the_o most_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o unbelief_n under_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o together_o with_o a_o influence_n of_o power_n from_o satan_n it_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v this_o glory_n of_o christ_n whereon_o they_o perish_v eternal_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o but_o the_o most_o of_o those_o who_o at_o this_o day_n be_v call_v christian_n be_v stranger_n unto_o this_o duty_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n tell_v the_o pharisee_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n they_o have_v not_o hear_v his_o voice_n at_o any_o time_n nor_o see_v his_o shape_n that_o be_v as_o moses_n do_v they_o have_v no_o real_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o they_o have_v no_o spiritual_a view_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o so_o it_o be_v among_o ourselves_o notwithstanding_o the_o general_a profession_n that_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o thus_o behold_v his_o glory_n and_o therefore_o few_o who_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n some_o man_n speak_v much_o of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o follow_v of_o his_o example_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o can_v see_v more_o of_o it_o real_o in_o effect_n but_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o become_v like_a unto_o he_o by_o bare_a imitation_n of_o his_o action_n without_o that_o view_n or_o iâ—â—ition_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o alone_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o transform_a power_n to_o change_v they_o into_o the_o same_o image_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o be_v woeful_o defective_a in_o this_o duty_n and_o many_o be_v discourage_v from_o it_o because_o a_o pretence_n of_o it_o in_o some_o have_v degenerate_v into_o superstition_n but_o we_o be_v loath_a at_o any_o time_n serious_o to_o engage_v in_o it_o and_o come_v with_o a_o unwilling_a kind_n of_o willingness_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o it_o thought_n of_o this_o glory_n of_o christ_n be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o or_o too_o hard_a for_o we_o such_o as_o we_o can_v long_o delight_v in_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o weariness_n yet_o be_v they_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o general_a with_o our_o behold_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n wherein_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o weariness_n or_o satiety_n unto_o eternity_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v unspiritual_a or_o carnal_a have_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n wont_a to_o give_v entertainment_n unto_o other_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o unreadiness_n and_o incapacity_n to_o exercise_v our_o mind_n in_o and_o about_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o moreover_o because_o we_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o with_o watchfulness_n and_o diligence_n in_o continual_a act_n of_o faith_n on_o this_o bless_a object_n this_o be_v that_o which_o keep_v many_o of_o we_o at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n as_o unto_o the_o power_n of_o a_o heavenly_a life_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n do_v we_o abound_v in_o this_o duty_n in_o this_o exercise_n of_o faith_n our_o life_n in_o walk_v before_o god_n will_v be_v more_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o we_o our_o spiritual_a light_n and_o strength_n will_v have_v a_o daily_a increase_n we_o shall_v more_o represent_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o way_n and_o walk_v than_o usual_o we_o do_v and_o death_n itself_o will_v be_v most_o welcome_a unto_o we_o the_o angel_n themselves_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 10_o 12._o there_o be_v in_o they_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n and_o instruction_n for_o the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o they_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o principality_n and_o power_n in_o heavenly_a place_n by_o the_o church_n ephes._n 3._o 10._o and_o shall_v we_o neglect_v that_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o angelical_a diligence_n to_o inquire_v into_o especial_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v more_o than_o they_o concern_v in_o it_o be_v christ_n then_o thus_o glorious_a in_o our_o eye_n do_v we_o see_v the_o father_n in_o he_o or_o by_o see_v of_o he_o do_v we_o sedulous_o daily_o contemplate_v on_o the_o wisdom_n love_n grace_n goodness_n holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o he_o do_v we_o sufficient_o consider_v that_o the_o immediate_a vision_n of_o this_o glory_n in_o heaven_n will_v be_v our_o everlasting_a blessedness_n do_v the_o imperfect_a view_n which_o we_o have_v of_o it_o here_o increase_v our_o desire_n after_o the_o perfect_a soght_n of_o it_o above_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o inquiry_n i_o shall_v brief_o speak_v unto_o sundry_a sort_n of_o men._n some_z will_v say_v they_o understand_v not_o these_o thing_n nor_o any_o concernment_n of_o their_o own_o in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v true_a yet_o be_v they_o notion_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o for_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v discern_v they_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o christian_a practice_n or_o duty_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o they_o do_v but_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o more_o necessary_a duty_n but_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v unto_o they_o that_o perish_v and_o unto_o the_o objection_n i_o say_v 1._o nothing_o be_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o unto_o we_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n so_o as_o that_o in_o see_v he_o we_o see_v the_o father_n also_o that_o we_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o face_n alone_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v this_o be_v the_o principal_a fundamental_a mystery_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v believe_v own_a all_o other_o truth_n be_v useless_a unto_o our_o soul_n to_o refer_v all_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v hereunto_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o his_o person_n as_o act_v in_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o office_n be_v antievangilical_a antichristian_a turn_v the_o whole_a gospel_n into_o a_o fable_n 2._o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o principal_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o contemplate_v on_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o its_o manifestation_n so_o be_v it_o express_o affirm_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o if_o we_o have_v not_o this_o light_n as_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v ephes._n 1._o 17_o 18_o 19_o we_o must_v be_v stranger_n unto_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o 3._o that_o in_o the_o behold_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n we_o behold_v his_o glory_n also_o for_o herein_o be_v he_o infinite_o glorious_a above_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o that_o in_o and_o by_o he_o alone_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v represent_v unto_o we_o herein_o do_v our_o soul_n live_v this_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o first_o bear_v 4._o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v unnecessary_a unto_o christian_a practice_n and_o the_o sanctify_a duty_n of_o morality_n that_o he_o know_v not_o christ_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n he_o know_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v acceptable_o without_o it_o yea_o this_o be_v the_o root_n whence_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n do_v spring_n and_o whereon_o they_o grow_v whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o work_n of_o heathen_n he_o be_v no_o christian_n who_o believe_v not_o that_o faith_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o evangelical_n obedience_n or_o who_o know_v not_o that_o this_o faith_n respect_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o he_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o they_o be_v the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o who_o denial_n overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v ruinous_a to_o christian_a religion_n certain_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o faith_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o glory_n of_o christ._n and_o we_o have_v sufficient_a experience_n of_o what_o kind_n of_o morality_n the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o have_v
heavenly_a wherein_o and_o whereby_o our_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n be_v the_o glory_n the_o exaltation_n the_o honour_n the_o security_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o understanding_n of_o it_o in_o its_o cause_n effect_n operation_n and_o privilege_n wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v be_v to_o be_v prefer_v above_o all_o the_o wisdom_n in_o and_o of_o the_o world_n 2._o he_o thus_o communicate_v himself_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o formation_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n his_o own_o nature_n in_o we_o so_o as_o that_o the_o very_a same_o spiritual_a nature_n be_v in_o he_o and_o in_o the_o church_n only_o it_o be_v so_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o in_o he_o it_o be_v in_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o all_o those_o glorious_a grace_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v in_o various_a measure_n and_o degree_n according_a as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o communicate_v it_o but_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o we_o for_o through_o the_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o that_o he_o have_v take_v our_o nature_n to_o be_v his_o unless_o he_o give_v we_o also_o his_o nature_n to_o be_v we_o that_o be_v implant_v in_o our_o soul_n all_o those_o gracious_a qualification_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o wherewith_o he_o himself_o in_o his_o human_a nature_n be_v endue_v this_o be_v that_o new_a man_n that_o new_a creature_n that_o divine_a nature_n that_o spirit_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n that_o transformation_n into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n that_o put_v of_o he_o on_o that_o workmanship_n of_o god_n whereunto_o in_o he_o we_o be_v create_v that_o the_o scripture_n so_o full_o testify_v unto_o joh._n 3._o 6._o rom._n 6._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o chap._n 5._o 17._o ephes._n 4._o 20._o 24._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o and_o that_o new_a heavenly_a nature_n which_o be_v thus_o form_v in_o believer_n as_o the_o first_o vital_a act_n of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o they_o by_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v peculiarly_a his_o nature_n for_o both_o be_v it_o so_o as_o it_o be_v in_o he_o the_o idea_n and_o the_o exemplar_n of_o it_o in_o we_o inasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v predestinate_v to_o be_v conform_v unto_o his_o image_n and_o as_o it_o be_v wrought_v or_o produce_v in_o our_o soul_n by_o a_o emanation_n of_o power_n