when_o the_o blessing_n they_o receive_v be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n and_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n general_a providence_n i_o shall_v only_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o their_o prayer_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v influence_n which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o
his_o own_o strength_n can_v afford_v yet_o he_o shall_v not_o attain_v that_o height_n of_o free_a utterance_n so_o heavenly_a a_o style_n or_o so_o familiar_a and_o near_o a_o approach_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n as_o sometime_o sudden_o in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n he_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o and_o that_o by_o the_o blowing_n afresh_o of_o christ_n divine_a influence_n i_o have_v myself_o while_o under_o no_o other_o power_n than_o that_o of_o education_n stand_v in_o a_o maze_n to_o hear_v minister_n express_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o duty_n the_o influence_n of_o christ_n spirit_n and_o the_o like_a imagine_v these_o as_o word_n choose_v to_o set_v off_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o amiable_a to_o soul_n till_o experience_n discover_v the_o reality_n thereof_o and_o since_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o to_o myself_o i_o have_v often_o with_o great_a concern_v of_o soul_n hear_v christ_n spirit_n mock_v at_o emanation_n and_o influence_n from_o he_o so_o ridicule_v that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o exercise_v compassion_n compare_v their_o word_n to_o my_o own_o thought_n while_o under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o ignorance_n of_o experimental_a religion_n and_o the_o inward_a power_n of_o christianity_n no_o less_o instruction_n be_v capable_a of_o illuminate_v such_o dark_a mind_n than_o what_o be_v a_o emanation_n and_o influence_n of_o that_o spirit_n so_o revile_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o in_o their_o thought_n such_o a_o one_o and_o the_o creature_n set_v christ_n in_o his_o divine_a nature_n at_o nought_o i_o place_n in_o the_o same_o categorical_a line_n to_o this_o five_o experience_n i_o subjoin_v the_o follow_a instance_n of_o a_o undertake_n where_o the_o eye_n hand_n and_o wish_n of_o many_o be_v against_o i_o and_o no_o probable_a hope_n of_o success_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n but_o what_o i_o have_v from_o the_o marvellous_a frame_n of_o soul_n and_o near_a access_n to_o god_n concern_v it_o and_o like_o a_o miracle_n the_o use_n of_o mean_n obtain_v and_o the_o desire_a end_n be_v bring_v forth_o here_o i_o subjoin_v the_o experience_n of_o humble_a awe_n and_o fear_n always_o attend_v the_o clear_a heavenly_a frame_n and_o most_o satisfy_v quiet_a of_o mind_n i_o ever_o have_v concern_v any_o one_o thing_n confidence_n look_v to_o i_o too_o much_o ominous_a of_o somewhat_o of_o satan_n and_o common_o prove_v a_o mean_a of_o security_n and_o of_o less_o diligence_n in_o petition_v heaven_n and_o depend_v upon_o god_n than_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o humble_a awe_n go_v along_o with_o its_o erperience_n of_o god_n approach_n to_o its_o soul_n a_o six_o experience_n of_o god_n spirit_n carry_v forth_o the_o soul_n to_o petition_v according_a to_o what_o god_n be_v to_o bestow_v be_v not_o only_o by_o change_v of_o the_o soul_n frame_v concern_v any_o one_o event_n but_o even_o by_o change_v the_o verbal_a petition_n in_o the_o change_n of_o circumstance_n in_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o for_o instance_n at_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o my_o inward_a change_n my_o word_n in_o prayer_n for_o any_o undertake_n will_v run_v upon_o its_o success_n and_o hardly_o upon_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o which_o the_o condescension_n of_o my_o heavenly_a father_n comply_v by_o numerous_a and_o continual_a return_n of_o success_n though_o my_o endeavour_n at_o my_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o and_o observation_n of_o god_n way_n be_v not_o so_o exact_a but_o upon_o further_a knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n and_o great_a progress_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n for_o conduct_v to_o the_o use_n and_o right_a use_n of_o mean_n than_o my_o word_n be_v change_v run_v out_o in_o prayer_n after_o divine_a assistance_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n resign_v the_o issue_n to_o his_o will_n answerable_a to_o which_o a_o more_o diligent_a watch_n over_o myself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o the_o less_o anxiety_n concern_v the_o event_n appear_v a_o experience_n great_o help_v