humiliation_n and_o humiliatiâ—…_n dispose_v a_o man_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o particular_a assurance_n isai_n 57_o 15._o caution_n caution_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o help_n so_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o that_o i_o shall_v put_v it_o in_o practice_n under_o every_o condition_n of_o body_n if_o i_o be_o not_o able_a without_o prejudice_n to_o my_o health_n to_o bear_v fast_v i_o shall_v thereby_o more_o distemper_n my_o body_n and_o consequent_o more_o weaken_v my_o spirit_n then_o be_v convenient_a or_o indeed_o lawful_a and_o thereby_o give_v great_a advantage_n to_o satan_n to_o trouble_v my_o tire_a mind_n than_o he_o have_v before_o in_o such_o a_o case_n commend_v thy_o condition_n to_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o upon_o day_n of_o solemn_a seek_v god_n if_o person_n be_v sick_a and_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n than_o a_o minister_n shall_v have_v a_o bill_n hand_v to_o he_o to_o pray_v for_o their_o bodily_a health_n and_o that_o be_v good_a that_o in_o these_o day_n wherein_o every_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o duty_n of_o we_o grow_v into_o disreputation_n man_n show_v they_o value_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o i_o wonder_v that_o among_o all_o our_o bill_n there_o be_v no_o complaint_n of_o soul-sicknesse_n oh_o beloved_n it_o will_v do_v a_o minister_n heart_n good_a as_o we_o say_v to_o receive_v a_o score_n or_o two_o of_o bill_n upon_o a_o sabbath_n day_n to_o this_o purpose_n one_o that_o have_v a_o hard_a heart_n that_o have_v be_v often_o heat_v and_o be_v grow_v cold_a again_o one_o that_o have_v be_v long_o under_o conviction_n and_o find_v no_o gracious_a issue_n of_o it_o one_o that_o cry_v aloud_o after_o god_n &_o can_v have_v no_o answer_n one_o that_o be_v assault_v with_o fearful_a temptation_n that_o can_v get_v any_o evidence_n of_o god_n love_n and_o go_v heavy_o all_o the_o day_n long_o etc._n etc._n desire_v their_o prayer_n it_o may_v be_v god_n expect_v you_o shall_v thus_o make_v many_o friend_n to_o speak_v to_o he_o that_o thanks_o may_v be_v render_v by_o many_o on_o your_o behalf_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v himself_o in_o a_o like_a case_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 11._o and_o neglect_v not_o to_o be_v present_a as_o often_o as_o possible_o thou_o can_v at_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v put_v up_o in_o relation_n to_o thy_o case_n there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a story_n of_o one_o out_o of_o who_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o mr._n rothwell_n a_o eminent_a minister_n of_o late_a year_n in_o the_o north_n rothwell_n see_v clark_n in_o the_o life_n of_o rothwell_n and_o some_o faithful_a brethren_n a_o devil_n be_v cast_v the_o man_n yet_o continue_v dumb_a for_o some_o year_n after_o till_o he_o be_v present_a in_o a_o congregation_n where_o he_o be_v particular_o pray_v for_o at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o petition_n god_n open_v his_o mouth_n and_o he_o say_v amen_o public_o and_o speak_v to_o god_n glory_n ever_o after_o so_o in_o thy_o case_n who_o know_v whether_o god_n reserve_v comfort_n for_o thou_o to_o be_v dispense_v in_o such_o a_o way_n last_o every_o day_n the_o saint_n of_o god_n especial_o under_o bondage_n and_o darkness_n can_v find_v occasional_a time_n to_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o grace_n when_o they_o be_v at_o leisure_n from_o necessary_a employment_n there_o be_v some_o haunt_n where_o most_o man_n bestow_v themselves_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o business_n in_o the_o breathe_a time_n between_o one_o employment_n and_o another_o one_o man_n fill_v up_o these_o breach_n parenthesis_n and_o odd_a end_n of_o time_n with_o idle_a discourse_n another_o with_o such_o and_o such_o pastime_n losetime_n we_o may_v better_o call_v they_o as_o common_o they_o be_v use_v a_o three_o haunt_v the_o alehouse_n or_o a_o worse_a place_n it_o may_v be_v but_o such_o a_o soul_n usual_a haunt_n as_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o in_o those_o fragment_n of_o time_n be_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o prayer_n and_o holy_a conference_n with_o god_n in_o other_o private_a duty_n that_o be_v his_o pastime_n will_v you_o know_v where_o david_n haunt_v at_o midnight_n when_o he_o can_v sleep_v at_o midnight_n will_v i_o arise_v and_o 6._o psalm_n 63._o 6._o praise_v thou_o 119._o 62._o will_v you_o know_v where_o his_o haunt_n be_v after_o meal_n not_o only_o evening_n and_o morning_n but_o at_o noon_n also_o will_v i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o psal_n 55._o 17._o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o time_n he_o begin_v in_o the_o morning_n see_v psalm_n 119._o 147._o i_o prevent_v the_o dawn_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o cry_v in_o a_o word_n to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n some_o people_n i_o know_v charge_v this_o way_n of_o seek_v assurance_n with_o trust_v in_o duty_n and_o the_o person_n that_o so_o seek_v with_o pride_n in_o they_o but_o sure_o there_o be_v more_o pride_n in_o not_o condescend_v to_o beg_v then_o in_o beg_v it_o be_v a_o unheard_a thing_n that_o a_o beggar_n shall_v be_v proud_a of_o his_o trade_n he_o that_o pray_v feel_o have_v the_o great_a security_n against_o pride_n chap._n xvi_o concern_v seek_n assurance_n in_o sacrament_n where_o a_o practical_a question_n whether_o and_o how_o baptism_n administer_v in_o infancy_n can_v be_v helpful_a hereunto_o this_o assurance_n be_v promote_v by_o sacrament_n these_o we_o call_v by_o the_o warrant_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n seal_n rom._n 4._o 11._o now_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o personal_a seal_n may_v make_v use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o instrumental_a seal_n of_o this_o assurance_n 1._o baptism_n i_o mean_v not_o the_o repetition_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o course_n some_o vain_a people_n be_v seduce_v unto_o in_o hope_n to_o get_v comfort_n by_o it_o but_o many_o have_v find_v it_o have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o many_o sad_a and_o fearful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o stand_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o have_v eat_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o love_n to_o and_o zeal_n in_o follow_v god_n in_o they_o while_o their_o prejudices_fw-la to_o their_o former_a baptism_n have_v cause_v prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o minister_n that_o dispense_v it_o and_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o receive_v it_o and_o so_o they_o have_v proceed_v by_o degree_n as_o find_v no_o person_n or_o administration_n free_a from_o exception_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o duty_n altogether_o which_o when_o they_o have_v be_v make_v to_o see_v the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n as_o it_o may_v by_o god_n goodness_n come_v to_o pass_v though_o seldom_o it_o do_v they_o find_v all_o the_o peace_n they_o get_v in_o those_o way_n be_v but_o mere_a imposture_n but_o i_o mean_v the_o renew_a meditation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a signification_n and_o end_n of_o that_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o have_v be_v apply_v to_o thou_o in_o thy_o infancy_n become_v of_o force_n to_o thou_o as_o soon_o as_o thou_o come_v to_o know_v and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o serious_a choice_n and_o intention_n of_o thy_o heart_n one_o main_a intent_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o work_v a_o assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o herein_o it_o answer_v to_o circumcision_n col._n 2._o 11_o 12._o compare_v with_o rom._n 4._o 11._o which_o circumcision_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n i._n e._n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n make_v we_o by_o faith_n for_o justification_n it_o be_v call_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v signify_v and_o seal_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n now_o if_o a_o man_n 3._o mark_v 1._o 3._o have_v not_o only_o a_o great_a landlord_n word_n but_o his_o seal_n to_o assure_v he_o of_o such_o a_o estate_n he_o be_v confident_a thereupon_o to_o abide_v a_o trial_n at_o law_n before_o a_o just_a judge_n so_o if_o thou_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o this_o seal_n thou_o may_v plead_v it_o whenever_o conscience_n shall_v sit_v upon_o thou_o and_o call_v into_o question_n thy_o spiritual_a or_o eternal_a condition_n think_v now_o and_o then_o upon_o thy_o baptism_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o labour_n from_o thence_o to_o rise_v to_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o to_o thou_o in_o truth_n which_o be_v sacramental_o exhibit_v to_o thou_o in_o the_o sign_n and_o know_v this_o that_o lay_v hold_n of_o the_o grace_n promise_v and_o seal_v in_o baptism_n upon_o the_o term_n convenant_v give_v thou_o a_o just_a and_o legal_a claim_n to_o they_o object_n but_o this_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v
prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n herein_o contain_v i_o beseech_v you_o for_o christ_n sake_n let_v none_o of_o you_o turn_v they_o into_o matter_n of_o dispute_n if_o in_o any_o thing_n i_o differ_v from_o any_o of_o your_o judgement_n for_o i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o usual_a policy_n of_o satan_n to_o make_v use_n of_o difference_n in_o opinion_n though_o never_o so_o small_a and_o trivial_a as_o impregnable_a fortification_n against_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n when_o it_o proceed_v from_o person_n from_o who_o we_o differ_v i_o pray_v remember_v that_o although_o the_o matter_n here_o treat_v of_o according_a to_o christian_n various_a experience_n may_v beget_v different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n yet_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o these_o treatise_n be_v of_o common_a and_o that_o necessary_a use_v to_o all_o let_v we_o not_o lose_v that_o we_o agree_v in_o as_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o use_v of_o it_o while_o we_o strive_v for_o a_o unprofitable_a victory_n in_o that_o wherein_o we_o differ_v i_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n avoid_v of_o purpose_n peremptory_a decision_n in_o doubtful_a point_n and_o all_o unsavoury_a reflection_n to_o my_o best_a judgement_n altogether_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v all_o make_v use_n of_o that_o wherein_o all_o saint_n agree_v and_o not_o trouble_v other_o with_o that_o wherein_o you_o disagree_v the_o lord_n grant_v you_o may_v and_o then_o i_o know_v my_o present_a labour_n will_v not_o total_o be_v lose_v if_o but_o one_o poor_a soul_n be_v convert_v support_v comfort_v hereby_o it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o reward_n for_o my_o slender_a pain_n however_o because_o we_o must_v cast_v out_o the_o net_n to_o catch_v as_o many_o fish_n as_o we_o can_v though_o we_o must_v be_v content_v with_o how_o few_o soever_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o bring_v into_o it_o i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v way_n to_o your_o acceptance_n by_o this_o preface_n and_o have_v so_o do_v commend_v it_o and_o you_o and_o this_o piece_n of_o i_o to_o god_n blessing_n and_o entreat_v you_o to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o your_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o the_o unworthy_a author_n your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n simon_n ford_z decem._n 13._o 1654._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o subject_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n will_v i_o fear_v meet_v with_o some_o disgust_n at_o least_o not_o saving_o relish_v with_o every_o palaâ—e_n in_o these_o time_n wherein_o people_n be_v so_o strong_o addict_v to_o a_o pleasurable_a religion_n desire_v as_o well_o a_o easy_a way_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n without_o those_o terror_n and_o disquiet_n of_o conscience_n which_o usual_o accompany_v the_o new_a birth_n as_o a_o please_a continuance_n in_o their_o regenerate_v estate_n in_o christ_n without_o those_o renewing_n of_o repentance_n and_o that_o course_n of_o strict_a obedience_n the_o gospel_n call_v for_o now_o to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o carry_v in_o their_o breast_n any_o prejudicacy_n of_o opinion_n touch_v the_o point_n lay_v down_o in_o this_o treatise_n but_o desire_v earnest_o the_o clear_n of_o every_o save_a truth_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v to_o guide_v they_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n who_o desire_v in_o sincerity_n to_o be_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o they_o but_o those_o who_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v offend_v with_o doctrine_n of_o this_o nature_n let_v i_o encourage_v to_o the_o serious_a study_n of_o this_o book_n as_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a so_o it_o be_v handle_v not_o only_o with_o much_o solidity_n of_o judgement_n and_o acuteness_n of_o learning_n but_o also_o with_o much_o â—piritualnesse_n as_o in_o which_o the_o reverend_a author_n do_v not_o only_o present_v the_o â—_z of_o christ_n in_o a_o way_n of_o speculation_n for_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o also_o suit_v they_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o people_n in_o a_o way_n of_o practice_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o profitable_a way_n of_o open_v scripture_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o save_a duty_n of_o people_n to_o practice_v what_o they_o know_v whereupon_o that_o which_o epictetus_n make_v one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o make_v use_n of_o rule_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o course_n of_o life_n the_o same_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n s_o james_n make_v one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o and_o not_o they_o who_o be_v hearer_n only_o but_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o their_o deed_n so_o it_o be_v the_o incumbent_a work_n of_o minister_n in_o all_o they_o deliver_v either_o in_o the_o pulpit_n or_o by_o the_o press_n for_o the_o win_n of_o people_n unto_o christ_n or_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o faith_n not_o to_o keep_v in_o high_a notion_n or_o speculation_n of_o truth_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o be_v practicable_a without_o which_o all_o teach_n and_o discourse_n will_v be_v but_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a what_o austin_n note_v of_o the_o three_o great_a philosopher_n that_o socrates_n excel_v in_o philosophia_fw-la activa_fw-la and_o pythagoras_n in_o contemplativa_fw-la but_o that_o plato_n utramque_fw-la jungendo_fw-la philosophiam_fw-la perfecisse_fw-la laudatur_fw-la the_o same_o i_o must_v say_v of_o divine_n they_o do_v most_o excel_v in_o handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o join_v the_o practical_a and_o the_o speculative_a together_o how_o far_o this_o life_n blood_n run_v in_o the_o vein_n of_o this_o treatise_n will_v be_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v please_v to_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v it_o they_o who_o do_v not_o before_o hand_n stomach_n the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o it_o will_v not_o i_o persuade_v myself_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o manner_n of_o handle_v it_o the_o elaborate_a pain_n the_o author_n have_v take_v in_o this_o work_n wherein_o be_v many_o great_a and_o precious_a truth_n assert_v many_o knotty_a point_n which_o have_v not_o a_o little_a puzzle_v the_o spirit_n of_o tender_a christian_n clear_v up_o to_o their_o comfort_n material_a question_n satisfactory_o answer_v and_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n lay_v open_a very_o full_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o state_n of_o bondage_n before_o conversion_n and_o the_o state_n of_o adoption_n after_o it_o and_o all_o this_o and_o very_o much_o more_o in_o a_o solid_a way_n both_o of_o scholastical_a and_o practical_a divinity_n deserve_v much_o encouragement_n from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o who_o soul_n sake_n he_o have_v thus_o travel_v but_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o great_a provocation_n to_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n to_o take_v pain_n both_o by_o preach_v and_o write_v than_o the_o diligence_n of_o people_n in_o hear_v and_o read_v as_o i_o shall_v therefore_o commend_v this_o work_n to_o the_o serious_a perusal_n of_o all_o into_o who_o hand_n god_n providence_n may_v cast_v it_o so_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o i_o licence_n it_o for_o the_o press_n as_o that_o which_o may_v tend_v exceed_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o grace_n the_o comfort_n of_o afflict_a conscience_n the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o ignorant_a in_o point_n of_o so_o necessary_a concernment_n the_o conviction_n of_o folly_n in_o those_o who_o presume_v of_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o they_o have_v have_v any_o sense_n of_o their_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a condition_n by_o nature_n and_o many_o way_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o all_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n tho._n temple_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n have_v learn_v to_o deny_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v study_v and_o exalt_v jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o that_o grecian_a strain_n who_o the_o orator_n smart_o censure_v of_o old_a do_v illis_fw-la eruditionem_fw-la do_v doctrinam_fw-la fidem_fw-la &_o religionem_fw-la nunquam_fw-la isti_fw-la coluerunt_fw-la for_o he_o have_v be_v at_o athens_n and_o learn_v christ_n there_o as_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n do_v act._n 17._o 34._o he_o can_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n do_v impart_v to_o carnal_a gospeler_n mat._n 16._o 17._o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v beg_v the_o testimony_n revelation_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 17._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4._o ephes_n 1._o 17._o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o a_o witness_n
closure_n with_o he_o he_o that_o can_v thus_o distinguish_v season_n of_o apply_v the_o law_n and_o gospel_n let_v i_o say_v of_o he_o as_o luther_n of_o he_o that_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o sciat_fw-la se_fw-la esse_fw-la bonum_fw-la theologum_fw-la let_v he_o know_v he_o be_v a_o good_a divine_a indeed_o chap._n xxi_o four_o main_a duty_n press_v upon_o they_o this_o truth_n also_o afford_v seasonable_a and_o suitable_a exhortation_n to_o four_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o this_o condition_n and_o have_v have_v a_o good_a issue_n of_o it_o 2._o to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v under_o it_o and_o have_v lose_v both_o the_o sense_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o 3._o to_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o under_o it_o 4._o to_o those_o that_o yet_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o it_o the_o first_o of_o who_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o in_o this_o chapter_n viz._n 1_o to_o those_o who_o the_o spirit_n have_v lead_v through_o the_o wilderness_n so_o as_o after_o all_o their_o difficulty_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o rest_v on_o the_o other_o side_n jordan_n i_o commend_v these_o duty_n to_o they_o 1_o the_o practice_n of_o humility_n pride_n be_v in_o no_o person_n so_o odious_a as_o in_o he_o that_o as_o solomon_n speak_v come_v out_o of_o prison_n to_o reign_v eccles_n 4._o 14._o thence_o god_n always_o mind_v his_o people_n of_o the_o wilderness_n and_o of_o egypt_n to_o keep_v their_o heart_n low_a in_o canaan_n deut._n 8._o 2._o 3_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o i_o have_v read_v of_o a_o king_n who_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n from_o a_o agathocles_n agathocles_n potter_n will_v always_o be_v serve_v in_o earthen_a ware_n to_o mind_v he_o of_o his_o original_n and_o