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you_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n remember_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o reverend_a witness_n of_o all_o your_o proceed_n who_o stand_v by_o and_o judge_v you_o while_o you_o be_v judge_v yourselves_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o this_o or_o nothing_o will_v over-awe_n your_o mind_n and_o make_v you_o impartial_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o business_n as_o for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n have_v a_o care_n of_o needless_a delay_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o do_v not_o rush_v precipitant_o upon_o it_o when_o you_o be_v unfit_a for_o such_o a_o undertake_n take_v such_o a_o season_n for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o possible_a when_o your_o spirit_n be_v lively_a your_o head_n clear_a your_o affection_n calm_a and_o compose_v otherwise_o if_o you_o set_v about_o it_o when_o your_o head_n be_v confuse_v your_o spirit_n deject_v or_o oppress_v with_o melancholy_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o your_o passion_n tumultuous_a and_o afloat_a you_o will_v make_v 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in_o suspense_n but_o do_v sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o your_o case_n be_v it_o better_o or_o worse_o and_o that_o he_o himself_z his_o command_v you_o to_o search_v and_o try_v yourselves_o that_o the_o work_n be_v difficult_a and_o you_o dare_v not_o undertake_v it_o in_o your_o own_o strength_n in_o short_a that_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o rely_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o fail_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o appoint_a way_n say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a chap._n x._o sundry_a question_n propose_v by_o which_o to_o examine_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o general_a direction_n be_v premise_v we_o now_o come_v to_o offer_v you_o some_o far_a help_n or_o to_o lead_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n through_o the_o duty_n itself_o that_o so_o you_o may_v at_o length_n discover_v how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o eternity_n and_o here_o let_v i_o first_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o main_a point_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o your_o soul_n be_v affect_v towards_o the_o glorious_a bless_a god_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a comprehensive_a question_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o â—he_v rest_n which_o be_v entire_o subordinate_a to_o it_o observe_v it_o will_v stop_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v it_o it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v help_v you_o to_o understand_v remember_v and_o true_o to_o resolve_v what_o further_a inquiry_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o you_o as_o be_v the_o centre_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v all_o design_v if_o as_o to_o the_o main_a you_o be_v right_a here_o viz_o if_o your_o soul_n be_v due_o affect_v towards_o god_n all_o be_v your_o own_o you_o may_v then_o conclude_v that_o you_o be_v wrought_v for_o heaven_n indeed_o you_o shall_v not_o miss_v of_o happiness_n if_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o infinite_a all-sufficient_a god_n to_o mâ—ke_v you_o happy_a luk._n 15.31_o son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o well_o then_o iâ—_n in_o your_o most_o serious_a deliberate_a judgement_n you_o do_v high_o esteem_v he_o as_o infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a good_a for_o you_o again_o if_o your_o will_n and_o heart_n do_v sincere_o cleave_v to_o he_o love_v he_o rest_n in_o he_o resolve_v for_o he_o as_o such_o and_o then_o if_o the_o state_v couâ—se_n of_o your_o life_n be_v in_o the_o main_a agreeable_a to_o such_o apprehension_n and_o resolution_n you_o may_v then_o go_v your_o wâ—y_n eat_v your_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v your_o wine_n with_o a_o merry_a heart_n because_o god_n accept_v you_o eccles_n 9_o 7._o yet_o let_v i_o far_o add_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n go_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v reâ—lly_o and_o true_o your_o case_n most_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o they_o esteem_v and_o love_n god_n above_o all_o with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n ezek._n 33.31_o nor_o will_v any_o have_v be_v more_o forward_o in_o so_o profess_v than_o those_o very_a person_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n speak_v john_n 5_o 42._o i_o know_v you_o that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o you_o let_v i_o therefore_o help_v you_o to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o case_n by_o the_o follow_a question_n question_v 1_o how_o do_v you_o relish_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o happiness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n i_o beseech_v you_o deal_v true_o and_o faithful_o with_o your_o soul_n