virtue_n and_o efficiency_n from_o he_o this_o be_v a_o most_o heavenly_a way_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o himself_o unto_o we_o wherein_o of_o god_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o sanctification_n hereon_o he_o say_v of_o his_o church_n this_o now_o be_v bone_n of_o my_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o my_o flesh_n i_o see_v myself_o my_o own_o nature_n in_o they_o whence_o they_o be_v comely_a and_o desirable_a hereby_o he_o make_v way_n to_o present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n on_o this_o communication_n of_o christ_n unto_o we_o by_o the_o form_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n in_o we_o depend_v all_o the_o purity_n the_o beauty_n the_o holiness_n the_o inward_a clory_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o be_v it_o real_o substantial_o internal_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o who_o in_o the_o outward_a form_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o hereby_o it_o become_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o creation_n unto_o god_n bear_v forth_o the_o renovation_n of_o his_o image_n in_o the_o world_n herein_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v and_o will_v be_v glorious_a unto_o all_o eternity_n i_o only_o mention_v these_o thing_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v far_o more_o large_o insist_v on_o 3._o he_o do_v the_o same_o by_o that_o actual_a insitition_n or_o implantation_n into_o himself_o which_o he_o give_v we_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v of_o his_o own_o operation_n for_o hereon_o two_o thing_n do_v ensue_v one_o by_o the_o grace_n or_o power_n the_o other_o by_o the_o law_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n into_o this_o mystical_a communication_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v that_o thereby_o there_o be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o do_v derive_v supply_n of_o spiritual_a life_n sustentation_n motion_n strength_n in_o grace_n and_o perseverance_n from_o he_o continual_o this_o be_v that_o which_o himself_o so_o divine_o teach_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o its_o branch_n joh._n 15._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o hereby_o be_v there_o a_o continual_a communication_n from_o his_o all_o fullness_n of_o grace_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n and_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a life_n they_o live_v nevertheless_o not_o they_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o they_o and_o the_o life_n which_o they_o lead_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o hereon_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o mediation_n be_v impute_v unto_o we_o the_o glory_n of_o which_o mystery_n the_o apostle_n unfold_v rom._n 3._o 4_o 5._o i_o may_v add_v hereunto_o the_o mutual_a inbeing_n that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o believer_n by_o love_n for_o the_o way_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o love_n unto_o they_o be_v by_o the_o shed_n of_o it_o abroad_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o their_o return_n of_o love_n unto_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o a_o almighty_a efficiency_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n there_o be_v that_o which_o be_v deep_o mysterious_a and_o glorious_a in_o it_o i_o may_v mention_v also_o the_o continuation_n of_o his_o discharge_n of_o all_o his_o office_n towards_o we_o whereon_o all_o our_o reception_n from_o he_o or_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o mediation_n whereof_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n do_v depend_v but_o the_o few_o instance_n that_o have_v be_v give_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o mysterious_a communication_n of_o himself_o unto_o his_o church_n may_v suffice_v to_o give_v we_o such_o a_o view_n of_o it_o as_o to_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o holy_a admiration_n and_o thanksgiving_n chap._n xi_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o recapitulation_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o he_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v peculiarly_a and_o eminent_o glorious_a in_o the_o re-capitulation_a of_o all_o thing_n in_o he_o after_o they_o have_v be_v scatter_v and_o disorder_v by_o sin_n this_o the_o apostle_n propose_v as_o the_o most_o signal_n effect_v of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o god_n he_o have_v abound_v towards_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n have_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n according_a unto_o his_o good_a pleasure_n which_o he_o have_v purpose_v in_o himself_o that_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n both_o which_o be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v on_o earth_n even_o in_o he_o ephes._n 1._o 8_o 9_o 10._o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o word_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v namely_o as_o unto_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o sundry_a brief_a observation_n must_v be_v premise_v and_o in_o they_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o we_o brief_o declare_v the_o original_a of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n their_o primitive_a order_n the_o confusion_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o with_o their_o restitution_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o glory_n thereby_o god_n alone_o have_v all_o be_v in_o he_o hence_o he_o give_v himself_o that_o name_n i_o be_o exod._n 3._o 14._o he_o be_v eternal_o all_o when_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o ever_o be_v or_o now_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v be_v nothing_o and_o when_o they_o be_v they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o but_o as_o they_o be_v of_o he_o and_o from_o he_o and_o to_o he_o rom._n 11._o 36._o moreover_o his_o be_v and_o goodness_n be_v the_o same_o the_o goodness_n of_o good_a be_v the_o meetness_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v to_o be_v communicative_a of_o itself_o in_o its_o effect_n hence_o this_o be_v the_o first_o notion_n of_o
be_v the_o most_o bless_a mean_n of_o exciting_a all_o our_o grace_n spiritualize_v all_o our_o affection_n and_o transform_v our_o mind_n into_o his_o likeness_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o another_o and_o that_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n of_o behold_v he_o than_o they_o have_v who_o behold_v he_o as_o they_o suppose_v in_o image_n and_o crucifix_n they_o will_v seem_v to_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o for_o their_o mind_n will_v real_o be_v affect_v with_o somewhat_o we_o with_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o by_o the_o pretence_n thereof_o they_o inveigle_v the_o carnal_a affection_n of_o man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o become_v their_o proselyte_n for_o have_v live_v it_o may_v be_v a_o long_a time_n without_o any_o the_o least_o experience_n of_o a_o sensible_a impression_n on_o their_o mind_n or_o a_o transform_a power_n from_o the_o representation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n upon_o their_o very_a first_o religious_a devout_a application_n unto_o these_o image_n they_o find_v their_o thought_n exercise_v their_o mind_n affect_v and_o some_o present_a change_n make_v upon_o they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o person_n of_o david_n and_o a_o image_n with_o a_o bolster_n of_o goat_n hair_n though_o the_o one_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o room_n and_o place_n of_o the_o other_o and_o there_o be_v so_o between_o christ_n and_o a_o image_n though_o the_o one_o be_v put_v into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o other_o neither_o do_v these_o thing_n serve_v unto_o any_o other_o end_n but_o to_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n give_v they_o some_o such_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o as_o that_o their_o carnal_a affection_n do_v cleave_v unto_o their_o idol_n and_o indeed_o it_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o wisdom_n of_o faith_n or_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o spiritual_a light_n to_o discern_v and_o judge_v between_o the_o work_n of_o natural_a affection_n towards_o spiritual_a object_n on_o undue_a motive_n by_o undue_a mean_n with_o indirect_a end_n wherein_o all_o papal_a devotion_n consist_v and_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o those_o affection_n due_o fix_v on_o spiritual_a object_n but_o as_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o real_a experience_n of_o the_o efficacy_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a behold_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o propose_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o strengthen_v increase_n and_o excite_v all_o grace_n unto_o its_o proper_a exercise_n so_o change_v and_o transform_v the_o soul_n gradual_o into_o his_o likeness_n which_o must_v secure_v we_o against_o all_o those_o pretence_n and_o so_o i_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n hereby_o we_o may_v understand_v whether_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v so_o withdraw_v himself_o as_o that_o we_o do_v not_o as_o that_o we_o can_v behold_v his_o glory_n by_o faith_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n inquire_v after_o for_o if_o we_o grow_v weak_a in_o our_o grace_n unspiritual_a in_o our_o frames_n cold_a in_o our_o affection_n or_o negligent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o by_o holy_a meditation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o so_o as_o that_o we_o do_v not_o behold_v his_o glory_n as_o we_o ought_v if_o the_o weather_n grow_v cold_a herb_n and_o plant_n do_v whither_o and_o the_o frost_n begin_v to_o bind_v up_o the_o earth_n all_o man_n grant_v that_o the_o sim_n be_v withdraw_v and_o make_v not_o its_o wont_a approach_n unto_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o our_o heart_n that_o they_o grow_v cold_a freeze_a wither_a lifeless_a in_o and_o unto_o spiritual_a duty_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n withdraw_v and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o behold_v his_o glory_n we_o retain_v notion_n of_o truth_n concern_v his_o person_n office_n and_o grace_n but_o faith_n be_v not_o in_o constant_a exercise_n as_o to_o real_a view_n of_o he_o and_o his_o glory_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a in_o christian_a experience_n than_o this_o be_v that_o while_o we_o do_v real_o by_o faith_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o propose_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o person_n and_o office_n as_o before_o describe_v and_o so_o abide_v in_o holy_a thought_n and_o meditation_n thereof_o especial_o in_o our_o private_a duty_n and_o retirement_n all_o grace_n will_v live_v and_o thrive_v in_o we_o in_o some_o measure_n especial_o love_v unto_o his_o person_n and_o therein_o unto_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o he_o let_v we_o but_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n and_o we_o shall_v infallible_o find_v the_o promise_a event_n do_v any_o of_o we_o find_v decay_n in_o grace_n prevail_v in_o we_o deadness_n coldness_n lukewarmness_n a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a stupidity_n and_o senseless_a come_n upon_o we_o do_v we_o find_v a_o