hear_v of_o a_o doctor_n who_o attain_v to_o great_a dignity_n in_o our_o memory_n who_o preserve_v as_o a_o monument_n the_o very_a skin_n breech_n in_o which_o he_o come_v first_o into_o the_o university_n and_o true_o let_v the_o choice_a of_o god_n saint_n consider_v the_o fear_n and_o terror_n the_o tear_n and_o sigh_n and_o groan_n of_o the_o state_n of_o bondage_n let_v he_o think_v how_o often_o he_o have_v lie_v at_o god_n door_n and_o beg_v for_o a_o crumb_n of_o grace_n a_o grain_n of_o comfort_n how_o often_o he_o have_v with_o the_o return_v prodigal_a be_v willing_a to_o take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a engagement_n if_o he_o may_v but_o be_v admit_v among_o god_n hire_a servant_n or_o with_o the_o poor_a woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n if_o she_o may_v but_o have_v the_o gnaw_a of_o the_o scrap_n that_o fall_v from_o his_o table_n and_o think_v whether_o a_o proud_a lift_v up_o the_o head_n to_o a_o self-boasting_a and_o self-pleasing_a frame_n be_v a_o suitable_a issue_n of_o such_o a_o condition_n a_o proper_a conclusion_n from_o such_o premise_n pone_fw-la host_n vulnúsque_fw-la tuum_fw-la solitúmque_fw-la timorem_fw-la post_fw-la clypeúmque_fw-la late_o &_o mecum_fw-la contend_v sub_fw-la illo_fw-la say_v ajax_n in_o the_o poet_n to_o ulysses_n who_o from_o be_v his_o submissive_a petitioner_n for_o protection_n in_o the_o field_n be_v now_o become_v his_o confident_a antagonist_n and_o competitor_n for_o achilles_n his_o arm_n in_o the_o camp_n and_o think_v how_o god_n may_v then_o mind_v you_o of_o those_o former_a passage_n and_o that_o with_o just_a indignation_n if_o now_o you_o any_o way_n lift_v up_o the_o heel_n against_o he_o 2_o watchfulness_n consider_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o yet_o fresh_a sin_n may_v occasion_v the_o reduce_v you_o into_o the_o same_o trouble_n true_o thy_o condition_n be_v once_o in_o christ_n can_v never_o be_v so_o unsafe_a as_o former_o but_o it_o may_v be_v altogether_o as_o uncomfortable_a nay_o perhaps_o more_o uncomfortable_a than_o it_o be_v before_o i_o say_v more_o uncomfortable_a because_o your_o sin_n will_v have_v aggravation_n then_o that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o before_o and_o the_o hope_n which_o you_o have_v be_v raise_v unto_o by_o conversion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v comfort_n will_v increase_v the_o misery_n of_o your_o fall_n from_o they_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v before_o concern_v the_o end_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o bring_v we_o into_o such_o a_o house_n of_o bondage_n will_v afford_v we_o a_o new_a meditation_n here_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o accomplish_v the_o end_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o head_n refer_v you_o to_o the_o four_o of_o those_o end_n before_o mention_v only_o remember_v what_o i_o say_v sin_z after_o conversion_n may_v make_v we_o doubt_v whether_o ever_o we_o be_v convert_v and_o so_o make_v we_o act_v over_o all_o our_o former_a tragical_a part_n again_o which_o ever_o we_o pass_v through_o before_o conversion_n even_o sin_n of_o omission_n and_o i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n may_v intend_v some_o such_o intimation_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 9_o he_o that_o lack_v these_o thing_n i_o e._n that_o neglect_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o be_v press_v in_o the_o precede_a verse_n be_v blind_a etc._n etc._n and_o have_v forget_v that_o he_o be_v purge_v from_o his_o old_a sin_n i._n e._n may_v question_n whether_o ever_o he_o be_v or_o no_o and_o the_o follow_a word_n more_o incline_v i_o to_o this_o interpretation_n it_o follow_v wherefore_o the_o rather_o brethren_n labour_v to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a etc._n etc._n v._n 10._o 2._o that_o satan_n watch_v all_o advantage_n to_o reduce_v you_o back_o again_o if_o not_o to_o a_o state_n of_o condemnation_n yet_o to_o a_o apprehension_n of_o it_o keep_v your_o evidence_n and_o your_o assurance_n ever_o in_o your_o eye_n watch_v against_o temptation_n that_o tend_v to_o enslave_v you_o again_o so_o will_v a_o captive_a to_o the_o turk_n when_o once_o escape_v take_v heed_n of_o stay_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o cruel_a taskmaster_n but_o i_o shall_v take_v up_o this_o again_o hereafter_o on_o the_o five_o doctrine_n and_o thither_o refer_v you_o 3._o thankfulness_n which_o will_v also_o be_v heighten_v by_o these_o consideration_n 1._o how_o important_a a_o work_n it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o you_o it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n for_o who_o he_o call_v he_o justify_v and_o by_o consequence_n glorify_v rom._n 8._o 30._o so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v troublesome_a in_o work_v yet_o you_o may_v bless_v god_n however_o see_v it_o be_v thus_o wrought_v to_o all_o eternity_n o_o how_o little_a be_v the_o trouble_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o 2._o how_o many_o difficulty_n and_o improbability_n such_o as_o quite_o damp_a your_o hope_n and_o sink_v your_o spirit_n you_o meet_v withal_o in_o that_o dangerous_a passage_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v those_o that_o can_v say_v at_o such_o a_o time_n i_o be_v quite_o beat_v off_o from_o all_o my_o hope_n i_o say_v from_o day_n to_o night_n he_o will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o i_o be_v 38._o 13._o and_o i_o shall_v sure_o one_o day_n perish_v by_o the_o hand_n 1._o 1_o sam._n 2d_o 1._o of_o saul_n i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o sight_n jonah_n 2._o 4._o i_o have_v fight_v many_o a_o single_a combat_n hand_n to_o fist_n as_o we_o say_v with_o the_o red_a dragon_n the_o old_a serpent_n the_o roar_a lion_n and_o i_o have_v even_o be_v ready_a to_o cross_v the_o cudgel_n and_o give_v out_o in_o the_o perplexity_n and_o agony_n of_o my_o spirit_n nay_o i_o have_v even_o fall_v out_o with_o myself_o and_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o my_o very_a life_n and_o think_v my_o present_a condition_n so_o bad_a that_o hell_n itself_o will_v amend_v it_o and_o have_v be_v within_o a_o hair_n breadth_n many_o a_o time_n of_o send_v myself_o thither_o with_o my_o own_o hand_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v step_v in_o and_o take_v hold_v upon_o i_o even_o on_o the_o pit_n brink_n and_o now_o here_o i_o be_o through_o his_o goodness_n a_o monument_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o live_n the_o live_n they_o shall_v praise_v thou_o etc._n etc._n isa_n 38._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 3._o the_o many_o provocation_n peculiar_a to_o that_o condition_n which_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o your_o darkness_n here_o follow_v i_o again_o with_o your_o experience_n you_o redeem_v of_o the_o lord_n let_v you_o and_o i_o read_v over_o psalm_n 78._o and_o 106._o and_o let_v we_o look_v back_o upon_o our_o wildernesse-sin_n how_o oft_o do_v we_o speak_v against_o god_n say_v can_v god_n furnish_v a_o table_n in_o the_o wilderness_n how_o often_o have_v we_o murmur_v because_o of_o the_o length_n and_o tediousness_n of_o our_o trouble_n and_o wish_v that_o we_o have_v
not_o as_o actual_o and_o assure_o so_o but_o as_o one_o that_o have_v offer_v himself_o to_o that_o relation_n and_o will_v own_v it_o to_o those_o that_o upon_o that_o offer_n claim_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n thence_o though_o they_o know_v not_o god_n to_o be_v their_o fateer_n yet_o they_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o upon_o his_o free_a offer_n as_o engage_v to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o so_o by_o frequent_a act_n of_o reliance_n grow_v up_o into_o assurance_n that_o he_o be_v so_o when_o they_o find_v such_o fruit_n of_o their_o reliance_n as_o evidence_n a_o real_a relation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o i_o know_v many_o of_o god_n saint_n do_v and_o i_o think_v they_o shall_v call_v god_n father_n when_o they_o scarce_o know_v whether_o they_o may_v be_v so_o bold_a or_o no_o and_o speed_v that_o way_n 3._o that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o god_n elect_v want_v the_o assure_v testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n see_v god_n hold_v it_o forth_o to_o they_o in_o many_o a_o precious_a promise_n and_o if_o they_o dare_v not_o call_v god_n father_n it_o be_v because_o through_o cloud_n of_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n they_o darken_v those_o evidence_n which_o may_v demonstrate_v their_o sonship_n for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n if_o discover_v be_v sure_a foundation_n of_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n thence_o their_o condition_n be_v express_v by_o darkness_n which_o be_v not_o the_o extinguish_n of_o light_n in_o the_o object_n or_o in_o the_o eye_n but_o cloud_v it_o 4._o of_o those_o that_o have_v this_o assurance_n and_o enlargement_n thereupon_o very_o few_o or_o none_o keep_v it_o at_o all_o time_n alike_o and_o can_v alike_o improve_v it_o on_o every_o occasion_n great_a sin_n and_o great_a trouble_n etc._n etc._n may_v many_o time_n cloud_n and_o sometime_o as_o to_o the_o act_n blot_v out_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o adoption_n thus_o david_n want_v this_o spirit_n psal_n 51._o 11._o 12._o a_o child_n have_v offend_v may_v scarce_o dare_v call_v father_n while_o that_o guilt_n remain_v uncover_v 5._o even_o the_o high_a and_o heroical_a act_n of_o assure_v faith_n in_o god_n saint_n be_v not_o always_o free_a from_o some_o mixture_n of_o doubt_v else_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o assurance_n and_o plerophory_n or_o full_a assurance_n answ_n â—_o but_o to_o answer_v more_o particular_o 1._o to_o the_o first_o question_n 1._o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n have_v not_o present_o when_o call_v the_o particular_a assure_v testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n though_o even_o that_o belong_v to_o they_o because_o of_o some_o obstruction_n that_o either_o from_o satan_n or_o their_o own_o heart_n may_v be_v put_v in_o their_o way_n a_o man_n may_v be_v long_o a_o child_n of_o god_n