perish_v by_o multitude_n round_o about_o you_o and_o not_o once_o open_v your_o mouth_n to_o help_v they_o be_v this_o to_o love_v your_o neighbour_n as_o yourselves_o 3._o in_o a_o word_n i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n wherever_o you_o come_v or_o with_o whosoever_o you_o converse_v to_o do_v good_a to_o soul_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o sacred_a thing_n shall_v be_v expose_v by_o rashness_n indiscretion_n or_o imprudent_a management_n nor_o pearl_n cast_v before_o swine_n who_o will_v turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o but_o one_o thing_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o world_n be_v the_o name_n of_o holiness_n justice_n purity_n religion_n etc._n etc._n be_v still_o honourable_a among_o man_n and_o the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v account_v odious_a no_o man_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o impious_a profane_a unrighteous_a villian_n now_o this_o give_v you_o some_o advantage_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n may_v find_v many_o ooportunity_n to_o bring_v in_o good_a discourse_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o woâ—st_n of_o man_n shall_v scarce_o dare_v to_o contradict_v it_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o serious_a religion_n which_o command_v awe_n and_o reverence_n even_o from_o they_o that_o hate_v it_o herod_n fear_v john_n the_o baptist_n know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a man_n and_o a_o holy_a mark_n 6.20_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v civilise_a or_o moralize_v as_o some_o speak_v the_o difficulty_n be_v next_o to_o nothing_o to_o bring_v in_o some_o edify_a discourse_n among_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v some_o good_a savour_n behind_o you_o christian_n shall_v be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n mat._n 5.13_o and_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o they_o seem_v to_o place_v it_o in_o can_v you_o not_o gentle_o and_o prudent_o reprove_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o where_o you_o think_v it_o may_v do_v good_a i_o know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o go_v as_o much_o against_o the_o grain_n as_o almost_o any_o but_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a leu._n 19.17_o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_n thy_o neighbour_n and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n to_o the_o upon_o he_o or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v that_o thou_o bear_v not_o sin_n for_o he_o you_o make_v yourselves_o partaker_n with_o other_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n if_o you_o endeavour_v not_o to_o prevent_v they_o in_o short_a god_n will_v own_v those_o that_o own_v he_o and_o stand_v up_o for_o his_o cause_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o see_v where_o you_o can_v find_v a_o better_a patron_n moreover_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n you_o may_v make_v way_n for_o do_v good_a to_o their_o soul_n by_o show_v kindness_n to_o their_o body_n if_o you_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o be_v at_o any_o expense_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n i_o say_v no_o more_o than_o this_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o grief_n can_v have_v any_o place_n in_o heaven_n this_o sure_a will_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o remember_v how_o little_o we_o have_v do_v for_o god_n on_o earth_n direct_v 6._o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n and_o duty_n which_o tend_v most_o direct_o heaven-ward_n and_o be_v near_a a_o kin_n to_o that_o bless_a state_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v you_o ripe_a for_o glory_n you_o need_v not_o stay_v for_o all_o of_o heaven_n till_o you_o come_v thither_o there_o be_v great_a foreta_v of_o it_o to_o be_v enjoy_v on_o earth_n if_o you_o be_v not_o want_v to_o yourselves_o you_o may_v feast_v your_o soul_n upon_o the_o provision_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v for_o your_o present_a support_n and_o more_o especial_o upon_o those_o discovery_n which_o he_o have_v give_v you_o of_o the_o glory_n intend_v for_o you_o and_o you_o have_v need_v so_o to_o do_v lest_o you_o faint_v by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v say_v to_o you_o as_o the_o angel_n to_o elijah_n 1._o king_n 19.7_o arise_v and_o eat_v because_o the_o journey_n be_v too_o great_a for_o thou_o 1._o live_v by_o faith_n upon_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n be_v make_v sure_a unto_o true_a believer_n realize_v those_o promise_n there_o remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n blessed_n be_v the_o dead_a that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o