unreadiness_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o its_o proper_a season_n and_o the_o vigorous_a act_n of_o it_o in_o duty_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o will_v we_o have_v our_o soul_n recover_v from_o these_o dangerous_a disease_n let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n for_o our_o heal_n and_o deliverance_n yea_o no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o alone_a namely_o the_o obtain_v a_o fresh_a view_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o a_o steady_a abide_n therein_o constant_a contemplation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o glory_n put_v forth_o its_o transform_a power_n unto_o the_o revival_n of_o all_o grace_n be_v the_o only_a relief_n in_o this_o case_n as_o shall_v further_o be_v show_v afterward_o some_z will_v say_v that_o this_o must_v be_v effect_v by_o fresh_a supply_n and_o renew_a communication_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n unless_o he_o fall_v as_o dew_n and_o shower_n on_o our_o dry_a and_o barren_a heart_n unless_o he_o cause_v our_o grace_n to_o spring_n thrive_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unless_o he_o revive_v and_o increase_v faith_n love_n and_o holiness_n in_o our_o soul_n our_o backsliding_n will_v not_o be_v heal_v nor_o our_o spiritual_a state_n be_v recover_v unto_o this_o end_n be_v he_o pray_v for_o and_o promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n see_v cant_v 4._o 1._o 6._o isa._n 44._o 3_o 4._o ezek._n 11._o 19_o chap._n 36._o 26._o hos._n 14._o 5_o 6._o and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o immediate_a efficiency_n of_o the_o revival_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v from_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o the_o enquiry_n be_v in_o what_o way_n or_o by_o what_o mean_n we_o may_v obtain_v the_o supply_n and_o communication_n of_o he_o unto_o this_o end_n this_o the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o place_n insist_v on_o we_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o glass_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n on_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n before_o describe_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n put_v forth_o his_o renew_n transform_a power_n in_o and_o upon_o our_o soul_n this_o therefore_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o will_v retrieve_v christian_n from_o their_o present_a decay_n and_o deadness_n some_z complain_v great_o of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n none_o so_o dead_a so_o dull_a and_o stupid_a as_o they_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o heavenly_a life_n leave_v in_o they_o some_o make_v weak_a and_o faint_a endeavour_n for_o a_o recovery_n which_o be_v like_o the_o attempt_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o dream_n wherein_o he_o seem_v to_o use_v great_a endeavour_n without_o any_o success_n some_o put_v themselves_o unto_o multiply_v duty_n howbeit_o the_o generality_n of_o prifessor_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o pine_a thriftless_a condition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o they_o will_v not_o sincere_o and_o constant_o make_v use_n of_o the_o only_a remedy_n and_o relief_n like_o a_o man_n that_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o pine_v away_o in_o his_o sickness_n with_o some_o useless_a transient_a refreshment_n than_o apply_v himself_o unto_o a_o know_a and_o approve_a remedy_n because_o it_o may_v be_v the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v unsuit_v unto_o some_o of_o his_o present_a occasion_n now_o this_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n this_o himself_n assure_v we_o of_o joh._n 15._o 4_o 5._o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o as_o the_o branch_n can_v bear_v fruit_n of_o itself_o except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n no_o more_o can_v you_o except_v you_o abide_v in_o i_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n you_o be_v the_o branch_n he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o
other_o thing_n or_o if_o they_o do_v find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o with_o they_o as_o it_o have_v be_v former_o they_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v and_o on_o any_o occasional_a new_a conviction_n they_o cry_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o slumber_n a_o little_a more_o sleep_n a_o little_a more_o fold_v of_o the_o hand_n to_o sleep_v but_o when_o the_o other_o do_v find_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o make_v they_o restless_a for_o a_o recovery_n and_o although_o through_o the_o many_o snare_n temptation_n and_o deceit_n of_o sin_n or_o through_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o right_a way_n for_o their_o heal_n they_o do_v not_o many_o of_o they_o obtain_v a_o speedy_a recovery_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o do_v approve_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n or_o turn_v unto_o any_o undue_a relief_n now_o that_o believer_n be_v subject_a to_o decay_n in_o both_o the_o way_n mention_v we_o have_v full_a testimony_n in_o scripture_n for_o as_o unto_o that_o general_a gradual_a decay_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o first_o faith_n love_n and_o work_n in_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o internal_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n with_o the_o loss_n thereon_o of_o delight_n joy_n and_o consolation_n and_o the_o abatement_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v express_o charge_v it_o on_o five_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n 2_o d._n 3_o d._n and_o in_o some_o of_o they_o as_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n those_o decay_n have_v proceed_v unto_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o utter_a rejection_n and_o hereunto_o answer_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o church_n and_o all_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o have_v get_v pretence_n to_o countenance_n themselves_o in_o their_o miserable_a condition_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o i_o wish_v other_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n follow_v they_o therein_o and_o as_o unto_o those_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n whereinto_o man_n be_v cast_v by_o surprisal_n and_o temptation_n produce_v great_a spiritual_a distress_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n under_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n displeasure_n we_o have_v a_o instance_n in_o david_n as_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o himself_o psal._n 38._o verse_n 2._o to_o the_o 10_o o_o lord_n thy_o arrow_n stick_v fast_o in_o i_o and_o thy_o hand_n press_v i_o sore_o there_o be_v no_o soundness_n in_o my_o flesh_n because_o of_o thy_o anger_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o rest_n in_o my_o bone_n because_o of_o my_o sin_n for_o my_o iniquity_n be_v go_v over_o my_o head_n as_o a_o heavy_a burden_n they_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o i_o my_o wound_n stink_v and_o be_v corrupt_a because_o of_o my_o foolishness_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o here_o be_v a_o description_n of_o a_o very_a woeful_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o the_o psalmist_n know_v that_o he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n and_o instructor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n record_v his_o own_o experience_n unto_o that_o end_n hence_o the_o title_n of_o it_o be_v a_o psalm_n to_o bring_v to_o remembrance_n some_o judge_n that_o david_n have_v respect_n unto_o some_o great_a and_o sore_a disease_n that_o he_o be_v then_o visit_v withal_o but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v only_o a_o occasion_n of_o his_o complaint_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v sin_n alone_o and_o four_o thing_n he_o do_v represent_v 1._o that_o he_o have_v depart_v from_o god_n and_o fall_v into_o provoke_a sin_n which_o have_v produce_v great_a distress_n in_o his_o mind_n verse_n 3_o 4._o 2._o that_o he_o have_v foolish_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n not_o make_v timely_a application_n to_o grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o heal_v whereby_o it_o be_v grow_v deplorable_a ver_fw-la 5._o and_o this_o folly_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o make_v such_o a_o condition_n dangerous_a namely_o when_o man_n on_o their_o surprisal_n in_o sin_n do_v not_o speedy_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o heal_a remedy_n 3._o that_o he_o have_v herein_o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n verse_n 2._o 3_o 4._o 4._o that_o he_o be_v altogether_o restless_a in_o this_o state_n mourning_z groan_a labour_v continual_o for_o deliverance_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a delineation_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o believer_n when_o either_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o any_o sin_n or_o by_o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o careless_a frame_n they_o be_v cast_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n this_o open_v their_o mind_n and_o their_o heart_n declare_v how_o all_o thing_n be_v within_o which_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o many_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o it_o be_v with_o david_n who_o fall_n be_v very_o great_a but_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v find_v in_o they_o all_o and_o herein_o the_o heart_n know_v its_o own_o bitterness_n a_o stranger_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o it_o none_o know_v the_o groan_a and_o labour_v of_o a_o soul_n convince_v of_o such_o spiritual_a decay_n but_o he_o alone_o in_o who_o they_o be_v hereon_o be_v it_o cast_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n go_v mourn_a all_o the_o day_n long_o though_o other_o know_v nothing_o of_o its_o sorrow_n but_o it_o be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o sad_a consideration_n to_o see_v man_n manifest_v their_o inward_a decay_n by_o their_o outward_a fruit_n and_o yet_o be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v therein_o the_o former_a be_v in_o way_n of_o recovery_n these_o in_o the_o path_n that_o go_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o i_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v few_o professor_n of_o religion_n who_o have_v have_v any_o long_a continuance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o have_v withal_o be_v expose_v unto_o the_o temptation_n of_o life_n and_o much_o exercise_v with_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v asleep_o in_o their_o day_n as_o the_o spouse_n complain_v of_o herself_o cant._n 5._o 2._o that_o be_v they_o have_v be_v overtake_v with_o decay_n of_o one_o sort_n or_o another_o either_o with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a or_o moral_a duty_n in_o their_o relation_n unto_o church_n or_o family_n in_o their_o judgement_n or_o their_o affection_n in_o their_o inward_a frames_n or_o outward_a action_n they_o have_v be_v overtake_v with_o the_o effect_n of_o sloth_n negligence_n or_o the_o want_n of_o a_o continual_a watch_n in_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n i_o with_o it_o be_v otherwise_o i_o principal_o herein_o intend_v those_o gradual_a declension_n in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o grace_n which_o man_n in_o a_o long_a course_n of_o