the_o soul_n against_o mistake_v god_n or_o themselves_o when_o his_o way_n run_v not_o in_o the_o same_o stream_n towards_o they_o their_o advancement_n in_o strength_n be_v gradual_a and_o many_o time_n according_a to_o the_o different_a step_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n so_o god_n walk_v in_o different_a step_n round_o they_o require_v a_o constant_a observation_n of_o his_o way_n admire_v their_o variety_n and_o bring_v forth_o suitable_a improvement_n of_o knowledge_n of_o god_n love_v to_o he_o and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o how_o infinite_a therefore_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o bless_a god_n who_o know_v the_o various_a constitution_n and_o the_o thing_n their_o thought_n be_v most_o fix_v to_o that_o his_o breathe_a divine_a influence_n thereupon_o may_v be_v his_o ready_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o serious_a discovery_n of_o god_n and_o their selve_o thereby_o how_o infinite_a be_v the_o wisdom_n love_n and_o tenderness_n of_o our_o bless_a husbandman_n in_o the_o gradual_a growth_n of_o all_o the_o young_a tender_a branch_n in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o in_o train_v up_o his_o babe_n in_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o he_o feed_v the_o one_o with_o milk_n and_o the_o other_o with_o meat_n know_v well_o what_o each_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o and_o can_v bear_v either_o of_o his_o smile_n or_o correct_v stripe_n order_v each_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o perfect_a of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o meet_v for_o eternal_a glory_n the_o experience_n whereof_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o some_o serious_a christian_n but_o not_o exact_a observer_n who_o will_v reply_v upon_o impart_v a_o particular_a method_n of_o god_n with_o a_o soul_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n you_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o depend_v upon_o that_o particular_a way_n god_n act_n with_o you_o in_o lest_o satan_n make_v it_o a_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n and_o yourselves_o when_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o walk_v in_o another_o road_n with_o your_o soul_n but_o general_a and_o strict_a observer_n find_v god_n way_n to_o be_v thus_o that_o according_a to_o the_o infancy_n or_o manhood_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o christianity_n or_o according_a to_o the_o different_a step_n of_o advance_v the_o soul_n towards_o this_o manhood_n so_o god_n way_n to_o be_v various_a and_o according_a to_o his_o different_a end_n so_o his_o course_n lead_v thereto_o usual_o to_o be_v different_a marvellous_a argument_n indeed_o of_o infinite_a wisdom_n love_n and_o compassion_n in_o our_o great_a god_n instruction_n enough_o to_o make_v we_o stand_v off_o from_o prescribe_v method_n according_a to_o our_o inclination_n or_o expectation_n but_o instruction_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o close_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o way_n in_o continual_a prayer_n for_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o design_n and_o the_o obtain_v the_o establishment_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o method_n of_o god_n be_v never_o so_o various_a with_o we_o hereto_o relate_v my_o experience_n of_o god_n with_o my_o own_o soul_n that_o according_a to_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o my_o faith_n of_o reliance_n so_o god_n method_n have_v vary_v for_o while_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o trust_n to_o god_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v that_o never_o a_o prayer_n spiritual_o perform_v want_v its_o return_n immediate_o and_o that_o exact_o suitable_a to_o my_o word_n in_o prayer_n but_o upon_o further_a strength_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o reliance_n upon_o god_n i_o have_v find_v the_o return_n of_o my_o prayer_n long_o defer_v yea_o sometime_o to_o the_o last_o pinch_n of_o extremity_n but_o still_o answerable_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o soul_n and_o word_n utter_v in_o prayer_n when_o this_o frame_n and_o utterance_n be_v above_o my_o own_o strength_n through_o divine_a influence_n argument_n enough_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n adapt_a his_o various_a way_n to_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o his_o child_n weakness_n and_o strength_n of_o divine_a love_n establish_v their_o trust_n to_o himself_o and_o try_v their_o reliance_n upon_o he_o as_o a_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o that_o strength_n of_o grace_n and_o thereby_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o