let_v he_o follow_v i_o and_o where_o i_o be_o there_o shall_v also_o my_o servant_n be_v if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n these_o be_v the_o true_a say_n of_o god_n rev._n 19.9_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o consider_v and_o live_v upon_o what_o tho_o at_o present_a we_o have_v not_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o immediate_a intuition_n know_v you_o not_o that_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v instead_o of_o sight_n till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n heb._n 11.1_o but_o alas_o how_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o take_v up_o with_o some_o dark_a dream_v confuse_a notion_n and_o thought_n instead_o of_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n 2._o labour_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o yourselves_o earnest_a long_n after_o this_o bless_a state_n how_o can_v we_o say_v we_o love_v our_o lord_n if_o our_o hearâ—s_n be_v not_o with_o he_o shall_v we_o not_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o where_o christ_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n col._n 3.1_o 2._o ouâ—_n lord_n be_v there_o our_o inheritance_n be_v there_o many_o of_o our_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n be_v go_v before_o how_o ill_o do_v it_o become_v we_o to_o suffer_v our_o heart_n to_o flag_n as_o if_o we_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o follow_v they_o or_o no_o sure_o we_o shall_v groan_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.2_o do_v but_o observe_v how_o eager_a and_o intent_n worldling_n be_v upon_o empty_a vanity_n thing_n that_o can_v profit_v and_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o cold_a and_o heartless_a in_o the_o tendency_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a be_v our_o heart_n more_o set_v upon_o heaven_n it_o will_v put_v life_n and_o savour_n into_o all_o our_o duty_n it_o will_v support_v we_o under_o affliction_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o baffle_v temptation_n it_o will_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o raise_v we_o above_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n but_o i_o proceed_v 3._o be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o lively_a well_o ground_v hope_n faith_n present_v the_o heavenly_a glory_n to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o soul_n desire_n reach_v forth_o towards_o it_o hope_n lay_v hold_v upon_o it_o to_o this_o we_o be_v beget_v again_o 1_o pet._n 1.3_o by_o this_o we_o be_v save_v rom._n 8.24_o see_v first_o that_o your_o hope_n be_v 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this_o labour_v still_o to_o get_v near_o to_o god_n more_o inward_a with_o he_o and_o that_o your_o heart_n may_v move_v more_o natural_o towards_o he_o god_n be_v love_n direct_v 7._o observe_v narrow_o the_o temper_n and_o behaviour_n of_o those_o person_n who_o seem_v ripe_a for_o heaven_n and_o take_v they_o for_o your_o example_n converse_v much_o with_o such_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o the_o wise_a shall_v be_v wise_a in_o such_o you_o may_v observe_v manifold_a appearance_n of_o those_o inward_a gracious_a principle_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v in_o they_o you_o may_v observe_v great_a humility_n and_o condescension_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v their_o inferior_n great_a tenderness_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n great_a delight_n in_o make_v mention_n familiar_o of_o those_o that_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n before_o they_o a_o excellent_a composure_n of_o gravity_n and_o cheerfulness_n a_o weighty_a seriousness_n and_o warmth_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n holy_a worship_n in_o a_o word_n you_o may_v see_v plain_o enough_o whether_o they_o be_v go_v and_o how_o beautiful_a a_o thing_n holiness_n be_v thus_o grow_v up_o towards_o its_o perfection_n finis_fw-la
praeparatio_fw-la evangelica_n or_o a_o plain_a and_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v the_o soul_n preparation_n for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o several_a sermon_n preach_v at_o leeds_n by_o timothy_n manlove_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n heb._n 12.14_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 1_o joh._n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o heb._n 2.3_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n london_n print_v for_o nevil_n simmons_n bookseller_n in_o sheffield_n yorkshire_n and_o sell_v by_o george_n conier_n at_o the_o ring_n in_o little_a britain_n 1698._o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o serious_a reader_n cvstom_n oblige_v i_o to_o say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o subject_a before_o we_o be_v such_o as_o require_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o