before_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o there_o must_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o certitudo_fw-la objecti_fw-la before_o certitudo_fw-la subjecti_fw-la for_o i_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o thing_n before_o it_o be_v and_o how_o long_o this_o proposition_n i_o be_o justify_v may_v be_v true_a before_o this_o i_o know_v i_o be_o justify_v i_o can_v tell_v it_o may_v be_v divers_a year_n 2._o a_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v or_o to_o my_o utmost_a knowledge_n the_o scripture_n reveal_v may_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o that_o particular_a actual_a assurance_n or_o a_o particular_a confidence_n to_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o his_o father_n otherwise_o then_o by_o claim_n as_o before_o for_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o have_v of_o eternal_a life_n to_o know_v that_o a_o man_n have_v grace_n actual_o but_o only_o to_o have_v those_o thing_n in_o he_o whence_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o more_o enlighten_v spirit_n discover_v though_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o where_o say_v he_o that_o know_v not_o he_o believe_v shall_v be_v damn_v 3._o yet_o be_v every_o such_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n act_n the_o reality_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n produce_v in_o a_o saint_n those_o fruit_n even_o when_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o know_v they_o as_o appear_v in_o second_o trouble_n in_o god_n people_n after_o conversion_n faith_n produce_v those_o act_n not_o by_o its_o assure_v but_o unite_n act_n carry_v out_o after_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o the_o secret_a seed_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o by_o a_o natural_a inclination_n i_o mean_v from_o the_o new_a nature_n though_o he_o be_v not_o so_o visible_o act_v by_o moral_a persuasion_n or_o force_v of_o argument_n from_o grace_n receive_v as_o those_o that_o see_v they_o have_v grace_n and_o be_v adopt_v usual_o be_v as_o in_o those_o creature_n that_o want_v reason_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o infant_n a_o natural_a love_n to_o parent_n though_o they_o can_v argue_v themselves_o by_o reason_n into_o the_o duty_n that_o evidence_n it_o from_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o that_o relation_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n they_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o evil_n of_o displease_v their_o parent_n although_o they_o feel_v no_o stripe_n and_o do_v not_o draw_v out_o that_o sorrow_n by_o argument_n from_o their_o father_n love_n 2._o to_o the_o second_o question_n i_o answer_v 1_o that_o neither_o be_v it_o necessary_o thus_o in_o all_o that_o have_v be_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n though_o elect_v upon_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_a 2._o yet_o have_v such_o that_o have_v be_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n more_o special_a promise_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o can_v they_o lay_v all_o hold_n on_o they_o will_v attain_v it_o but_o satan_n take_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o find_v they_o prepare_v for_o such_o impression_n of_o trouble_n by_o the_o former_a work_n keep_v the_o very_a stamp_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n on_o they_o when_o they_o be_v as_o to_o their_o condition_n under_o a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n mat._n 11._o 28._o isa_n 57_o 15._o 3._o nay_o when_o they_o get_v comfort_n and_o assurance_n it_o be_v common_o the_o strong_a and_o more_o full_a and_o firm_a understand_v this_o point_n thus_o then_o that_o usual_o and_o in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n of_o deal_n with_o his_o elect_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o under_o bondage_n by_o the_o spirit_n he_o do_v send_v they_o a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n in_o its_o evidence_a act_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n though_o he_o may_v sometime_o vary_v from_o the_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a rule_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n in_o these_o act_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o its_o method_n before_o discover_v that_o except_o possible_o in_o some_o few_o singular_a case_n it_o be_v ordinary_o so_o chap._n iv_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o thesis_n or_o proposition_n now_o let_v we_o advance_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o thesis_n quest_n how_o appear_v it_o that_o god_n do_v so_o ordinary_o ans_fw-fr 1_o by_o his_o promise_n 2_o by_o his_o design_n in_o bring_v under_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n 3_o by_o the_o duty_n that_o he_o expect_v of_o his_o saint_n 4_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o people_n arg._n 1_o by_o his_o promise_n which_o engage_v he_o thereunto_o john_n 16_o 10_o 11_o 12_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o convince_v of_o sin_n say_v christ_n shall_v convince_v of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n of_o righteousness_n because_o i_o go_v to_o the_o father_n i._n e._n he_o shall_v convince_v poor_a burden_a soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a righteousness_n in_o i_o to_o cover_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n and_o this_o by_o my_o ascension_n which_o declare_v the_o full_a discharge_n of_o the_o debt_n which_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o my_o elect_n i_o contract_v and_o because_o i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n my_o admission_n to_o my_o father_n give_v full_a assurance_n that_o i_o be_o again_o receive_v into_o his_o favour_n and_o so_o there_o remain_v no_o cause_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o i_o or_o i_o that_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o i_o for_o righteousness_n of_o judgement_n i._n e._n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o own_o grace_n as_o isai_n 43._o 1_o 3._o or_o of_o judgement_n because_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v judge_v i._n e._n a_o judgement_n of_o absolution_n of_o their_o person_n and_o cause_n which_o shall_v appear_v by_o the_o contrary_a sentence_n on_o their_o accuser_n it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o god_n have_v condemn_v he_o that_o accuse_v you_o and_o keep_v you_o in_o
comprehend_v every_o grace_n in_o kind_n and_o it_o concern_v he_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o promote_v it_o caution_n yet_o let_v i_o add_v last_o that_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o encourage_v a_o lazy_a credulousness_n by_o which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v easy_o persuade_v without_o any_o sufficient_a enquiry_n to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o we_o have_v grace_n because_o we_o have_v now_o and_o then_o some_o good_a wish_n when_o as_o our_o own_o heart_n if_o they_o be_v well_o search_v will_v witness_v to_o we_o the_o faintness_n coldness_n inconstancy_n laziness_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o heavenly_a thing_n especial_o in_o comparison_n with_o those_o large_a measure_n of_o earnestness_n importunity_n and_o diligence_n with_o which_o they_o be_v attend_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v this_o present_a life_n which_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o all_o our_o good_a conceit_n that_o we_o have_v of_o ourselves_o friend_n take_v 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conscience_n concern_v the_o discern_a the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o tentation_n and_o the_o inclination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n 3_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o least_o approach_n iii_o direct_v iii_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o witness_v way_n and_o follow_v they_o by_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n sometime_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o full_a and_o through_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o our_o doubt_n yet_o it_o speak_v something_o tend_v that_o way_n it_o speak_v many_o thing_n several_o and_o by_o parcel_n which_o lay_v together_o will_v amount_v to_o a_o full_a testimony_n now_o in_o such_o case_n a_o soul_n must_v be_v very_o watchful_a to_o take_v and_o improve_v the_o least_o hint_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o a_o humane_a testimony_n the_o witness_n that_o witness_v in_o a_o case_n before_o a_o judge_n do_v not_o all_o speak_v pointblank_o to_o the_o case_n in_o question_n but_o sometime_o very_o faint_o break_o and_o imperfect_o now_o a_o good_a judge_n in_o such_o a_o case_n do_v not_o slight_a such_o testimony_n as_o come_v not_o full_o up_o to_o a_o business_n but_o observe_v and_o retain_v in_o memory_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v depose_v though_o very_o defective_a as_o to_o a_o full_a proof_n and_o at_o last_o what_o one_o testimony_n do_v not_o sufficient_o clear_a in_o terminis_fw-la many_o testimony_n will_v make_v up_o a_o full_a proof_n of_o if_o lay_v together_o by_o a_o skilful_a and_o judicious_a lawyer_n this_o art_n we_o find_v the_o church_n use_v in_o desertion_n cant._n 29._o there_o she_o discover_v christ_n first_o at_o a_o distance_n leap_v upon_o the_o mountain_n remove_v the_o great_a impediment_n to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o suppose_v conquer_a mountainous_a corruption_n and_o mountainous_a temptation_n suppose_v deadness_n and_o flatnesse_n of_o heart_n in_o duty_n etc._n etc._n which_o look_v like_o a_o mountain_n of_o separation_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n ver_fw-la 8._o she_o find_v herself_o unexpected_o enlarge_v and_o open_v in_o her_o address_n to_o he_o thence_o she_o conclude_v he_o be_v a_o come_n he_o prepare_v his_o way_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o another_o case_n of_o john_n he_o make_v every_o mountain_n and_o hill_n low_a isai_n 40._o 4._o and_o every_o valley_n he_o exalt_v that_o he_o may_v make_v his_o way_n smooth_a then_o she_o espy_v he_o behind_o the_o wall_n