profession_n be_v subject_a unto_o and_o these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n proceed_v from_o formality_n in_o holy_a duty_n under_o the_o constant_a outward_a performance_n of_o they_o vehement_a engagement_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o life_n a_o overvaluation_n of_o sinful_a enjoyment_n growth_n in_o carnal_a wisdom_n neglect_v of_o daily_a mortification_n of_o such_o sin_n as_o man_n be_v natural_o dispose_v unto_o with_o a_o secret_a influence_n from_o the_o prevalent_a temptation_n of_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v which_o thing_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v speak_v unto_o 3._o but_o i_o come_v to_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v in_o the_o three_o place_n namely_o to_o show_v that_o this_o at_o present_a be_v the_o state_n of_o many_o professor_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o be_v fall_v under_o those_o spiritual_a decay_n and_o do_v not_o enjoy_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o promise_v concern_v flourish_a and_o fruitfulness_n which_o we_o have_v insist_v on_o to_o fasten_v a_o conviction_n on_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o with_o they_o be_v my_o present_a design_n and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v with_o some_o diligence_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v call_v for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o secret_a root_n of_o all_o our_o evil_n which_o will_v not_o be_v remove_v unless_o it_o be_v dig_v up_o who_o see_v not_o who_o complain_v not_o of_o the_o loss_n of_o or_o decay_v in_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v but_o few_o there_o be_v who_o either_o know_v or_o apply_v themselves_o or_o direct_v other_o unto_o the_o proper_a remedy_n of_o this_o evil._n beside_o it_o be_v almost_o as_o difficult_a to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o spiritual_a decay_n as_o it_o be_v to_o recover_v they_o from_o they_o but_o without_o this_o heal_v be_v impossible_a if_o man_n know_v not_o their_o sickness_n they_o
2._o be_v we_o then_o any_o of_o we_o under_o conviction_n of_o spiritual_a decay_n or_o do_v we_o long_v for_o such_o renovation_n of_o spiriritual_a strength_n as_o may_v make_v we_o flourish_v in_o faith_n love_n and_o holiness_n we_o must_v know_v assure_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v but_o it_o must_v come_v from_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o we_o see_v what_o promise_n be_v make_v what_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o we_o but_o however_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o one_o on_o the_o other_o they_o will_v yield_v we_o no_o relief_n unless_o we_o know_v how_o to_o receive_v it_o from_o christ_n himself_o 2._o the_o only_a way_n of_o receive_v supply_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o grace_n from_o jesus_n christ_n on_o our_o part_n be_v by_o faith_n hereby_o we_o come_v unto_o he_o be_v implant_v in_o he_o abide_v with_o he_o so_o as_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit._n he_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o he_o act_n in_o we_o by_o faith_n and_o we_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o or_o on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v that_o if_o we_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o or_o in_o a_o way_n of_o believe_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o give_v the_o least_o encouragement_n to_o expect_v either_o grace_n or_o mercy_n from_o he_o in_o any_o other_o way_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n 3._o this_o faith_n respect_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n his_o grace_n his_o whole_a mediation_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o his_o glory_n in_o they_o all_o this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v so_o much_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v again_o insist_v on_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o whole_a a_o steady_a view_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n grace_n and_o office_n through_o faith_n or_o a_o constant_a lively_a exercise_n of_o faith_n on_o he_o according_a as_o he_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v a_o revival_n from_o under_o our_o spiritual_a decay_n and_o such_o supply_n of_o grace_n as_o shall_v make_v we_o flourish_a and_o fruitful_a even_o in_o old_a age._n he_o that_o thus_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o spiritual_a thrive_a and_o growth_n show_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v upright_o that_o he_o be_v our_o rock_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n in_o he_o we_o may_v consider_v brief_o first_o how_o this_o be_v be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o then_o what_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o this_o grace_n or_o duty_n will_v produce_v this_o effect_n and_o so_o put_v a_o close_a unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o sacred_a truth_n before_o declare_v 1._o this_o direction_n be_v give_v we_o psal._n 34._o 5._o they_o look_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v lighten_v and_o their_o face_n be_v not_o ashamed_a that_o it_o be_v christ_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o look_v unto_o i_o need_v not_o prove_v it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o it_o be_v their_o faith_n which_o be_v express_v by_o their_o look_v unto_o he_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o that_o behold_n of_o his_o glory_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v for_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o trust_n arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o who_o and_o what_o he_o be_v the_o issue_n or_o effect_v hereof_o be_v that_o they_o be_v lighten_v that_o be_v receive_v fresh_a communication_n of_o spiritual_a saving_n refresh_a light_n from_o he_o and_o consequent_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n whence_o their_o face_n be_v not_o ashamed_a nor_o shall_v we_o fail_v in_o our_o expectation_n of_o new_a spiritual_a communication_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v call_v unto_o isa._n 45._o 22._o look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v save_v all_o you_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n on_o this_o look_n to_o christ_n on_o this_o view_n of_o his_o glory_n depend_v our_o whole_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a thereunto_o do_v so_o also_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o receive_v grace_n and_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o direction_n give_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o they_o so_o be_v the_o same_o duty_n describe_v micah_n 7._o 7._o therefore_o i_o will_v look_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v wait_v for_o the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n my_o god_n will_v hear_v i_o the_o church_n know_v not_o any_o other_o way_n of_o relief_n whatever_o her_o distress_n be_v a_o look_v unto_o christ_n as_o crucify_a and_o how_o glorious_a he_o be_v therein_o have_v be_v declare_v be_v make_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o be_v a_o spring_n unto_o all_o other_o grace_n especial_o in_o those_o who_o have_v fall_v under_o decay_n zech._n 12._o 10._o and_o it_o be_v so_o also_o of_o desire_v strength_n from_o he_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o endure_v all_o our_o trial_n trouble_n and_o affliction_n with_o patience_n unto_o the_o end_n heb._n 12._o 2._o the_o only_a enquiry_n remain_v be_v how_o a_o constant_a view_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n will_v produce_v this_o bless_a effect_n in_o we_o and_o it_o will_v do_v so_o several_a way_n 1._o it_o will_v be_v effect_v by_o that_o transform_a power_n and_o efficacy_n which_o this_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o accompany_v withal_o this_o be_v that_o which_o change_v we_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v at_o large_a before_o declare_v herein_o all_o revival_n and_o all_o flourishing_n be_v contain_v to_o have_v a_o good_a measure_n of_o conformity_n unto_o christ_n be_v all_o whereof_o in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v capable_a the_o perfection_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a blessedness_n according_a as_o be_v our_o attainment_n therein_o so_o be_v the_o thrive_a and_o flourish_v of_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o which_o be_v that_o which_o be_v aim_v at_o other_o way_n and_o mean_v it_o may_v be_v have_v fail_v we_o let_v we_o put_v this_o to_o the_o trial_n let_v we_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a contemplation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o virtue_n will_v proceed_v from_o he_o to_o repair_v all_o our_o decay_n to_o renew_v a_o right_n spirit_n within_o we_o and_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n this_o way_n of_o produce_v these_o effect_n flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v not_o reveal_v it_o look_v like_o wash_v in_o jordan_n to_o cure_v a_o leprosy_n but_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o mystery_n know_v only_o unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v 2._o it_o will_v fix_v the_o soul_n unto_o that_o object_n which_o be_v suit_v to_o give_v it_o delight_n complacency_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o in_o perfection_n be_v blessedness_n for_o it_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o eternal_a vision_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o near_a approach_n we_o make_v unto_o this_o state_n the_o better_a the_o more_o spiritual_a the_o more_o heavenly_a be_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v only_o by_o a_o constant_a contemplation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o it_o be_v several_a way_n effectual_a unto_o the_o end_n now_o propose_v for_o 1._o the_o most_o of_o our_o spiritual_a decay_n and_o barrenness_n arise_v from_o a_o inordinate_a admission_n of_o other_o thing_n into_o our_o mind_n for_o these_o be_v they_o that_o weaken_v grace_n in_o all_o it_o be_v operation_n but_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o thought_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o glory_n when_o the_o soul_n thereon_o cleave_v unto_o he_o with_o intense_a affection_n they_o will_v cast_v out_o or_o not_o give_v admittance_n unto_o those_o cause_n of_o spiritual_a weakness_n and_o indisposition_n see_v col._n 3._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o ephes._n 5._o 8._o 2._o where_o we_o be_v engage_v in_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v stir_v up_o every_o grace_n unto_o its_o due_a exercise_n which_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o spiritual_a revival_n inquire_v after_o do_v consist_v this_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v all_o we_o long_v for_o this_o will_v make_v we_o fat_a and_o flourish_a namely_o that_o every_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v its_o due_a exercise_n in_o we_o see_v rom._n 5._o 3_o 4_o 5._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o whereas_o therefore_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o first_o proper_a adequate_a object_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o all_o