continual_a praise_n admiration_n and_o love_n to_o he_o how_o different_a be_v christ_n carriage_n to_o the_o leper_n from_o his_o act_n with_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n who_o faith_n far_o exceed_v the_o other_o the_o leper_n much_o weak_a in_o faith_n have_v the_o return_n of_o his_o prayer_n immediate_o but_o she_o much_o strong_a in_o faith_n have_v the_o return_n great_o defer_v with_o the_o intermixture_n of_o many_o try_v passage_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o own_o silence_n to_o her_o own_o petition_n and_o with_o his_o call_v she_o a_o dog_n as_o if_o she_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o much_o less_o to_o receive_v of_o
disappoint_v my_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n common_o lead_v to_o such_o end_n but_o discover_v god_n design_n yea_o infinite_a love_n in_o my_o own_o disappointment_n and_o my_o meditation_n thereupon_o be_v thus_o do_v the_o lord_n strengthen_v i_o eminent_o after_o my_o fit_a of_o sickness_n and_o continual_o in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o my_o address_n to_o heaven_n since_o that_o time_n to_o ask_v for_o advance_v of_o this_o reliance_n and_o have_v the_o lord_n return_v this_o petition_n by_o sensible_a reliance_n upon_o himself_o never_o former_o acquaint_v with_o and_o that_o in_o a_o mysterious_a conduct_n of_o outward_a providence_n shall_v i_o therefore_o bring_v forth_o this_o ill_a improvement_n of_o not_o work_v with_o god_n or_o of_o trust_v god_n only_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o smile_a favour_n when_o difficulty_n sensible_o have_v tend_v to_o the_o increase_a my_o dependence_n upon_o god_n or_o trust_v god_n only_o when_o other_o thing_n be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o when_o mean_n produce_v such_o event_n natural_o or_o probable_o turn_v their_o course_n and_o prove_v ineffectual_a no_o that_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o than_o height_n of_o ingratitude_n and_o what_o my_o love_a god_n have_v prevent_v by_o his_o spirit_n be_v accompany_v his_o method_n of_o special_a outward_a providence_n and_o therefore_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o walk_v in_o a_o road_n of_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o he_o cry_v out_o oh_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o first_o design_v i_o such_o a_o mercy_n of_o reliance_n in_o bring_v it_o about_o and_o that_o in_o a_o method_n of_o outward_a providence_n evidence_v it_o sensible_o to_o myself_o as_o well_o as_o real_o work_v it_o in_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o spirit_n go_v along_o with_o his_o outward_a providence_n and_o in_o preserve_v this_o reliance_n notwithstanding_o the_o soul_n unwillingness_n when_o duty_n and_o interest_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n at_o the_o same_o time_n this_o very_a experience_n be_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o ignorant_a cavil_n of_o the_o irreligious_a and_o the_o doubt_n of_o some_o christian_n who_o with_o the_o psalmist_n be_v perplex_v how_o to_o understand_v right_o the_o inequality_n of_o divine_a providence_n towards_o the_o profane_a and_o the_o gracious_a christian_a the_o first_o abound_v in_o worldly_a pleasure_n while_o the_o other_o appear_v under_o cross_v afflict_v providence_n the_o private_a christian_n inward_a observe_v experience_n of_o god_n method_n with_o himself_o afford_v knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o strength_n to_o resist_v corrupt_a and_o satanical_a suggestion_n and_o peace_n and_o comfort_n even_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o outward_a disappointment_n when_o their_o friend_n be_v in_o concern_v on_o their_o very_a account_n or_o other_o in_o their_o circumstance_n ready_a to_o stagger_v as_o to_o god_n favour_n to_o they_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o observe_v christian_a the_o great_a token_n of_o divine_a special_a love_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o i_o will_v have_v you_o consider_v first_o that_o a_o christian_a renew_v from_o original_a corruption_n to_o grace_n be_v receive_v under_o a_o special_a conduct_n of_o god_n providence_n without_o as_o well_o as_o his_o spirit_n within_o and_o that_o great_o different_a from_o the_o common_a providence_n that_o attend_v the_o wicked_a of_o the_o earth_n psal_n 4.3_o but_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v apart_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o exod._n 11.7_o the_o outward_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o special_a towards_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o very_a dog_n be_v not_o to_o bark_n at_o