look_v in_o through_o the_o lattess_n near_a than_o he_o be_v but_o yet_o he_o stand_v much_o undiscovered_a the_o wall_n and_o the_o lattess_n here_o it_o may_v be_v be_v the_o obstacle_n of_o prejudice_n and_o doubt_v and_o distrust_n in_o our_o own_o heart_n which_o keep_v we_o from_o see_v christ_n clear_o when_o he_o come_v to_o we_o but_o yet_o something_o of_o christ_n shine_v through_o they_o and_o the_o church_n take_v notice_n of_o these_o dark_a approach_n puts_z a_o behold_v upon_o they_o all_o behold_v he_o come_v behold_v he_o stand_v behind_o our_o wall_n and_o at_o last_o he_o call_v she_o forth_o into_o a_o pleasant_a converse_n and_o walk_v with_o he_o v._o 10._o 11._o and_o there_o full_o manife_v himself_o to_o she_o if_o god_n write_v thou_o a_o love-letter_n though_o the_o hand_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v be_v but_o uneven_a and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v read_v but_o by_o spell_a every_o word_n will_v thou_o not_o take_v that_o pain_n that_o thou_o may_v understand_v it_o the_o spirit_n testimony_n when_o it_o come_v under_o god_n hand_n and_o seal_v to_o the_o heart_n be_v oftentimes_o so_o obscure_o write_v that_o a_o man_n be_v fain_o to_o spell_v and_o put_v together_o many_o word_n experience_n providence_n to_o make_v it_o up_o however_o the_o evidence_n may_v be_v sufficient_a that_o be_v pick_v out_o of_o they_o altogether_o think_v then_o such_o a_o time_n i_o be_v refresh_v at_o a_o sermon_n enlarge_v extraordinary_o in_o such_o a_o prayer_n my_o heart_n be_v affect_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o tenderness_n in_o such_o a_o sacrament_n i_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o despair_v and_o god_n stay_v i_o by_o a_o promise_n even_o ready_a at_o another_o time_n to_o make_v away_o with_o myself_o and_o god_n stay_v i_o with_o a_o unexpected_a providence_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o put_v together_o may_v perhaps_o make_v up_o as_o much_o as_o this_o fear_v not_o i_o be_o thy_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o god_n answer_v sometime_o 8_o psalm_n 85._o 8_o in_o a_o soft_a voice_n in_o a_o whisper_n and_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o observe_v narrow_o as_o benhadad_n servant_n 1_o king_n 20_o 33_o 4._o labour_v aftâ—r_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o get_v the_o iv_o direct_v iv_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n that_o seal_v we_o up_o to_o a_o holy_a assurance_n be_v a_o holy_a spirit_n ephes_n 1._o 13._o this_o be_v certain_a the_o more_o holiness_n the_o more_o assurance_n the_o promise_n run_v so_o isai_n 32._o 17._o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o i_o conceive_v the_o place_n intend_v inherent_a righteousness_n compare_v it_o with_o the_o former_a verse_n where_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n as_o his_o work_n in_o barren_a heart_n the_o like_a promise_n we_o have_v from_o our_o saviour_n jo._n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o reason_n why_o many_o person_n do_v not_o recover_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n assure_v their_o conscience_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n be_v either_o that_o in_o their_o judgement_n they_o prefer_v peace_n before_o grace_n ease_n before_o holiness_n and_o pour_v out_o many_o more_o prayer_n and_o tear_n for_o those_o then_o for_o these_o or_o else_o that_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o find_v in_o themselves_o some_o generality_n of_o good_a desire_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o main_a and_o so_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n content_v to_o stand_v at_o that_o stay_n belove_a it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o press_v hard_o after_o the_o lord_n to_o follow_v after_o reach_v forward_o and_o press_v on_o they_o be_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o apostle_n ph._n 3_o 12_o 13_o 14._o that_o we_o may_v apprehend_v that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v apprehend_v 1._o if_o a_o evidence_n be_v never_o so_o fair_a yet_o if_o we_o be_v careless_a of_o it_o and_o let_v it_o gather_v dust_n or_o dirt_n or_o filth_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o read_v it_o and_o certain_o
embrace_n welcome_a to_o you_o but_o his_o commandment_n troublesome_a and_o his_o yoke_n intolerable_a especial_o consider_v that_o he_o afford_v you_o those_o refreshment_n that_o they_o may_v oil_n the_o wheel_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o make_v they_o go_v the_o more_o nimble_o in_o his_o way_n be_v it_o not_o just_a with_o he_o to_o withdraw_v the_o encouragement_n and_o leave_v you_o notwithstanding_o to_o your_o task_n of_o duty_n to_o toil_n in_o the_o brick-kiln_n and_o work_v out_o your_o very_a heart_n in_o a_o uncomfortable_a drudgery_n without_o the_o least_o refreshment_n at_o all_o to_o quicken_v your_o spirit_n thereunto_o these_o be_v the_o term_n upon_o which_o god_n will_v manifest_v himself_o so_o to_o his_o people_n as_o to_o dwell_v and_o abide_v with_o they_o john_n 14._o 21_o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v to_o he_o so_o it_o may_v be_v will_n a_o soul_n say_v but_o how_o long_o will_v he_o stay_v when_o he_o come_v why_o the_o next_o word_n show_v we_o will_v make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o we_o will_v dwell_v with_o he_o for_o continuance_n that_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n seem_v a_o strange_a expression_n when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v you_o say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n why_o because_o we_o have_v do_v but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o complaint_n of_o a_o saint_n that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o for_o god_n than_o he_o shall_v chap._n xxx_o a_o exhortation_n to_o improve_v assurance_n receive_v by_o 1_o live_v upon_o 2_o plead_v our_o evidence_n ii_o labour_n to_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o 2._o exhortat_fw-la 2._o assurance_n have_v to_o the_o utmost_a you_o need_v not_o forbear_v this_o duty_n because_o your_o title_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o disputable_a this_o make_v a_o man_n many_o time_n careless_a of_o bestow_v cost_v upon_o a_o piece_n of_o land_n because_o there_o be_v a_o flaw_n in_o his_o evidence_n but_o here_o you_o need_v not_o withhold_v your_o hand_n for_o that_o because_o you_o be_v as_o sure_a as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v make_v they_o quest_n but_o you_o will_v ask_v i_o how_o i_o answer_v answ_n 1_o live_v on_o it_o at_o all_o time_n a_o christian_a have_v a_o threefold_a life_n here_o by_o faith_n the_o just_a life_n by_o faith_n 1_o a_o life_n of_o justification_n and_o this_o life_n he_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o a_o applicatory_a rely_v act_n in_o its_o adhere_n depend_v act_n john_n 5_o 40._o rom_n 1._o 17._o 2_o a_o life_n of_o sanctification_n and_o this_o we_o live_v by_o the_o same_o act_n of_o faith_n radical_o &_o original_o because_o it_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o on_o our_o part_n make_v application_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o so_o the_o instrument_n of_o union_n now_o from_o this_o union_n and_o engraft_v into_o christ_n for_o justification_n christ_n become_v to_o we_o a_o root_n of_o sanctification_n john_n 15._o 5._o but_o we_o live_v a_o life_n of_o sanctification_n quoad_fw-la actus_fw-la exercitos_fw-la in_o the_o fruit_n and_o stream_n of_o actual_a holiness_n not_o only_o from_o that_o act_n of_o applicatory_a reliance_n but_o also_o because_o these_o fruit_n be_v moral_a act_n and_o so_o must_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o a_o moral_a way_n by_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n and_o in_o their_o most_o noble_a act_n they_o be_v always_o so_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o evidence_n as_o be_v before_o show_v so_o gal._n 2._o 20._o 3_o a_o life_n of_o consolation_n john_n 14._o 1._o and_o this_o life_n we_o live_v by_o improve_n a_o faith_n of_o assurance_n only_o faith_n of_o reliance_n as_o i_o have_v show_v may_v give_v support_v but_o it_o can_v give_v comfort_n but_o faith_n of_o assurance_n give_v comfort_n in_o the_o sad_a case_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o improve_v your_o assurance_n then_o to_o a_o life_n of_o sanctification_n and_o consolation_n 1_o improve_v it_o to_o a_o life_n of_o sanctification_n believe_v up_o your_o grace_n when_o they_o be_v low_a believe_v down_o your_o corruption_n when_o they_o be_v high_a believe_v into_o your_o judgement_n light_a in_o darkness_n and_o doubt_n into_o your_o will_n strength_n and_o resolution_n in_o temptation_n and_o assault_n every_o grace_n that_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n promise_v by_o the_o father_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n you_o may_v challenge_v you_o may_v if_o you_o want_v any_o material_n for_o the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o your_o soul_n have_v recourse_n to_o your_o evidence_n and_o they_o warrant_v you_o to_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o lord_n soil_n wherever_o you_o can_v find_v it_o go_v to_o the_o lord_n bold_o and_o say_v lord_n i_o be_o trouble_v with_o barrenness_n and_o deadness_n but_o i_o find_v in_o my_o evidence_n a_o promise_n that_o my_o soul_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o water_a garden_n isai_n 58._o 11._o that_o the_o desert_n shall_v blossom_v as_o a_o rose_n etc._n etc._n isai_n 35._o 1._o i_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o weakness_n faintness_n and_o weariness_n upon_o my_o soul_n in_o holy_a duty_n but_o i_o find_v upon_o my_o deed_n that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v easy_a mat._n 11._o 30._o that_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n that_o they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o eagle_n wing_n they_o shall_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a they_o shall_v walk_v and_o not_o be_v faint_a isai_n 40._o ult_n that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a prov._n 10._o 29._o i_o be_o fickle_a and_o fleet_a in_o my_o resolution_n but_o