press_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o upon_o all_o to_o who_o it_o be_v present_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n fit_v for_o immortality_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v and_o act_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o design_v thereto_o be_v a_o truth_n common_o acknowledge_v among_o christian_n yea_o and_o among_o pagan_n too_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o a_o former_a treatise_n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a important_a one_o how_o little_a soever_o consider_v by_o the_o unthinking_a world_n must_v we_o live_v for_o ever_o sure_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v whither_o we_o be_v go_v what_o state_n wâ—_n be_v like_a to_o enter_v upon_o when_o the_o uncertain_a term_n of_o our_o present_a life_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o end_n shall_v it_o be_v well_o or_o ilâ—_n with_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n the_o resolution_n of_o this_o great_a question_n depend_v upon_o our_o behaviour_n whilâ—_n we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n for_o accora_v to_o that_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v whether_o it_o bâ—_n good_a or_o bad_a 2_o cor._n 5.10_o the_o goodness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o ouâ—_n action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o their_o agreeableness_n or_o disagreeableness_n to_o thâ—_n divine_a law_n which_o be_v norma_fw-la officiâ—_n &_o judicii_fw-la a_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o and_o by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v the_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v enjoinâ—_n be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o qualify_v and_o fâ—â—_n we_o for_o that_o eternal_a blessedness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o his_o holy_a one_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o great_a consequence_n to_o understand_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n because_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a our_o apprehension_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o more_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v raise_v to_o desire_v it_o and_o our_o endeavour_n quicken_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o better_a we_o shall_v understand_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v rather_o confess_v than_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o christian_a name_n and_o this_o not_o for_o want_v of_o suitable_a mean_n and_o help_v in_o order_n to_o such_o knowledge_n but_o for_o want_v of_o heart_n to_o use_v they_o prov._n 17.16_o man_n thought_n be_v otherwise_o take_v up_o and_o their_o carnal_a mind_n be_v averse_a from_o consideration_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a because_o god_n have_v command_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a truth_n neither_o for_o beside_o this_o legal_a necessity_n of_o it_o there_o be_v also_o a_o natural_a necessity_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a without_o be_v holy_a as_o that_o a_o blind_a man_n shall_v be_v delight_v with_o colour_n or_o one_o that_o be_v deaf_a with_o sound_n and_o harmony_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o must_v make_v a_o rational_a immortal_a spirit_n complete_o bless_v namely_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a glorious_a bless_a god_n whereunto_o a_o unholy_a soul_n be_v utter_o indispose_v and_o disaffect_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v happy_a till_o its_o temper_n be_v alter_v and_o make_v suitable_a to_o the_o object_n that_o be_v holy_a the_o saint_n in_o glory_n be_v take_v up_o with_o god_n admire_a love_a praise_v and_o delight_v in_o he_o as_o their_o chief_a good_a their_o only_a soul-satisfying_a portion_n yea_o and_o as_o infinite_o and_o amiable_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o withal_o enjoy_v the_o most_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o without_o any_o cloud_n darkness_n or_o interruption_n now_o this_o kind_n of_o happiness_n be_v no_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o disposition_n of_o a_o unsanctified_a heart_n and_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v happy_a while_o his_o very_a soul_n be_v averse_a to_o and_o at_o enmity_n against_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v make_v he_o so_o this_o be_v the_o woeful_a case_n of_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o loud_o call_v for_o our_o deep_a lamentation_n over_o it_o and_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o redress_v it_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v thought_n meet_v to_o publish_v the_o follow_a discourse_n wherein_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o lay_v open_a our_o way_n and_o our_o end_n begin_v with_o the_o latter_a according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o