they_o beside_o to_o be_v witness_n to_o three_o or_o four_o private_a christian_n impart_v god_n special_a conduct_n remark_v round_o each_o one_o of_o themselves_o one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o narrative_a of_o each_o argue_v so_o much_o of_o speciality_n as_o if_o each_o have_v be_v the_o alone_a belove_a child_n of_o god_n about_o who_o he_o have_v spend_v his_o special_a love_a care_n whereas_o those_o round_n who_o be_v the_o alone_a conduct_n of_o common_a providence_n they_o can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o the_o general_a power_n of_o a_o great_a and_o merciful_a god_n as_o creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o not_o as_o their_o god_n and_o father_n or_o their_o providence_n attend_v they_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o he_o through_o christ_n and_o as_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n enjoy_v the_o earnest_n thereof_o in_o the_o special_a outward_a providence_n and_o inward_a work_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n attend_v their_o life_n great_a loss_n therefore_o that_o christian_n incur_v who_o though_o under_o the_o special_a conduct_n of_o outward_a providence_n yet_o want_v the_o sense_n thereof_o unless_o in_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o want_n of_o a_o general_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o step_n of_o god_n way_n with_o himself_o from_o his_o first_o conversion_n to_o a_o full_a establishment_n in_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n a_o christian_n that_o have_v be_v observant_a of_o god_n outward_a and_o inward_a conduct_n not_o only_o witness_n a_o speciality_n of_o providence_n regard_v god_n own_a child_n but_o he_o will_v patient_o bear_v afflict_v dispensation_n that_o be_v design_v to_o make_v he_o sensible_a of_o his_o neglect_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o he_o and_o of_o his_o neglect_n or_o careless_a performance_n of_o particular_a duty_n and_o may_v change_v his_o nature_n from_o secure_a cold_a and_o lazy_a to_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o zealous_a and_o to_o make_v he_o more_o watchful_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o resist_a temptation_n and_o mortify_a corruption_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o grace_n that_o may_v preserve_v he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tempter_n a_o christian_a under_o the_o same_o special_a conduct_n of_o god_n care_n but_o without_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o step_n of_o god_n providence_n have_v neither_o the_o knowledge_n nor_o the_o strength_n that_o the_o observe_a christian_n have_v convey_v to_o his_o soul_n as_o the_o true_a effect_n of_o so_o desirable_a a_o duty_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o droop_v in_o his_o spirit_n when_o afflict_v not_o know_v god_n design_n in_o particular_a though_o rely_v on_o that_o bless_a word_n that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n yet_o miss_v god_n particular_a design_n in_o the_o present_a want_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o present_a mercy_n thereby_o to_o be_v bestow_v he_o become_v in_o danger_n of_o satan_n tempt_v he_o to_o despondency_n of_o a_o melancholy_a carriage_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o pass_v his_o pilgrimage_n state_n under_o cloud_n second_o that_o since_o god_n own_o child_n be_v under_o the_o special_a conduct_n of_o providence_n than_o they_o alone_o must_v best_o judge_v of_o god_n wise_a procedure_n and_o witness_v for_o god_n that_o what_o the_o carnal_a world_n be_v apt_a to_o charge_v against_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o present_a affliction_n of_o his_o child_n be_v from_o ignorance_n for_o affliction_n be_v the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o love_n as_o a_o father_n and_o a_o physician_n to_o purge_v they_o from_o sin_n to_o make_v they_o more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a on_o earth_n and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o prepare_v to_o reign_v with_o he_o above_o though_o those_o who_o be_v only_o lead_v by_o sense_n see_v not_o good_a in_o affliction_n yet_o sincere_a believer_n who_o from_o constant_a observation_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n have_v improve_v affliction_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o comply_v with_o god_n end_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o appear_v and_o earnest_o pray_v for_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a issue_n if_o christian_n be_v serious_a in_o search_v out_o their_o sin_n before_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o how_o defective_a