my_o copy_n say_v be_v strong_a and_o god_n shall_v strengthen_v your_o heart_n psal_n 31._o 24._o that_o god_n will_v strengthen_v i_o with_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o righteousness_n isai_n 41._o 10._o that_o he_o will_v write_v his_o law_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o his_o statute_n in_o my_o inward_a part_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o jer._n 31._o 32_o 33._o and_o 32._o 40._o i_o be_o very_a subject_n to_o powerful_a and_o domineer_a lust_n and_o corruption_n but_o i_o find_v in_o my_o writing_n that_o my_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o christ_n that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o i_o rom_n 6._o 6_o 14._o that_o god_n will_v subdue_v my_o iniquity_n micah_n 7._o 19_o i_o want_v particular_a grace_n i_o can_v believe_v but_o my_o evidence_n run_v by_o way_n of_o promise_n the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n hab._n 2._o 4._o that_o thy_o people_n shall_v say_v my_o god_n we_o know_v thou_o hos_n 8._o 2._o i_o want_v repentance_n but_o lord_n it_o be_v write_v thy_o saint_n shall_v look_v and_o mourn_v zech._n 12._o 10._o patience_n but_o i_o find_v that_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n and_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o patience_n rom._n 15._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o i_o be_o under_o affliction_n and_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v sanctify_v and_o it_o be_v write_v that_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o affliction_n shall_v be_v to_o take_v away_o sin_n isai_n 27._o 9_o that_o it_o shall_v make_v i_o partaker_n of_o thy_o holiness_n heb._n 12._o 10_o 11._o say_v lord_n i_o find_v those_o in_o my_o deed_n seal_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o i_o know_v they_o be_v grow_v on_o the_o soil_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o christ_n merit_n lord_n give_v they_o i_o 2._o improve_v it_o to_o a_o life_n of_o consolation_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n but_o thou_o have_v peculiar_a comfort_n to_o live_v upon_o for_o spiritual_n isai_n 40._o 1._o against_o sin_n isai_n 1._o 18._o mic._n 7._o 19_o hos_fw-la 14._o 4._o against_o suffering_n spiritual_a isaiah_n 50._o 10._o against_o temptation_n 1_o corinth_n 10._o 13_o in_o temporal_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a psal_n 84._o 11._o against_o poverty_n psal_n 34_o 9_o 10._o against_o sickness_n psal_n 91._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 41._o 3._o against_o reproach_n math._n 5._o 11_o 12._o against_o persecution_n math._n 5._o 11_o 12._o and_o abundance_n more_o of_o all_o sort_n you_o may_v find_v in_o that_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o mr._n leigh_n concern_v the_o promise_n there_o be_v some_o special_a comfort_n which_o be_v depend_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o you_o have_v several_a of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o 8_o of_o the_o roman_n 1_o that_o however_o low_o your_o condition_n be_v for_o the_o present_a and_o how_o sad_a soever_o god_n dispensation_n of_o providence_n may_v seem_v towards_o you_o
sin_n of_o ordinary_a incursion_n which_o thou_o have_v be_v most_o secure_a of_o and_o make_v ordinary_o the_o least_o account_n of_o when_o thou_o have_v at_o any_o time_n fall_v into_o it_o sometime_o while_o a_o saint_n watch_v diligent_o against_o the_o incursion_n of_o great_a sin_n or_o such_o as_o be_v more_o suspicious_a to_o he_o some_o sin_n that_o he_o make_v little_a account_n of_o lie_v lurk_v in_o the_o throng_n to_o do_v he_o a_o mischief_n like_o the_o adden_fw-mi in_o the_o path_n as_o dan_n be_v describe_v gen._n 49._o 19_o bite_v the_o horse_n heel_n so_o that_o the_o rider_n fall_v backward_o now_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o sin_n be_v small_a in_o itself_o and_o a_o small_a sin_n in_o comparison_n frequent_o admit_v either_o by_o wilfulness_n or_o security_n may_v like_o a_o little_a thief_n as_o well_o steal_v away_o such_o a_o jewel_n as_o thy_o spiritual_a assurance_n be_v as_o a_o great_a nay_o because_o thou_o think_v it_o small_a it_o thereby_o become_v great_a by_o customary_a commission_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o have_v not_o repent_v for_o it_o in_o particular_a though_o often_o fall_v into_o as_o thou_o have_v of_o other_o and_o that_o have_v make_v thou_o so_o easy_a to_o admit_v it_o again_o into_o thy_o heart_n of_o late_a that_o now_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o familiar_a sin_n and_o thou_o begin_v to_o regard_v it_o in_o thy_o heart_n it_o need_v not_o amaze_v thou_o if_o in_o this_o case_n god_n withdraw_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o thou_o and_o that_o small_a sin_n may_v do_v thou_o that_o mischief_n which_o a_o great_a of_o which_o thou_o be_v more_o jealous_a can_v as_o a_o pickpurse_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o gentlewoman_n be_v least_o suspect_v in_o a_o fair_a and_o can_v more_o secure_o steal_v then_o in_o ragged_a beggarly_a accoutrement_n that_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o unlikely_a may_v do_v it_o the_o more_o easy_o because_o it_o be_v so_o unlikely_a chap_n xxxii_o seven_o other_o particular_n of_o advice_n in_o this_o case_n 3_o if_o you_o find_v that_o you_o lose_v it_o by_o such_o or_o such_o a_o miscarriage_n of_o your_o own_o you_o must_v speedy_o labour_v by_o proceed_v in_o a_o holy_a severity_n against_o the_o malefactor_n to_o turn_v away_o wrath_n from_o you_o the_o long_o thou_o delay_v the_o hard_a it_o will_v be_v to_o recover_v the_o clear_a sight_n of_o thy_o evidence_n when_o thou_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o lie_v long_o under_o the_o dirt_n and_o dust_n of_o such_o sinful_a pollution_n take_v this_o course_n then_o 1_v lament_v and_o bewail_v both_o your_o loss_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o when_o sin_n provoke_v god_n to_o hide_v his_o face_n there_o be_v a_o double_a cause_n of_o mourning_n if_o a_o man_n can_v notwithstanding_o sin_n enjoy_v the_o smile_n of_o god_n face_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n saint_n to_o mourn_v for_o sin_n and_o certain_o the_o saint_n never_o mourn_v more_o kind_o than_o when_o the_o warm_a beam_n of_o god_n love_v distil_v the_o soul_n into_o tear_n as_o they_o will_v do_v and_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n holy_a nature_n and_o law_n and_o therefore_o displease_v to_o he_o though_o he_o do_v not_o always_o testify_v his_o displeasure_n against_o it_o but_o now_o when_o to_o this_o shall_v be_v add_v the_o actual_a manifestation_n of_o his_o high_a displeasure_n in_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o his_o face_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o dear_a saint_n for_o its_o sake_n here_o certain_o their_o sorrow_n have_v a_o double_a occasion_n and_o they_o be_v inexcusable_a if_o they_o shall_v in_o this_o case_n rejoice_v as_o other_o people_n hos_fw-la 9_o 1._o those_o person_n be_v vain_a talker_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v tit._n 1._o 10._o who_o deny_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n the_o exercise_n of_o so_o necessary_a a_o affection_n as_o godly_a sorrow_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o expose_v they_o to_o a_o continual_a darkness_n &_o uncomfortableness_n under_o the_o absence_n of_o god_n see_v god_n have_v profess_v that_o he_o will_v withdraw_v till_o man_n acknowledge_v their_o offence_n hos_fw-la 5._o 15._o and_o have_v annex_v comfort_n to_o a_o mourn_a condition_n mat._n 5._o 4._o and_o promise_v to_o dwell_v with_o the_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o to_o revive_v their_o heart_n isa_n 57_o 15._o and_o 61._o 2._o and_o anoint_v his_o son_n with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n in_o especial_a manner_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o that_o mourn_v in_o zion_n and_o especial_o confine_v his_o heal_a grace_n to_o brokennesse_n of_o heart_n isai_n 61._o 1_o 2_o 3._o put_v so_o honourable_a a_o name_n upon_o it_o as_o to_o own_v it_o for_o his_o chief_a and_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n yea_o to_o account_v it_o in_o stead_n of_o all_o other_o sacrifice_n for_o so_o the_o expression_n import_v psal_n 51._o 17._o friend_n will_v you_o lament_v the_o loss_n of_o your_o temporal_a evidence_n and_o vex_v at_o your_o own_o folly_n in_o mislaying_a they_o or_o part_v with_o they_o and_o can_v you_o so_o easy_o bear_v the_o loss_n of_o eternal_a one_o 2._o repent_v and_o do_v your_o first_o work_n except_o 5._o apoc._n 2._o 5._o the_o cause_n be_v remove_v the_o effect_n will_v still_o remain_v till_o the_o sin_n be_v remove_v for_o which_o god_n have_v withdraw_v himself_o god_n will_v not_o return_v he_o that_o avoyd_v a_o place_n because_o of_o the_o infectious_a air_n or_o any_o other_o inconveniency_n in_o his_o habitation_n there_o will_v not_o in_o reason_n return_v till_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o removal_n be_v remove_v if_o thou_o will_v have_v god_n face_n towards_o thou_o as_o at_o former_a time_n thou_o must_v set_v thy_o face_n towards_o he_o as_o at_o former_a time_n i_o have_v former_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o remarkable_a place_n jer._n 31._o 18_o 19_o 20._o where_o as_o soon_o as_o ephraim_n heart_n turn_v god_n bowel_n be_v turn_v too_o be_v ephraim_n a_o pleasant_a child_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o my_o bowel_n be_v trouble_v for_o he_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o boot_n for_o man_n to_o bewail_v their_o loss_n except_o they_o remove_v the_o sin_n that_o cause_v it_o god_n may_v say_v in_o this_o case_n as_o he_o do_v to_o joshua_n why_o lie_v thou_o upon_o thy_o face_n israel_n 12._o josh_n 7._o 12._o have_v sin_v and_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o no_o more_o except_o you_o destroy_v the_o accurse_a from_o among_o you_o so_o he_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o why_o do_v thou_o lie_v whine_v at_o my_o foot_n up_o and_o destroy_v the_o accurse_a thing_n take_v away_o the_o sin_n that_o make_v i_o leave_v my_o habitation_n and_o i_o will_v return_v again_o but_o till_o