in_o the_o vision_n which_o isaiah_n have_v when_o he_o see_v his_o glory_n and_o speak_v of_o he_o chap._n 6._o 1_o 2._o i_o see_v the_o lord_n sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n high_a and_o lift_v up_o and_o his_o train_n fill_v the_o temple_n about_o it_o stand_v the_o seraphim_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n of_o christ_n fill_v his_o humane_a nature_n the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n with_o a_o train_n of_o all_o glorious_a grace_n and_o if_o this_o typical_a representation_n of_o it_o be_v so_o glorious_a as_o that_o the_o seraphim_n be_v not_o able_a steadfast_o to_o behold_v it_o but_o cover_v their_o face_n upon_o its_o appearance_n v_o 2._o how_o exceed_o glorious_a be_v it_o in_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v open_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o immediate_a testimony_n give_v unto_o he_o from_o heaven_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n unto_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 17._o the_o apostle_n intend_v the_o time_n of_o his_o transfiguration_n in_o the_o mount_n for_o so_o he_o add_v ver._n 18._o and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v who_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n howbeit_o at_o sundry_a other_o time_n he_o have_v the_o same_o testimony_n or_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n from_o god_n even_o the_o father_n in_o heaven_n herein_o god_n give_v he_o honour_n and_o glory_n which_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v behold_v and_o admire_v not_o only_o those_o who_o hear_v this_o testimony_n with_o their_o bodily_a ear_n but_o all_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v testify_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v oblige_v to_o look_v after_o and_o contemplate_v on_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o thus_o reveal_v and_o propose_v from_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o excellency_n by_o audible_a voice_n by_o visible_a sign_n by_o the_o open_n of_o the_o heaven_n above_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o he_o god_n testify_v unto_o he_o as_o his_o eternal_a son_n and_o give_v he_o therein_o honour_n and_o glory_n the_o thought_n of_o this_o divine_a testimony_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n therein_o have_v often_o fill_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o with_o joy_n and_o delight_n this_o therefore_o in_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o ought_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o search_v and_o attend_v unto_o as_o do_v the_o prophet_n of_o old_a 1_o pet._n 11._o 12._o if_o we_o intend_v by_o they_o to_o be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n we_o shall_v herein_o be_v as_o the_o merchant_n man_n that_o seek_v for_o pearl_n he_o seek_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o they_o but_o when_o he_o have_v find_v one_o of_o great_a price_n he_o part_v with_o all_o to_o make_v it_o his_o own_o mat._n 13._o 45_o 46._o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o field_n the_o place_n the_o mine_n where_o we_o search_v and_o dig_v for_o pearl_n see_v prov._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o every_o sacred_a truth_n that_o be_v make_v effectual_a unto_o the_o good_a of_o our_o soul_n be_v a_o pearl_n whereby_o we_o be_v enrich_v but_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o when_o we_o fall_v upon_o this_o pearl_n of_o price_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n cleave_v unto_o with_o joy_n than_o do_v we_o find_v food_n for_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n then_o do_v we_o taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v therein_o then_o be_v the_o scripture_n full_a of_o refreshment_n unto_o we_o as_o a_o spring_n of_o live_v water_n when_o we_o be_v â—aken_v into_o bless_a view_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n therein_o and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o best_a frame_n of_o duty_n when_o the_o principal_a motive_n in_o our_o mind_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o retain_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o all_o that_o will_v deprive_v we_o of_o it_o or_o discourage_v we_o from_o a_o daily_a diligent_a search_n into_o it_o be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v take_v from_o we_o the_o only_a glass_n wherein_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a yea_o the_o only_a outward_a mean_n of_o represent_v unto_o we_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o it_o which_o only_o have_v light_n in_o itself_o and_o communicate_v it_o unto_o all_o other_o thing_n beside_o 3._o another_o direction_n unto_o this_o same_o end_n be_v that_o have_v attain_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o will_v esteem_v it_o our_o duty_n frequent_o to_o meditate_v thereon_o want_v hereof_o be_v that_o fundamental_a mistake_n which_o keep_v many_o among_o we_o so_o low_a in_o their_o grace_n so_o regardless_o of_o their_o privilege_n they_o hear_v of_o these_o thing_n they_o assent_n unto_o their_o truth_n at_o least_o they_o do_v not_o gain_v say_v they_o but_o they_o never_o solemn_o meditate_v upon_o they_o this_o they_o esteem_v a_o work_n that_o be_v above_o they_o or_o be_v ignorant_a total_o of_o it_o or_o esteem_v themselves_o not_o much_o concern_v in_o it_o or_o dislike_v it_o as_o fanatacism_n for_o it_o be_v that_o which_o no_o consideration_n can_v engage_v a_o carnal_a mind_n to_o delight_v in_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v spiritual_a and_o holy_a free_v from_o earthly_a affection_n and_o encumbrance_n raise_v above_o thing_n here_o below_o that_o can_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n meditate_v on_o the_o glory_n of_o christ._n therefore_o be_v the_o most_o stranger_n unto_o this_o duty_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n and_o charge_n of_o that_o mortification_n of_o earthly_a affection_n that_o extirpation_n of_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o retirement_n from_o the_o occasion_n of_o life_n which_o be_v require_v there_o unto_o see_v the_o treatise_n of_o spiritual-mindedness_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o profess_v religion_n with_o a_o appearance_n of_o strictness_n who_o never_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o other_o occasion_n to_o meditate_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o glory_n and_o yet_o with_o a_o strange_a inconsistency_n of_o apprehension_n they_o will_v profess_v that_o they_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o behold_v his_o glory_n in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a even_o in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v irreconcilable_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o never_o meditate_v with_o delight_n on_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n here_o in_o this_o world_n who_o labour_v not_o to_o behold_v it_o by_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n shall_v ever_o have_v any_o real_a gracious_a desire_n to_o behold_v it_o in_o heaven_n they_o may_v love_v and_o desire_v the_o fruition_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n they_o can_v do_v so_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n whereof_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o wherewith_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n can_v find_v time_n for_o and_o have_v inclination_n to_o think_v and_o meditate_v on_o other_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v earthly_a and_o vain_a but_o have_v neither_o heart_n nor_o inclination_n nor_o leisure_n to_o meditate_v on_o this_o glorious_a object_n what_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o such_o man_n profess_v how_o will_v they_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o the_o issue_n 4._o let_v your_o occasional_a thought_n of_o christ_n be_v many_o and_o multiply_v every_o day_n he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o we_o we_o may_v make_v a_o speedy_a address_n unto_o he_o at_o any_o time_n so_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o rom._n 10._o 6_o 7_o 8._o say_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n who_o shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v christ_n down_o from_o above_o or_o who_o shall_v descend_v into_o the_o deep_a that_o be_v to_o bring_v up_o christ_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o even_o in_o thy_o mouth_n and_o in_o thy_o heart_n the_o thing_n that_o christ_n do_v be_v do_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o and_o they_o be_v long_o since_o past_a but_o say_v the_o apostle_n the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v and_o whereby_o a_o application_n be_v make_v of_o they_o unto_o our_o soul_n iâ—_n nigh_o unto_o we_o even_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v if_o we_o be_v
design_n curse_a self-pleasing_a imagination_n feed_v on_o and_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o self_n do_v abide_v and_o prevail_v in_o they_o but_o we_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n jesus_n chap._n xiii_o the_o second_o difference_n between_o our_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n and_o by_o sight_n in_o heaven_n faith_n be_v the_o light_n wherein_o we_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n and_o this_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o unto_o this_o great_a end_n be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a like_o weak_a eye_n that_o can_v behold_v the_o sun_n in_o its_o beauty_n hence_o our_o sight_n of_o it_o differ_v great_o from_o what_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v in_o glory_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o be_v frequent_o hinder_v and_o interrupt_v in_o its_o operation_n or_o it_o lose_v the_o view_n of_o its_o object_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o as_o he_o who_o see_v any_o thing_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n see_v it_o imperfect_o and_o the_o least_o interposition_n or_o motion_n take_v it_o quite_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n so_o be_v it_o with_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n whence_o sometime_o we_o can_v have_v little_a sometime_o no_o sight_n at_o all_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n by_o it_o and_o this_o give_v we_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v another_o difference_n between_o faith_n and_o sight_n now_o although_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o may_v seem_v a_o kind_n of_o diversion_n from_o our_o present_a argument_n yet_o i_o choose_v to_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o i_o may_v evidence_n the_o reason_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o have_v so_o little_a experience_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v treat_v that_o they_o find_v so_o little_a of_o reality_n or_o power_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o issue_n that_o the_o whole_a defect_n be_v in_o themselves_o the_o truth_n itself_o insist_v on_o be_v great_a and_o efficacious_a 1._o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o life_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v please_v in_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n sometime_o to_o withdraw_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o hide_v himself_o from_o we_o then_o do_v our_o mind_n fall_v into_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n faith_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n we_o can_v behold_v his_o glory_n yea_o we_o may_v seek_v he_o