they_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v be_v assure_v not_o only_o from_o divine_a revelation_n but_o from_o their_o happy_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o all_o that_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n will_v outweigh_v all_o their_o suffering_n and_o sorrow_n a_o five_o method_n of_o god_n to_o advance_v reliance_n upon_o himself_o be_v by_o immediate_a specialty_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n in_o passage_n of_o providence_n in_o lay_v matter_n of_o great_a success_n in_o my_o way_n and_o that_o in_o the_o follow_a instance_n first_o by_o bring_v they_o about_o without_o the_o operation_n of_o second_o cause_n common_o make_v use_n of_o have_v in_o many_o instance_n experience_v such_o thing_n lay_v in_o my_o way_n wherein_o i_o have_v hardly_o be_v
in_o this_o ordinance_n that_o i_o may_v feel_v therein_o what_o other_o do_v or_o what_o i_o have_v feel_v in_o other_o duty_n i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v if_o i_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v it_o there_o again_o unbelief_n still_o work_v in_o i_o it_o please_v god_n in_o his_o wonderful_a condescension_n to_o comply_v with_o this_o desire_n and_o thereby_o to_o discover_v the_o greatness_n of_o my_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o advantage_n of_o reliance_n upon_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n without_o limit_v he_o to_o our_o desire_n for_o in_o the_o participate_v of_o the_o next_o sacrament_n i_o be_v admit_v to_o such_o a_o sweet_a ravish_a enjoyment_n that_o i_o never_o have_v before_o experience_v in_o that_o duty_n which_o persuade_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v but_o such_o a_o disquiet_v darkness_n be_v consequent_a both_o in_o my_o mind_n and_o outward_a affair_n that_o i_o by_o the_o rich_a mercy_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v then_o 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ordinance_n but_o since_o my_o regard_n to_o my_o sovereign_n and_o saviour_n command_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o my_o performance_n in_o obedience_n to_o this_o command_n i_o have_v enjoy_v ravish_v sweetness_n in_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o this_o duty_n and_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o the_o frequent_a repeat_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v attend_v with_o great_a advantage_n for_o by_o preparatory_a examination_n i_o be_o more_o full_o acquaint_v with_o my_o spiritual_a state_n with_o my_o present_a corruption_n and_o grace_n strong_a or_o weak_a and_o the_o way_n how_o god_n make_v this_o duty_n a_o mean_a to_o suppress_v the_o one_o and_o raise_v the_o other_o with_o my_o defect_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o i_o have_v a_o full_a sight_n of_o christ_n in_o all-sufficient_a merit_n in_o his_o treasure_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v open_v to_o all_o that_o come_v with_o holy_a affection_n to_o he_o the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o christ_n in_o this_o ordinance_n will_v endear_v he_o to_o we_o and_o engage_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o and_o the_o warm_a impression_n of_o his_o love_n will_v be_v maintain_v in_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o cool_v and_o decline_v unless_o feed_v and_o revive_v by_o the_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o our_o crucify_a saviour_n seven_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n i_o have_v oft_o be_v in_o a_o cold_a frame_n but_o at_o the_o approach_n of_o the_o element_n this_o frame_n have_v change_v and_o my_o soul_n have_v be_v sweet_o carry_v forth_o to_o petition_n for_o the_o impart_v the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n body_n break_v and_o benefit_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o i_o have_v find_v from_o receive_v the_o element_n the_o strengthen_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n verify_v our_o saviour_n word_n that_o his_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o his_o blood_n drink_v indeed_o this_o have_v 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of_o grace_n which_o confirm_v our_o faith_n inflame_v our_o love_n and_o secure_v our_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o make_v we_o more_o exact_a and_o constant_a and_o comfortable_a in_o the_o everlasting_a way_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o advice_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o feel_v those_o joyful_a emanation_n in_o this_o ordinance_n which_o they_o have_v expect_v and_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n have_v enjoy_v be_v not_o discourage_v from_o