intention_n i_o have_v therefore_o first_o lay_v down_o a_o short_a plain_a scriptural_a account_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o true_a believer_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o great_a work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v prepare_v wrought_v or_o make_v meet_v for_o that_o state_n each_o of_o these_o give_v light_a to_o the_o other_o the_o end_n and_o way_n be_v so_o near_o akin_a that_o they_o differ_v rather_o in_o degree_n than_o in_o kind_n grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v glory_n be_v grace_n perfect_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v and_o compare_v together_o the_o advantage_n will_v be_v very_o great_a every_o way_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o mention_v some_o few_o particular_n 1._o this_o will_v effectual_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorant_a cavil_n of_o foolish_a man_n who_o complain_v that_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v too_o strict_a and_o precise_a for_o they_o do_v they_o but_o better_a know_v what_o the_o bless_a above_o be_v do_v and_o what_o they_o be_v enjoy_v they_o will_v quick_o see_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o care_n we_o can_v use_v be_v all_o little_a enough_o to_o ripen_v we_o for_o so_o holy_a so_o glorious_a so_o perfect_a a_o state_n 2._o it_o will_v certain_o pull_v down_o the_o groundless_a presumption_n of_o self-deceiving_a hypocrite_n who_o promise_v to_o themselves_o heaven_n at_o last_o though_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o that_o vital_a power_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o come_n thither_o no_o wonder_n that_o man_n who_o hope_v for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o hereafter_o live_v they_o know_v not_o or_o care_v not_o how_o while_o they_o be_v here_o but_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_n that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v gal._n 6.7_o 3._o this_o will_v also_o show_v we_o what_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v like_a to_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o advantageous_a to_o ourselves_o viz._n that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o refine_v and_o spiritualise_v our_o heart_n and_o so_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o heaven_n 4._o and_o consequent_o what_o end_v we_o ought_v to_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o in_o every_o religious_a duty_n namely_o that_o we_o may_v get_v as_o near_o unto_o god_n and_o be_v as_o inward_a with_o he_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o state_n of_o full_a and_o perfect_a communion_n with_o he_o 5._o and_o what_o need_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a grace_n to_o elevate_v and_o raise_v our_o heart_n to_o such_o high_a and_o holy_a thing_n as_o these_o alas_o what_o poor_a work_n shall_v we_o make_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o 6._o this_o will_v great_o support_v the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o present_a state_n and_o work_n their_o spiritual_a conflict_n will_v soon_o be_v over_o and_o heaven_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o the_o end_n to_o which_o the_o despise_a way_n of_o
better_a frame_n it_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o true_a grace_n tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o heal_v all_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o rectify_v all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n and_o so_o the_o passion_n and_o affection_n among_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o wrong_a object_n to_o moderate_v their_o excess_n to_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o right_a channel_n nor_o be_v these_o tendency_n fruitless_a the_o effect_n be_v in_o part_n accomplish_v so_o far_o as_o this_o great_a change_n take_v place_n and_o prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o affection_n of_o love_n desire_v joy_n delight_n hatred_n sorrow_n fear_v and_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v move_v towards_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o ends._n we_o shall_v hate_v and_o abhor_v what_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n mourn_v that_o we_o have_v so_o often_o offend_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o and_o to_o enjoy_v more_o of_o he_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o love_n god_n more_o seel_o and_o so_o to_o rejoice_v and_o delight_v in_o he_o and_o though_o many_o impediment_n and_o difficulty_n arise_v in_o our_o way_n yet_o still_o grace_n will_v be_v tend_v to_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o be_v great_o want_v to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o daily_o endeavour_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o we_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v quicken_v more_o