but_o can_v find_v he_o so_o job_n complain_v as_o we_o observe_v before_o behold_v i_o go_v forward_o but_o he_o be_v not_o there_o and_o backward_o but_o i_o can_v perceive_v he_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n where_o he_o do_v work_v but_o i_o can_v behold_v he_o he_o hide_v himself_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n that_o i_o can_v see_v he_o chap._n 23._o 8_o 9_o which_o way_n soever_o i_o turn_v myself_o whatever_o be_v my_o endeavour_n in_o what_o way_n or_o work_v of_o his_o own_o i_o seek_v he_o i_o can_v find_v he_o i_o can_v see_v he_o i_o can_v behold_v his_o glory_n so_o the_o church_n also_o complain_v very_o thou_o be_v a_o god_n that_o hide_v thyself_o o_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o saviour_n isa._n 45._o 15._o and_o the_o psalmist_n how_o long_a lord_n will_v thou_o hide_v thyself_o for_o ever_o psal._n 89._o 46._o this_o hide_v of_o the_o face_n of_o god_n be_v the_o hide_v of_o the_o shine_a of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o representative_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n be_v often_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o herein_o bemoan_v herself_o that_o her_o belove_a be_v withdraw_v that_o she_o can_v neither_o find_v he_o nor_o see_v he_o chap._n 3._o 1_o 2._o chap._n 5._o 6._o man_n may_v retain_v their_o notion_n concern_v christ_n his_o person_n and_o his_o glory_n these_o can_v be_v blot_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n but_o by_o heresy_n or_o obdurate_a stupidity_n they_o may_v have_v the_o same_o doctrinal_a knowledge_n of_o he_o with_o other_o but_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o glory_n do_v not_o consist_v therein_o they_o may_v abide_v in_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o duty_n towards_o he_o as_o formerly_z but_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n as_o unto_o the_o especial_a gracious_a communication_n of_o himself_o unto_o their_o soul_n and_o as_o unto_o a_o cheerful_a refresh_a view_n of_o his_o glory_n he_o may_v withdraw_v and_o hide_v himself_o from_o they_o as_o under_o the_o same_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n he_o do_v manifest_v himself_o unto_o some_o and_o not_o unto_o other_o how_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o will_v manifest_v thyself_o unto_o we_o and_o not_o unto_o the_o world_n joh._n 14._o 22._o whereon_o they_o to_o who_o he_o do_v so_o manife_v himself_o do_v see_v he_o to_o be_v beautiful_a glorious_a and_o lovely_a for_o unto_o they_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a whilst_o the_o other_o see_v nothing_o hereof_o but_o wonder_v at_o they_o by_o who_o he_o be_v admire_v cant._n 5._o 9_o so_o in_o the_o same_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n he_o sometime_o hide_v his_o face_n turn_v away_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n cloud_n the_o beam_n of_o his_o glory_n unto_o some_o whilst_o other_o be_v cherish_v and_o warm_v with_o they_o two_o thing_n we_o must_v here_o speak_v unto_o 1._o why_o do_v the_o lord_n christ_n at_o any_o time_n thus_o hide_v himself_o in_o his_o glory_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o can_v behold_v he_o 2._o how_o we_o may_v perceive_v and_o know_v that_o he_o do_v so_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o so_o that_o however_o we_o may_v please_v ourselves_o we_o do_v not_o indeed_o behold_v his_o glory_n as_o unto_o the_o first_o of_o these_o though_o what_o he_o do_v be_v suppose_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_n unaccountable_a wisdom_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o holy_a end_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o reason_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v mention_v one_o only_o he_o do_v it_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n unto_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o he_o woeful_a sloth_n and_o negligence_n be_v apt_a to_o prevail_v in_o we_o in_o our_o meditation_n on_o heavenly_a thing_n though_o our_o heart_n wake_v as_o the_o spouse_n speak_v cant._n 5._o 2._o in_o a_o valuation_n of_o christ_n his_o love_n and_o his_o grace_n yet_o we_o sleep_v as_o unto_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n towards_o he_o who_o be_v it_o that_o can_v justify_v himself_o herein_o that_o can_v say_v my_o heart_n be_v pure_a i_o be_o clean_a from_o this_o sin_n yea_o it_o be_v so_o far_o otherwise_o with_o many_o of_o we_o that_o he_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v admire_v in_o his_o patience_n that_o on_o the_o account_n of_o our_o unkindness_n and_o woeful_a negligence_n herein_o he_o have_v not_o only_o withdraw_v himself_o at_o season_n but_o that_o he_o have_v not_o utter_o depart_v from_o we_o now_o he_o know_v that_o those_o with_o who_o he_o have_v be_v gracious_o present_a who_o have_v have_v view_v of_o his_o glory_n although_o they_o have_v not_o value_v the_o mercy_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v yet_o can_v they_o not_o bear_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o absence_n and_o his_o hide_v himself_o from_o they_o by_o this_o therefore_o will_v he_o awake_v they_o unto_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n after_o he_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o absence_n and_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o his_o glory_n from_o they_o as_o their_o faith_n can_v reach_v unto_o it_o they_o become_v like_o the_o dove_n of_o the_o valley_n all_o of_o they_o mourn_v every_o one_o for_o his_o iniquity_n and_o do_v stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o seek_v he_o early_o and_o with_o diligence_n see_v hos._n 5._o 5._o so_o wherever_o the_o spouse_n intimate_v this_o withdraw_n of_o christ_n from_o she_o she_o immediate_o give_v a_o account_n of_o her_o restless_a diligence_n and_o endeavour_n in_o her_o inquiry_n after_o he_o until_o she_o have_v find_v he_o chap._n 3._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o chap._n 5._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o these_o inquiry_n there_o be_v such_o a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n though_o it_o may_v be_v act_v themselves_o most_o in_o sigh_n and_o groan_n as_o be_v acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o he_o we_o be_v like_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o speak_v unto_o ahab_n who_o have_v one_o commit_v unto_o he_o to_o keep_v affirm_v that_o whilst_o he_o be_v busy_a here_o and_o there_o he_o be_v go_v christ_n commit_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o keep_v his_o presence_n i_o hold_v he_o say_v
belong_v proper_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o righteous_a be_v to_o flourish_v and_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o give_v unto_o believer_n but_o be_v also_o extend_v unto_o their_o seed_n and_o offspring_n which_o be_v a_o assure_a signature_n of_o new_a covenant_n promise_v and_o here_o be_v 1._o a_o supposition_n of_o what_o we_o be_v in_o ourselves_o both_o before_o and_o after_o our_o conversion_n unto_o god_n namely_o as_o thirsty_a dry_a and_o barren_a ground_n we_o have_v nothing_o in_o ourselves_o no_o radical_a moisture_n to_o make_v we_o flourish_a and_o fruitful_a and_o as_o it_o be_v before_o so_o it_o be_v after_o conversion_n we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v utter_o wither_v and_o perish_v but_o 2._o here_o be_v the_o bless_a relief_n which_o god_n in_o this_o case_n have_v provide_v he_o will_v pour_v the_o sanctify_a water_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o grace_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o he_o will_v so_o do_v as_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o spring_v up_o as_o among_o the_o grass_n as_o willow_n by_o the_o water_n course_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o more_o eminent_a and_o almost_o visible_a growth_n than_o willow_n by_o the_o water_n course_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o spiritual_a growth_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o these_o promise_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a and_o still_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o other_o promise_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n there_o be_v many_o but_o we_o must_v observe_v two_o thing_n concern_v they_o that_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o accomplishment_n as_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o unto_o the_o first_o communication_n of_o grace_n unto_o the_o elect_n be_v absolute_a and_o inconditional_a they_o be_v the_o executive_a conveyance_n of_o god_n immutable_a purpose_n and_o decree_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n unto_o we_o nothing_o that_o be_v not_o grace_n can_v be_v so_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o also_o be_v of_o god_n in_o we_o which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o first_o save_v grace_n unto_o we_o than_o i_o will_v know_v whether_o that_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o without_o any_o condition_n if_o it_o be_v then_o that_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n as_o be_v absolute_o free_a if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o what_o be_v the_o condition_n whereon_o it_o be_v bestow_v concern_v which_o the_o same_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v and_o so_o for_o ever_o but_o this_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o convenant_n promise_v that_o as_o unto_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n unto_o the_o elect_n they_o be_v absolute_o free_a and_o inconditionnate_a but_o 2._o the_o promise_n which_o respect_v the_o growth_n degree_n and_o measure_n of_o this_o grace_n in_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v many_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o that_o these_o promise_n may_v be_v accomplish_v towards_o we_o and_o in_o we_o yea_o watchful_a diligence_n in_o universal_a gospel_n obedience_n be_v expect_v from_o we_o unto_o this_o end_n see_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o supply_n of_o grace_n to_o make_v we_o spiritual_o flourish_v and_o be_v fruitful_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v find_v in_o the_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v god_n do_v sometime_o deal_v otherwise_o in_o a_o way_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o surprise_v man_n with_o heal_a grace_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o decay_n and_o backslide_n as_o isaiah_n 57_o 17_o 18._o so_o have_v many_o a_o poor_a soul_n be_v deliver_v from_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n the_o good_a shepherd_n will_v go_v out_o of_o his_o way_n to_o save_v a_o wander_a sheep_n but_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a method_n 3._o notwithstanding_o these_o bless_a promise_n of_o growth_n flourish_a and_o fruitfulness_n if_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o we_o may_v fall_v into_o decay_n and_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o low_a unthrifty_a state_n all_o our_o day_n and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o the_o discrepancy_n between_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n as_o represent_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o exemplify_v in_o the_o life_n and_o walk_v of_o professor_n they_o do_v not_o live_v up_o unto_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n in_o they_o howbeit_o in_o god_n way_n