your_o duty_n but_o with_o unfainting_a perseverance_n continue_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n the_o lord_n wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o bestow_v his_o comfort_n in_o the_o best_a season_n there_o be_v sweet_a peace_n in_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n though_o we_o have_v not_o rapture_n of_o joy_n and_o our_o obedience_n be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n when_o notwithstanding_o all_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n it_o be_v with_o conscience_n to_o his_o commanding-will_a perform_v than_o when_o it_o be_v make_v easy_a by_o sensible_a comfort_n the_o applicatory_a and_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n christianity_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v experience_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o real_a christian_n in_o different_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o power_n but_o the_o most_o who_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n be_v stranger_n to_o its_o vital_a efficacy_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o diversity_n be_v because_o the_o most_o rest_n in_o the_o speculative_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v content_v with_o the_o external_a character_n of_o other_o other_o be_v cleanse_v and_o change_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v inward_a christian_n among_o christian_n in_o title_n there_o be_v various_a division_n and_o contrary_a sentiment_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o education_n which_o often_o cause_n violent_a contention_n among_o they_o among_o real_a christian_n there_o be_v difference_n but_o not_o of_o so_o deep_a a_o nature_n some_o christian_n be_v weak_a by_o damp_v of_o this_o powerful_a principle_n of_o regeneration_n through_o too_o long_a omission_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n or_o by_o too_o deep_o mix_v the_o thought_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o world_n or_o by_o a_o levity_n of_o mind_n in_o their_o indulge_v too_o free_a a_o use_n of_o sensitive_a pleasure_n that_o be_v innocent_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o from_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o spiritual_a influence_n be_v obstruct_v and_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o christian_n be_v not_o so_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a as_o in_o other_o who_o regard_n their_o soul_n and_o internal_a thing_n with_o great_a application_n and_o diligence_n sometime_o carnal_a pride_n insinuate_v into_o those_o who_o be_v real_a christian_n and_o to_o maintain_v their_o party_n and_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o
christian_n yea_o nation_n and_o church_n to_o great_a imminent_a danger_n before_o he_o pour_v out_o his_o smile_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o that_o regard_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o his_o providence_n round_o we_o of_o our_o duty_n to_o cry_v unto_o he_o in_o public_a and_o closet-address_n and_o if_o these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o trouble_n at_o this_o day_n if_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o far_o great_a pinch_n of_o extremity_n than_o we_o be_v or_o can_v be_v at_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v but_o to_o behold_v the_o return_v of_o providential_a smile_v upon_o our_o outward_a thing_n and_o spiritual_a influence_n upon_o our_o soul_n with_o riches_n and_o inward_a peace_n among_o christian_n yet_o in_o our_o land_n it_o be_v but_o this_o summer_n when_o god_n providential_o by_o the_o great_a and_o continue_a rain_n threaten_a scarcity_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o merciful_a condescension_n suffer_v it_o to_o fall_v out_o when_o a_o fast_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v keep_v for_o success_n to_o our_o king_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o the_o rain_n visible_a before_o we_o we_o may_v join_v in_o prayer_n to_o goâ—_n for_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o otherwise_o we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v be_v bring_v near_o to_o a_o extremity_n before_o we_o have_v public_o â—ought_v god_n on_o that_o account_n a_o additional_a stâ—p_fw-mi 〈…〉_z the_o other_o be_v in_o god_n 〈…〉_z rains_n immediate_o as_o 〈…〉_z very_o evening_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_z weather_n by_o 〈…〉_z thus_o with_o we_o 〈…〉_z see_v god_n in_o his_o pâ—oviâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_z in_o the_o use_n of_o 〈…〉_z such_o 〈…〉_z the_o follow_v 〈…〉_z for_o not_o go_v 〈…〉_z we_o may_v know_v what_o that_o bless_a duty_n of_o dependence_n