then_o i_o will_v not_o be_v draw_v to_o rteurne_v by_o all_o thy_o prayer_n and_o tear_n mourn_v for_o sin_n please_v god_n no_o far_o than_o it_o turn_v we_o from_o sin_n 3._o this_o and_o some_o other_o special_a duty_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o god_n special_a glory_n you_o may_v bind_v yourselves_o to_o by_o vow_n psalm_n 51._o 13._o 4._o but_o if_o you_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a in_o yourselves_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v move_v god_n to_o withdraw_v and_o the_o spirit_n to_o detain_v from_o you_o the_o clear_a sight_n of_o your_o evidence_n it_o will_v yet_o be_v good_a to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o religion_n with_o double_a diligence_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o to_o labour_v at_o adventure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o duty_n to_o affect_v your_o heart_n with_o the_o far_a sense_n of_o your_o inclination_n to_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v more_o peculiar_o hint_v out_o to_o you_o before_o as_o especial_o active_a in_o procure_v all_o such_o sad_a day_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o wait_v patient_o upon_o god_n without_o those_o usual_a distemper_n of_o spirit_n which_o oftentimes_o the_o people_n of_o god_n prolong_v their_o trouble_n by_o during_o this_o time_n of_o expectation_n 5._o labour_v as_o much_o as_o possible_o you_o can_v to_o grow_v in_o selfe-abasing_a humility_n and_o a_o high_a prize_v and_o precious_a esteem_n of_o god_n presence_n that_o thou_o may_v thereby_o answer_v god_n expectation_n in_o his_o present_a cloudy_a walk_v towards_o thou_o see_v perhaps_o he_o withdraw_v his_o witness_v spirit_n mere_o by_o way_n of_o prevention_n as_o oft_o time_n he_o do_v god_n may_v foresee_v the_o inclination_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o spiritual_a pride_n which_o thou_o do_v not_o see_v god_n may_v foresee_v that_o too_o much_o familiarity_n with_o he_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v answer_v with_o contempt_n on_o thy_o part_n and_o if_o so_o he_o may_v in_o pity_n and_o prudence_n withdraw_v the_o matter_n
of_o blow_v up_o the_o coal_n as_o well_o as_o by_o throw_v water_n upon_o they_o to_o move_v you_o hereunto_o consider_v 1_o there_o be_v little_a difference_n as_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o grace_n between_o grace_n lie_v dead_a and_o no_o grace_n at_o all_o a_o man_n that_o have_v riches_n and_o god_n give_v he_o not_o a_o heart_n to_o enjoy_v they_o wherein_o be_v he_o better_o as_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o life_n than_o a_o man_n that_o have_v not_o a_o penny_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n say_v solomon_n eccles_n 6._o 1_o 2._o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o grace_n enjoy_v no_o communion_n with_o god_n sit_v dull_a and_o unprofitable_a under_o all_o ordinance_n make_v no_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o any_o enjoyment_n and_o so_o do_v the_o man_n that_o have_v grace_n un-improved_n 2_o the_o less_o you_o stir_v up_o your_o grace_n the_o less_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o use_v they_o when_o you_o have_v need_n if_o a_o man_n faith_n humility_n sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v away_o in_o one_o duty_n or_o two_o he_o will_v not_o find_v they_o ready_o at_o hand_n when_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o they_o again_o a_o tool_n a_o man_n use_v at_o every_o turn_n will_v not_o be_v so_o often_o out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o one_o he_o use_v but_o now_o and_o then_o beside_o suppose_v they_o constant_o at_o hand_n yet_o if_o not_o employ_v they_o will_v be_v rusty_a and_o unfit_a for_o use_v except_o they_o be_v rub_v up_o by_o constant_a employment_n 3_o corruption_n will_v be_v stir_v daily_o and_o satan_n will_v be_v perpetual_o blow_v they_o up_o especial_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o duty_n in_o which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n complain_v horat._n ut_fw-la jugulent_fw-la homines_fw-la surgunt_fw-la de_fw-la nocte_fw-la latrones_fw-la ut_fw-la teipsum_fw-la serve_v non_fw-la expergisceris_fw-la horat._n more_o of_o distemper_n and_o distraction_n than_o that_o duty_n the_o thief_n be_v abroad_o active_a and_o vigilant_a and_o shall_v the_o traveller_n ride_v on_o careless_o and_o not_o look_v about_o he_o to_o keep_v his_o weapon_n in_o a_o readiness_n for_o every_o assault_n there_o be_v no_o road_n more_o infest_a with_o thief_n then_o the_o road_n between_o earth_n and_o heaven_n the_o traffic_n be_v precious_a and_o therefore_o a_o man_n have_v need_n stir_v up_o and_o quicken_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o cautiousnesse_n that_o may_v be_v and_o muster_v up_o all_o his_o strength_n for_o a_o convoy_n to_o secure_v the_o passage_n now_o there_o be_v no_o convoy_n that_o more_o secure_v all_o our_o duty_n in_o that_o traffic_n and_o all_o our_o return_n than_o a_o convoy_n of_o active_a grace_n 4._o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v use_v to_o do_v so_o to_o call_v upon_o themselves_o and_o to_o quicken_v themselves_o unto_o a_o spiritual_a and_o lively_a performance_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n david_n be_v frequent_a herein_o psal_n 103._o 1._o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n arise_v faith_n humility_n self-denial_n joy_n hope_v and_o be_v stir_v i_o be_o about_o a_o duty_n of_o importance_n and_o that_o to_o a_o god_n to_o who_o i_o stand_v deep_o oblige_v do_v your_o best_a therefore_o to_o help_v i_o to_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n so_o psal_n 57_o 7_o 8._o my_o heart_n be_v fix_v or_o prepare_v or_o ready_a awake_v my_o glory_n tongue_n see_v you_o do_v your_o duty_n lively_a and_o vigorous_o awake_v my_o psaltery_a and_o i_o myself_o will_v awake_v early_o i._n e._n i_o will_v stir_v up_o all_o my_o grace_n to_o bear_v you_o company_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n complain_v of_o the_o want_n hereof_o isai_n 64._o 7._o 5_o god_n in_o all_o his_o grant_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o the_o activity_n of_o our_o grace_n in_o approach_v to_o he_o jer._n 30._o 21._o who_o be_v this_o that_o engage_v his_o heart_n to_o approach_v to_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n q._n d._n there_o be_v many_o that_o approach_n to_o i_o but_o who_o be_v that_o among_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o engage_v his_o heart_n to_o approach_v to_o i_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o he_o quicken_v all_o his_o grace_n and_o stir_v up_o all_o his_o soul_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v approach_v to_o i_o as_o if_o a_o great_a man_n come_v to_o a_o town_n and_o public_a entertainment_n be_v make_v he_o if_o any_o one_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v more_o active_a than_o ordinary_a he_o take_v especial_a notice_n of_o he_o who_o be_v this_o that_o make_v so_o much_o ado_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n i_o must_v take_v special_a notice_n of_o he_o and_o gratify_v he_o with_o some_o extraordinary_a favour_n god_n let_v we_o pass_v a_o hundred_o lazy_a petitioner_n and_o seek_v out_o a_o fervent_a one_o in_o a_o throng_n of_o christian_n 6_o if_o you_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o your_o grace_n to_o seek_v god_n god_n will_v stir_v they_o up_o for_o you_o if_o a_o horse_n that_o have_v metal_n enough_o grow_v dull_a the_o rider_n put_v to_o the_o spur_n to_o quicken_v he_o if_o you_o grow_v dull_a and_o careless_a in_o duty_n god_n will_v spur_v up_o your_o grace_n and_o quicken_v you_o to_o your_o pain_n and_o cost_v too_o indeed_o say_v god_n be_v it_o so_o can_v such_o a_o man_n afford_v i_o no_o better_a service_n than_o so_o be_v every_o slight_a slovenly_a performance_n good_a enough_o for_o i_o well_o i_o will_v be_v serve_v with_o that_o that_o cost_v he_o something_o before_o i_o have_v do_v with_o he_o withdraw_v thy_o comfort_n from_o he_o spirit_n smite_v he_o sickness_n vex_v he_o satan_n persecute_v he_o enemy_n i_o will_v warrant_v it_o i_o shall_v hear_v from_o he_o short_o in_o another_o guise_n manner_n hos_fw-la 5._o 15._o in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o take_v this_o for_o a_o usual_a rule_n ordinary_o after_o a_o continue_a deadness_n and_o formality_n of_o spirit_n upon_o a_o saint_n in_o duty_n come_v some_o sharp_a affliction_n or_o other_o chap_n lii_o a_o question_n how_o saint_n may_v recover_v out_o of_o deadness_n in_o prayer_n answer_v something_o about_o form_n quest_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o stir_v up_o myself_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n how_o shall_v i_o recover_v out_o of_o this_o strange_a deadness_n and_o formality_n of_o spirit_n which_o i_o be_o fall_v into_o answ_n 1_o use_v not_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o duty_n in_o which_o you_o approach_v to_o god_n without_o meditation_n david_n say_v of_o himself_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n kindle_v psal_n 39_o 3._o meditate_v principal_o upon_o the_o most_o proper_a move_a object_n of_o every_o grace_n i'faith_o act_n upon_o god_n faithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o stir_v up_o faith_n therefore_o meditate_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o that_o as_o declare_v in_o some_o special_a promise_n that_o concern_v thy_o case_n and_o condition_n love_n and_o thankfulness_n be_v exercise_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n meditate_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o in_o particular_a to_o stir_v up_o those_o grace_n humility_n be_v most_o affect_a with_o a_o man_n own_o vileness_n and_o god_n glory_v compare_v together_o here_o then_o set_v out_o god_n in_o his_o majesty_n as_o glorious_o as_o thou_o can_v in_o thy_o meditation_n then_o view_v thy_o self_n and_o thy_o own_o vileness_n especial_o reflect_v upon_o those_o sin_n of_o thou_o which_o have_v have_v most_o vileness_n and_o loathsomnesse_n of_o circumstance_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o most_o abominable_a aggravation_n and_o so_o in_o other_o grace_n 2._o choose_v the_o most_o free_a and_o lively_a season_n for_o duty_n the_o morning_n before_o worldly_a business_n have_v deadn_v &_o flat_v the_o spirit_n be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o david_n so_o often_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o time_n psalm_n 5._o 3._o &_o 59_o 16._o &_o 88_o 13._o &_o 119._o 147._o &_o 63._o 1._o 108._o 2._o etc._n etc._n if_o a_o man_n will_v attend_v any_o business_n without_o distraction_n or_o disturbance_n that_o be_v the_o time_n to_o be_v beforehand_o with_o the_o disturbance_n of_o daily_a business_n and_o occasion_n when_o we_o slip_v out_o of_o every_o worldly_a employment_n into_o prayer_n or_o at_o night_n when_o we_o be_v half_o asleep_a mix_v nod_n with_o petition_n no_o wonder_n if_o we_o complain_v of_o deadness_n and_o dulness_n and_o distraction_n 3._o watch_v to_o prayer_n col._n 4._o 2._o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n 4._o 7._o be_v sober_a and_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n watch_v against_o satan_n who_o will_v then_o be_v busy_a to_o disturb_v you_o it_o may_v be_v with_o atheistical_a and_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o other_o