and_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v all_o fulfil_v we_o have_v therefore_o innumerable_a bless_a promise_n concern_v the_o thrive_a grow_a and_o flourish_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o we_o even_o in_o old_a age_n and_o until_o death_n but_o the_o grace_n promise_v unto_o this_o end_n will_v not_o befall_v we_o whilst_o we_o be_v asleep_a in_o spiritual_a sloth_n and_o security_n fervent_a prayer_n the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n receive_v with_o watchfulness_n unto_o all_o holy_a duty_n be_v require_v hereunto_o 3._o god_n have_v secure_v the_o growth_n of_o this_o spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o provision_n of_o food_n for_o it_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v for_o life_n must_v be_v preserve_v by_o food_n and_o this_o in_o our_o case_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o depend_v thereon_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2_o 3._o whatever_o the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n be_v whether_o in_o its_o beginning_n it_o be_v progress_n its_o decay_n there_o be_v suitable_a nourishment_n provide_v for_o it_o in_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n grace_n if_o man_n will_v neglect_v their_o daily_a food_n that_o be_v provide_v for_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v weak_a and_o thriftless_a and_o if_o believer_n be_v not_o earnest_a in_o their_o desire_n after_o this_o food_n if_o they_o be_v not_o diligent_a in_o provide_v of_o it_o attend_v unto_o it_o much_o more_o if_o through_o corruption_n and_o temptation_n they_o count_v it_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o light_n and_o common_a food_n which_o they_o do_v not_o value_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o spiritual_a decay_n but_o god_n have_v herein_o provide_v for_o our_o growth_n even_o unto_o old_a age._n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o confirmation_n namely_o that_o the_o constitution_n and_o nature_n of_o spiritual_a life_n be_v such_o as_o to_o be_v indeficient_a so_o as_o to_o thrive_v and_o grow_v even_o in_o old_a age_n and_o unto_o the_o end_n the_o second_o thing_n propose_v be_v that_o notwithall_o this_o provision_n for_o the_o growth_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o we_o believer_n especial_o in_o a_o long_a course_n of_o profession_n be_v subject_a to_o decay_n such_o as_o may_v cast_v they_o into_o great_a perplexity_n and_o endanger_v their_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o these_o spiritual_a decay_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v gradual_a and_o universal_a in_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o vigour_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n both_o in_o its_o principle_n and_o in_o its_o exercise_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o surprisal_n into_o sin_n through_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n i_o mean_v such_o sin_n as_o do_v waste_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o deprive_v it_o of_o all_o solid_a peace_n as_o for_o temporary_a believer_n give_v they_o but_o time_n enough_o in_o this_o world_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o outward_a prosperity_n or_o persecution_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n their_o decay_n of_o one_o sort_n or_o another_o will_v make_v a_o discovery_n of_o their_o hypocrisy_n though_o they_o retain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n they_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o prov._n 1._o 31._o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o open_o relinquish_v all_o duty_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o will_v grow_v so_o lifeless_a and_o favourless_a in_o they_o as_o shall_v evidence_n their_o condition_n for_o so_o it_o be_v with_o they_o who_o be_v lukewarm_a who_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a who_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o herein_o lie_v a_o signal_n difference_n in_o this_o matter_n between_o sincere_a believer_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v only_o for_o a_o time_n for_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n do_v either_o not_o perceive_v their_o sickness_n and_o decay_n their_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o and_o possess_v with_o
of_o slumber_n seem_v to_o be_v pour_v on_o many_o 2._o to_o improve_v this_o conviction_n i_o will_v ask_v of_o some_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v spiritual_a peace_n and_o joy_n in_o their_o soul_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o ordinary_o they_o be_v inseparable_a adjunct_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o humble_a fruitful_a walk_n before_o god_n the_o scripture_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o no_o experience_n lie_v against_o it_o in_o ordinary_a case_n and_o i_o suppose_v that_o those_o unto_o who_o i_o speak_v do_v in_o some_o measure_n know_v what_o they_o be_v and_o do_v not_o delude_v themselves_o with_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n they_o have_v substance_n in_o they_o however_o by_o some_o deride_v and_o to_o some_o unknown_a have_v this_o peace_n and_o joy_n be_v maintain_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o your_o mind_n have_v they_o under_o all_o trial_n and_o surprisal_n be_v quick_o compose_v by_o they_o or_o be_v you_o not_o rather_o on_o all_o occasion_n uneasy_a and_o perplex_a this_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o decay_a spiritual_a state_n and_o solid_a spiritual_a peace_n be_v inconsistent_a and_o if_o ever_o you_o have_v such_o peace_n you_o may_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o know_v into_o what_o state_n you_o be_v come_v 3._o not_o to_o inquire_v further_o into_o thing_n internal_a and_o hide_a wherein_o man_n may_v justify_v themselves_o if_o they_o please_v there_o be_v too_o many_o open_a visible_a evidence_n of_o these_o decay_n among_o professor_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v not_o keep_v they_o from_o he_o eye_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o world_n do_v not_o pride_n selfishness_n worldliness_n levity_n of_o attire_n and_o vanity_n of_o life_n with_o corrupt_a unsavoury_a communication_n abound_v among_o many_o the_o world_n be_v never_o in_o a_o worse_a posture_n for_o conformity_n than_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n wherein_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n and_o yet_o as_o unto_o thing_n of_o outward_a appearance_n how_o little_a dinstinction_n be_v leave_v between_o it_o and_o those_o who_o will_v be_v steem_v more_o strict_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v this_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a of_o those_o that_o go_v before_o we_o in_o the_o same_o profession_n be_v it_o so_o with_o ourselves_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o first_o espousal_n when_o we_o go_v after_o god_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o sow_v as_o jerem._n 2._o 2_o some_o understand_v what_o i_o say_v if_o we_o have_v not_o some_o of_o we_o have_v better_a day_n we_o never_o have_v good_a day_n in_o our_o life_n if_o we_o have_v have_v they_o why_o do_v we_o not_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o look_v after_o a_o recovery_n 4._o may_v not_o god_n say_v of_o many_o of_o we_o what_o he_o say_v of_o his_o people_n of_o old_a thou_o have_v be_v weary_a of_o i_o o_o israel_n isa._n 43._o 22._o have_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a of_o god_n until_o we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o be_v weary_a of_o ourselves_o the_o most_o i_o presume_v will_v be_v ready_a with_o they_o in_o malachi_n to_o say_v how_o or_o wherein_o have_v we_o be_v weary_a of_o god_n do_v we_o not_o abide_v yea_o abound_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o service_n what_o can_v be_v more_o require_v of_o we_o wherein_o be_v we_o to_o blame_v this_o be_v something_o indeed_o but_o that_o it_o be_v often_o so_o that_o man_n be_v weary_a of_o cod_n when_o they_o even_o weary_a god_n with_o their_o duty_n and_o service_n isa._n 1._o 13_o 14._o god_n say_v in_o his_o word_n he_o be_v weary_a they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v weary_a mal._n 1._o 13._o but_o i_o answer_v many_o can_v with_o any_o modesty_n make_v use_v of_o this_o pretence_n their_o sloth_n indifferency_n and_o negligence_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a be_v notorious_a in_o particular_a be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o family_n prayer_n neglect_v by_o many_o at_o least_o as_o to_o its_o constancy_n and_o fervency_n and_o although_o it_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n confirm_v by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n requisite_a unto_o the_o dedication_n of_o a_o family_n unto_o god_n strengthen_v by_o the_o constant_a example_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o that_o walk_v with_o god_n yet_o do_v not_o many_o begin_v to_o seek_v out_o plea_n and_o arguing_n to_o justify_v their_o omission_n hereof_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o negligence_n of_o such_o professor_n in_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o have_v not_o god_n give_v severe_a rebuke_n unto_o many_o of_o we_o in_o their_o fearful_a miscarriage_n and_o as_o unto_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n i_o wish_v that_o sloth_n and_o indifferency_n do_v not_o appear_v upon_o too_o many_o under_o various_a pretence_n but_o 2._o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o i_o do_v intend_v man_n may_v be_v weary_a of_o god_n whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o outward_a duty_n 1._o they_o may_v be_v so_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o spirituality_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n which_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o duty_n these_o be_v the_o life_n the_o soul_n the_o animate_v principle_n of_o they_o without_o which_o their_o outward_a performance_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n man_n may_v draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n when_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o this_o be_v that_o which_o become_v god_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o be_v useful_a to_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n which_o he_o be_v not_o but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o worshipper_n for_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a but_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o to_o keep_v up_o the_o mind_n unto_o this_o frame_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o grace_n unto_o a_o constant_a vigorous_a exercise_n in_o all_o holy_a duty_n be_v a_o matter_n whereunto_o great_a spiritual_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n be_v require_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n a_o thousand_o pretence_n rise_v against_o it_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sloth_n formality_n weariness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o business_n of_o life_n do_v contend_v to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o rest_v in_o the_o work_n do_v unto_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n give_v efficacy_n to_o they_o all_o and_o when_o man_n come_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o herein_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v