upon_o god_n mean_v and_o may_v taste_v of_o its_o bless_a fruit_n both_o upon_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o this_o discovery_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n in_o the_o out-going_a of_o pâ—ovidences_n a_o fair_a reproof_n arise_v first_o to_o the_o profane_a who_o reject_v the_o impression_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o will_v not_o observe_v his_o way_n of_o it_o lest_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o just_a power_n above_o and_o be_v under_o terror_n for_o despise_v his_o law_n that_o be_v not_o please_v to_o the_o carnal_a appetite_n second_o to_o the_o mere_a professor_n and_o lazy_a christian_a who_o will_v limit_v god_n in_o his_o providence_n to_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o not_o extend_v it_o to_o all_o event_n though_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o christian_a experience_n bear_v sufficient_a testimony_n thereto_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o matthew_n 10.30_o luk._n 12.7_o that_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o our_o head_n be_v all_o number_v and_o that_o consequent_o his_o divine_a providence_n influence_v the_o most_o minute_n thing_n by_o uphold_v and_o order_v the_o world_n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o to_o a_o general_a providence_n over_o the_o whole_a earth_n how_o be_v it_o much_o more_o clear_a as_o to_o a_o special_a providence_n respect_v his_o own_o child_n in_o their_o pilgrimage_n and_o warfare_n here_o below_o even_o than_o that_o as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o our_o saviour_n luk_n 21.18_o one_o hair_n of_o his_o disciple_n head_n shall_v not_o perish_v christian_n experience_n confirm_v this_o truth_n that_o in_o the_o most_o mean_a event_n god_n overrule_a hand_n be_v great_o discover_v and_o prayer_n put_v up_o for_o small_a matter_n be_v return_v with_o such_o full_a discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o bring_v they_o about_o that_o the_o observation_n thereof_o afford_v great_a inward_a comfort_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o outward_a benefit_n be_v this_o more_o firm_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o profess_v christian_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o talk_n of_o fortune_n and_o chance_n and_o less_o trust_n to_o humane_a endeavour_n distinct_a from_o a_o divine_a influence_n second_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o outward_a providence_n you_o may_v not_o only_o discover_v god_n therein_o but_o even_o from_o thence_o be_v lead_v to_o a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o a_o trust_n to_o he_o and_o that_o for_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o also_o for_o your_o small_a concern_n on_o earth_n you_o will_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n thy_o right_a hand_n save_v we_o and_o as_o in_o the_o 6_o verse_n i_o will_v therefore_o not_o trust_v in_o bow_n and_o as_o in_o the_o 8_o verse_n i_o will_v boast_v in_o god_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o praise_v his_o name_n for_o ever_o you_o wont_a with_o the_o profane_a confine_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n your_o address_n to_o he_o and_o reliance_n upon_o he_o to_o pinch_n of_o extremity_n when_o evil_n seem_v nigh_o at_o hand_n force_v the_o creature_n by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n to_o cry_v out_o for_o help_v from_o god_n or_o to_o desire_v those_o they_o have_v former_o mock_v at_o as_o religious_a to_o supplicate_v heaven_n to_o withhold_v the_o evil_a or_o that_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o they_o in_o it_o you_o wont_a with_o the_o mere_a professor_n express_v only_o your_o trust_n to_o god_n overrule_a providence_n in_o word_n censure_v those_o that_o deny_v it_o and_o yet_o live_v as_o without_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o god_n therein_o by_o do_v evil_a private_o without_o consider_v his_o all-seeing_a eye_n or_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v thing_n desire_v in_o the_o use_n of_o ill_a mean_n without_o consider_v his_o overrule_a power_n in_o the_o bring_n forth_o of_o all_o event_n you_o wont_a with_o the_o lazy_a christian_a limit_v his_o governing-hand_n but_o clear_o know_v the_o extension_n of_o his_o power_n towards_o all_o thing_n determine_v small_a event_n in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o great_a and_o that_o god_n conduct_n of_o his_o child_n in_o their_o small_a concern_v as_o much_o honour_n his_o condescend_v goodness_n as_o his_o regard_n of_o they_o in_o their_o most_o difficult_a concern_v glorify_v his_o 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