time_n of_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v part_n of_o their_o plague_n that_o god_n will_v laugh_v at_o their_o destruction_n prov._n 1._o 26._o 27._o be-fool_n thyself_o and_o be-beast_n thyself_o before_o god_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o improvident_a as_o to_o neglect_v the_o provide_v of_o any_o material_n to_o build_v thou_o a_o shed_v against_o a_o storm_n or_o to_o think_v that_o thou_o shall_v never_o see_v a_o time_n in_o which_o thou_o shall_v have_v need_n of_o god_n say_v lord_n thou_o be_v just_a but_o i_o be_o wicked_a it_o be_v righteous_a with_o thou_o to_o stamp_v my_o punishment_n with_o the_o very_a image_n of_o my_o sin_n thou_o be_v righteous_a though_o thou_o shall_v never_o open_v my_o lip_n or_o my_o heart_n though_o thou_o shall_v seal_v my_o condemnation_n to_o my_o soul_n by_o seal_v up_o both_o my_o heart_n &_o mouth_n and_o not_o suffer_v i_o so_o much_o as_o to_o open_v my_o mouth_n to_o petition_v for_o a_o pardon_n 3._o earnest_o gâ—oan_n and_o sigh_v before_o the_o lord_n as_o thou_o can_v desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v against_o thou_o the_o advantage_n which_o thy_o provocation_n have_v give_v he_o that_o he_o will_v enlarge_v thy_o heart_n and_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n and_o who_o know_v whether_o in_o pray_v that_o thou_o may_v pray_v god_n may_v not_o teach_v thou_o to_o pray_v it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o god_n bid_v even_o carnal_a man_n to_o pray_v act._n 8._o â—…_n though_o they_o can_v pray_v acceptable_o without_o the_o spirit_n sure_a it_o be_v because_o in_o his_o ordinary_a way_n of_o dispensation_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v in_o pray_v as_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n be_v give_v in_o hear_v though_o we_o can_v hear_v acceptable_o without_o faith_n i_o think_v the_o word_n hold_v forth_o no_o less_o luke_n 11._o 13._o he_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o we_o can_v ask_v the_o spirit_n as_o we_o ought_v without_o the_o spirit_n yet_o we_o get_v the_o spirit_n in_o ask_v 4._o think_v not_o thy_o present_a estate_n utter_o irremediable_a for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o god_n will_v not_o be_v find_v of_o sinner_n though_o they_o seek_v the_o blessing_n with_o tear_n heb._n 12._o 17._o yet_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o time_n in_o which_o he_o exclude_v a_o penitent_a and_o sincere_a heart_a petitioner_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o a_o profane_a esau_n fail_v in_o find_v be_v because_o he_o fail_v in_o seek_v if_o thy_o heart_n be_v now_o so_o affect_v as_o be_v before_o describe_v know_v god_n have_v in_o part_n hear_v thou_o in_o give_v thou_o a_o heart_n so_o serious_o affect_v with_o its_o own_o barrenness_n deadness_n and_o impenitency_n and_o know_v far_o that_o barrenness_n feel_v and_o complain_v of_o and_o groan_v under_o be_v no_o more_o barren_a but_o occasional_o fruitful_a in_o many_o sweet_a affection_n though_o yet_o thou_o be_v straighten_v in_o expression_n and_o there_o may_v be_v more_o prayer_n in_o one_o groan_n from_o a_o heart_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o own_o inability_n to_o pray_v then_o in_o many_o large_a discourse_n and_o â—rations_n to_o god_n from_o a_o formal_a and_o customary_a devotion_n 5._o shall_v thou_o die_v in_o this_o condition_n with_o thy_o face_n towards_o heaven_n yet_o thou_o may_v die_v with_o hope_n that_o thy_o present_a seed_n time_n of_o tear_n shall_v end_v in_o a_o harvest_n of_o joy_n that_o though_o thy_o mouth_n be_v shut_v on_o earth_n yet_o see_v god_n have_v open_v thy_o heart_n it_o shall_v also_o be_v open_v in_o heaven_n the_o have_v prayer_n on_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o effectual_a prayer_n though_o but_o a_o short_a one_o let_v that_o keep_v thou_o from_o despair_n but_o let_v it_o not_o encourage_v thou_o to_o presume_v he_o that_o make_v but_o one_o prayer_n in_o his_o life_n and_o that_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n yet_o that_o one_o prayer_n prevail_v to_o open_a paradise_n i_o fear_v his_o example_n have_v occasional_o shut_v it_o to_o thousand_o of_o presume_a sinner_n that_o have_v presume_v upon_o the_o same_o admittance_n yet_o as_o to_o thou_o who_o heart_n god_n have_v open_v i_o dare_v present_v it_o as_o a_o encouragement_n tell_v i_o not_o god_n open_v not_o thy_o mouth_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v open_a it_o be_v far_o more_o than_o if_o the_o mouth_n be_v never_o so_o enlarge_v one_o sigh_n in_o secret_a of_o a_o break_a heart_n be_v more_o than_o many_o loud_a howl_n of_o fright_a formalist_n and_o hypocrite_n that_o key_n that_o open_v the_o heart_n will_v open_v heaven_n too_o 6_o and_o last_o now_o resolve_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v lay_v help_n upon_o he_o for_o thou_o that_o if_o ever_o thou_o get_v out_o of_o the_o present_a trouble_n if_o ever_o thou_o be_v enable_v to_o break_v these_o bar_n of_o indisposition_n &_o streightnednesse_n of_o spirit_n thou_o will_v never_o be_v so_o neglectful_a of_o maintain_v the_o acquaintance_n thou_o have_v get_v with_o god_n as_o thou_o have_v be_v in_o get_v it_o and_o take_v heed_n for_o time_n to_o come_v that_o thou_o perform_v thy_o resolution_n in_o that_o kind_n take_v heed_n prove_v not_o so_o ungrateful_a or_o ill-natured_a as_o to_o look_v no_o more_o after_o god_n when_o once_o the_o present_a turn_n be_v serve_v and_o thou_o think_v thou_o can_v go_v alone_o let_v god_n see_v that_o thou_o seek_v his_o acquaintance_n for_o his_o own_o worth_n and_o excellency_n not_o mere_o for_o mercenary_a end_n and_o thy_o own_o necessity_n lest_o god_n deal_v with_o thou_o for_o time_n to_o come_v as_o man_n use_v to_o deal_v with_o those_o that_o haunt_v they_o only_o when_o they_o have_v need_n of_o they_o lest_o he_o resolve_v not_o to_o be_v at_o home_o when_o thou_o knocke_v for_o he_o henceforward_o and_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o be_v speak_v withal_o walk_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o street_n that_o he_o may_v not_o meet_v thou_o and_o be_v occasion_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o thou_o and_o know_v thou_o afar_o off_o look_v high_a psalm_n 138._o 6._o and_o keep_v distance_n and_o either_o in_o judgement_n shut_v up_o thy_o mouth_n and_o heart_n to_o prayer_n again_o which_o he_o may_v easy_o do_v it_o be_v but_o withhold_a the_o supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o thou_o be_v as_o dead_a as_o a_o doornaile_n as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v or_o else_o open_v it_o in_o a_o great_a judgement_n to_o let_v thou_o tire_v and_o weary_a out_o thyself_o with_o such_o cry_n and_o howl_n as_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o turn_v the_o deaf_a ear_n unto_o and_o that_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n to_o have_v the_o mouth_n open_v in_o prayer_n and_o heaven_n shut_v against_o it_o lam._n 3._o 8._o 2_o if_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o that_o holy_a generation_n of_o seeker_n not_o above_o duty_n but_o under_o it_o psalm_n 24._o 6._o have_v by_o a_o constant_a intercourse_n with_o god_n enter_v a_o holy_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o in_o former_a time_n and_o therefore_o take_v it_o ill_o that_o thou_o can_v neither_o send_v to_o he_o nor_o hear_v from_o he_o now_o that_o at_o so_o needful_a a_o time_n thou_o have_v lose_v thy_o wont_a correspondence_n and_o can_v not_o because_o all_o thy_o wont_a post_n of_o holy_a and_o flame_a affection_n and_o importunate_a expression_n be_v stop_v give_v he_o intelligence_n of_o thy_o condition_n 1_o do_v not_o judge_v over_o harsh_o of_o thyself_o because_o thereof_o for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n under_o the_o greatness_n of_o trouble_n incident_a to_o the_o best_a of_o god_n saint_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o burden_n that_o oppress_v they_o curae_fw-la leves_fw-la loquuntur_fw-la ingentes_fw-la stupent_fw-la little_a trouble_n be_v loud_a but_o great_a one_o dumb_a it_o be_v hezekiahs_n case_n isaiah_n 38._o 14._o lord_n i_o be_o oppress_v the_o hebrew_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o verb_n of_o the_o three_o person_n and_o feminine_a gender_n say_v one_o of_o the_o rabbin_n have_v relation_n â—o_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 12._o which_o we_o translate_v a_o pine_a sickness_n and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v my_o waste_a disease_n have_v so_o spend_v my_o very_a spirit_n that_o i_o be_o grow_v a_o mere_a stock_n so_o dull_a and_o stupid_a that_o i_o can_v perform_v any_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o will_v and_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a complaint_n of_o most_o of_o god_n people_n that_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o body_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n much_o deadn_v the_o vigour_n and_o activity_n of_o their_o spirit_n it_o be_v job_n case_n chap._n 6