better_a that_o for_o a_o time_n such_o duty_n be_v whole_o omit_v for_o in_o that_o case_n conscience_n itself_o will_v urgent_o call_v on_o man_n not_o harden_v in_o sin_n to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o condition_n wherefore_o much_o spiritual_a labour_n and_o diligence_n be_v require_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o outward_a performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o or_o however_o strict_o enjoin_v as_o the_o daily_a and_o nightly_o canonical_a hour_n among_o the_o popish_a devotionist_n be_v a_o easy_a task_n much_o inferior_a unto_o the_o constant_a labour_n which_o some_o man_n use_v in_o their_o trade_n and_o calling_n and_o in_o they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o either_o public_a or_o in_o their_o family_n man_n may_v be_v weary_a of_o god_n and_o according_a as_o they_o be_v remiss_a in_o the_o constant_a keep_n up_o of_o spirituality_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o sacred_a duty_n so_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o weariness_n and_o there_o be_v almost_o nothing_o whereby_o man_n may_v take_v a_o safe_a measure_n of_o their_o decay_n or_o growth_n than_o by_o the_o usual_a frame_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o these_o duty_n if_o they_o do_v constant_o in_o they_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n as_o isa._n 64._o 7._o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o good_a temper_n of_o spiritual_a health_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o will_v not_o be_v do_v without_o the_o utmost_a watchfulness_n and_o care_n against_o impression_n from_o the_o flesh_n and_o other_o temptation_n but_o sloth_n and_o formality_n herein_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o thriftless_a state_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n and_o all_o invention_n of_o such_o formality_n be_v disserviceable_a unto_o the_o interest_n grace_n 2._o so_o be_v it_o with_o they_o also_o who_o attend_v unto_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n do_v yet_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o any_o know_a sin_n for_o there_o
unto_o he_o whereof_o they_o express_v first_o the_o cause_n which_o be_v his_o mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o in_o thou_o the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n and_o second_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n so_o will_v we_o render_v the_o calf_n of_o our_o li_n and_o some_o thing_n we_o may_v hence_o far_o observe_v as_o unto_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n as_o 1._o although_o god_n will_v repair_v our_o spiritual_a decay_n and_o heal_v our_o backslide_n free_o yet_o he_o will_v do_v it_o so_o or_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o wherein_o he_o may_v communicate_v grace_n unto_o we_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n therefore_o be_v these_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o the_o procure_a cause_n of_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n from_o whence_o alone_o we_o be_v heal_v yet_o be_v they_o require_v in_o the_o method_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n to_o precede_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o nor_o have_v we_o any_o where_o a_o more_o illustrious_a instance_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o consistency_n and_o harmony_n which_o be_v between_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n than_o we_o have_v in_o this_o place_n for_o as_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v heal_v their_o backslide_n out_o of_o his_o free_a love_n verse_n 4._o and_o will_v do_v it_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o effectual_a grace_n ver_fw-la 5._o so_o he_o enjoin_v they_o all_o these_o duty_n in_o order_n thereunto_o 2._o that_o tunless_a we_o find_v these_o thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o mercy_n desire_v we_o have_v no_o firm_a ground_n of_o expectation_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o church_n then_o and_o then_o only_o we_o may_v expect_v a_o gracious_a revive_v from_o all_o our_o decay_n when_o serious_a repentance_n work_v in_o the_o way_n declare_v be_v find_v in_o we_o this_o grace_n will_v not_o surprise_v we_o in_o our_o sloth_n negligence_n and_o security_n but_o will_v make_v way_n for_o itself_o by_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o in_o the_o perseverance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o until_o we_o see_v better_a evidence_n of_o this_o repentance_n among_o we_o than_o as_o yet_o appear_v we_o can_v have_v but_o small_a hope_n of_o a_o general_a recovery_n from_o our_o present_a decay_n 5._o the_o work_n itself_o be_v declare_v 1._o by_o its_o nature_n 2._o in_o its_o cause_n 3._o from_o its_o effect_n 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o heal_n of_o backslide_n i_o will_v heal_v their_o backslide_n the_o sin_n whereby_o they_o be_v fall_v off_o from_o god_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v now_o exhort_v to_o return_v these_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o a_o disease_a estate_n and_o danger_n of_o death_n the_o cure_n hereof_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n alone_o hence_o he_o give_v himself_o that_o title_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o heal_v thou_o exod._n 15._o 26._o and_o because_o of_o the_o poisonous_a nature_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o danger_n it_o bring_v of_o eternal_a death_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o removal_n of_o it_o or_o a_o recovery_n from_o it_o be_v often_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o healing_n psal._n 6._o 2._o isai._n 57_o 18_o 19_o hos._n 6._o 1._o here_o it_o include_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n past_a and_o then_o a_o supply_n of_o grace_n to_o make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o obedience_n i_o will_v be_v as_o the_o dew_n to_o israel_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v this_o be_v god_n heal_v of_o backslide_n 2._o in_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o which_o be_v 1._o the_o principal_a move_a cause_n and_o that_o be_v free_a undeserved_a love_n i_o will_v love_v they_o free_o from_o hence_o alone_o be_v our_o recovery_n to_o be_v expect_v 2._o the_o efficient_a cause_n which_o as_o unto_o sin_n past_a be_v pardon_v mercy_n mins_n anger_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o he_o and_o as_o unto_o renew_a obedience_n in_o which_o two_o our_o recovery_n consist_v it_o be_v in_o a_o plentiful_a supply_n of_o effectual_a grace_n i_o will_v be_v as_o the_o dew_n unto_o israel_n fresh_a supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n from_o above_o be_v so_o express_v this_o be_v necessary_a unto_o our_o heal_n and_o recovery_n 3._o it_o be_v describe_v by_o its_o effect_n which_o be_v a_o much_o more_o abundant_a fruitfulness_n in_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n in_o peace_n and_o love_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v before_o attain_v this_o the_o prophet_n set_v out_o in_o multiply_v similitude_n and_o metaphor_n to_o denote_v the_o greatness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n so_o communicate_v i_o have_v a_o little_a insist_v on_o the_o open_n of_o this_o context_n for_o sundry_a reason_n 1._o the_o case_n which_o i_o will_v consider_v be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o state_v distinct_o and_o represent_v clear_o unto_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o remain_v but_o only_o the_o especial_a way_n whereby_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n this_o grace_n may_v be_v obtain_v which_o be_v that_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o last_o place_n as_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n 2._o that_o i_o may_v show_v how_o great_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v our_o spiritual_a decay_n make_v up_o our_o backslide_n heal_v and_o so_o to_o attain_v the_o vigorous_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a life_n with_o a_o flourish_a profession_n and_o fruitful_a obedience_n in_o old_a age_n it_o be_v so_o set_v forth_o here_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o every_o one_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o work_n it_o be_v that_o which_o divine_a love_n mercy_n and_o grace_n be_v eminent_o effectual_a in_o unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o which_o so_o many_o duty_n be_v require_v to_o prepare_v we_o for_o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o light_n or_o common_a work_n every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v peculiar_a it_o be_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o a_o life_n from_o the_o dead_a 3._o that_o none_o may_v utter_o despond_v under_o their_o decay_n when_o person_n be_v awaken_v by_o new_a conviction_n and_o begin_v to_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o and_o how_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v entangle_v with_o they_o they_o 〈◊〉_d ready_a to_o faint_v and_o even_o to_o despair_v of_o deliverance_n but_o we_o see_v that_o here_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o deliverance_n from_o they_o by_o pardon_v mercy_n and_o also_o of_o such_o fresh_a spring_n of_o grace_n as_o shall_v cause_v we_o to_o abound_v in_o holiness_n and_o fruitfulness_n who_o be_v it_o that_o be_v entangle_v with_o corruption_n and_o temptation_n that_o groan_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o cold_a lifeless_a barren_a frame_n of_o heart_n he_o may_v take_v in_o spiritual_a refreshment_n if_o by_o faith_n he_o can_v make_v application_n of_o this_o promise_n unto_o himself_o 4._o that_o which_o remain_v be_v to_o declare_v the_o particular_a way_n whereby_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v obtain_v the_o fruit_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o promise_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n unto_o the_o end_n so_o often_o propose_v namely_o of_o be_v flourish_a and_o fruitful_a even_o in_o old_a age._n now_o suppose_v a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o duty_n mention_v i_o shall_v give_v some_o direction_n with_o respect_n unto_o that_o which_o give_v life_n power_n and_o efficacy_n unto_o they_o all_o and_o which_o will_v infallible_o bring_v we_o unto_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o signal_n mercy_n and_o they_o be_v these_o that_o â—ollow_v 1._o all_o our_o supply_n of_o grace_n be_v from_o jesus_n christ._n grace_n be_v declare_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o the_o way_n of_o its_o communication_n and_o our_o receive_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o new_a this_o belong_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o that_o all_o grace_n be_v from_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v in_o vain_a expect_v any_o other_o way_n he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o we_o can_v no_o more_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o a_o branch_n can_v that_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o vine_n john_n 15._o 3_o 4_o 5._o he_o be_v our_o head_n and_o all_o our_o spiritual_a influence_n that_o be_v divine_a communication_n of_o grace_n be_v from_o he_o alone_o he_o be_v our_o life_n efficient_o and_o live_v in_o we_o effective_o so_o as_o that_o our_o ability_n for_o vital_a act_n be_v from_o he_o gal._n 2._o 20._o col._n 3._o 1_o