and_o more_o in_o their_o motion_n by_o it_o if_o we_o stay_v till_o our_o affection_n stir_v of_o themselves_o we_o may_v wait_v long_o enough_o it_o be_v our_o part_n active_o to_o concur_v with_o and_o by_o that_o gracious_a help_n which_o be_v afford_v we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o quicken_a and_o spiritualize_v of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o more_o under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o will_n till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v accustom_a and_o enure_v to_o move_v more_o natural_o free_o and_o strong_o heaven-ward_n nor_o must_v we_o faint_v or_o be_v discourage_v though_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n sluggish_a and_o averse_a to_o such_o work_n as_o this_o we_o must_v persist_v in_o duty_n notwithstanding_o this_o indisposition_n and_o wait_v for_o god_n help_n in_o his_o own_o way_n yea_o we_o must_v cast_v ourselves_o into_o his_o arm_n though_o he_o may_v seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o shut_v up_o himself_o from_o our_o prayer_n and_o to_o withhold_v the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n it_o may_v be_v he_o withdraw_v to_o see_v how_o we_o will_v take_v it_o shall_v we_o not_o lament_v and_o follow_v so_o much_o the_o hard_a after_o he_o what_o though_o we_o have_v not_o sensible_a comfort_n let_v we_o stay_v ourselves_o on_o he_o and_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n rom._n 4.18_o duty_n be_v sweet_a when_o recover_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n we_o be_v bind_v but_o god_n be_v free_a what_o you_o want_v as_o to_o the_o ceiling_n of_o affection_n make_v out_o in_o deep_a and_o rational_a resolution_n for_o god_n and_o you_o will_v get_v ground_n even_o while_o you_o think_v you_o lose_v it_o 5._o even_o the_o body_n itself_o must_v be_v sanctify_v that_o be_v present_v or_o devote_v unto_o god_n and_o use_v for_o he_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o possess_v his_o vessel_n in_o sanctification_n 1_o thess_n 4.3_o 4._o that_o sin_n reign_v not_o in_o our_o mortal_a body_n but_o that_o we_o yield_v our_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o god_n rom._n 6.12_o 13._o our_o body_n be_v for_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 6.13_o 15._o temple_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n vers_fw-la 19_o the_o body_n must_v be_v use_v as_o a_o servant_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o both_o employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.20_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a without_o or_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a 1_o tim._n 4.8_o to_o bow_v the_o knee_n while_o our_o spirit_n remain_v stubborn_a and_o unbroken_a to_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n heaven-ward_n if_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o also_o lift_v up_o to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o be_v a_o addition_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o iniquity_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v for_o god_n our_o body_n will_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o they_o and_o their_o member_n according_o use_v by_o they_o the_o eye_n will_v be_v open_v to_o behold_v the_o wonderful_a discovery_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o his_o work_n and_o in_o his_o word_n the_o ear_n to_o hear_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n the_o lip_n to_o praise_n and_o magnify_v he_o and_o by_o spiritual_a discourse_n to_o edify_v other_o feed_v many_o and_o minister_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n therefore_o though_o our_o heart_n must_v be_v first_o look_v at_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n yet_o care_n must_v also_o be_v take_v that_o our_o word_n and_o deportment_n be_v also_o suitable_a and_o become_a because_o outward_a worship_n be_v expressive_a of_o that_o which_o be_v inward_a and_o reflect_v back_o again_o upon_o the_o heart_n itself_o as_o habit_n be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o act_n which_o flow_v from_o they_o so_o be_v internal_a affection_n by_o correspondent_a expression_n and_o behaviour_n in_o duty_n though_o we_o must_v not_o so_o cry_v up_o and_o magnify_v the_o external_o of_o worship_n as_o to_o overlook_v the_o inward_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o as_o hypocrite_n who_o love_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v our_o good_a meaning_n or_o spirituality_n in_o divine_a worship_n to_o excuse_v we_o from_o befit_v gesture_n or_o outward_a demeanour_n therein_o nor_o must_v we_o be_v forward_o to_o judge_n and_o censure_v other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v mere_a ceremonious_a hypocrire_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o put_v religion_n into_o a_o more_o fine_a or_o formal_a dress_n than_o we_o ourselves_o have_v be_v use_v to_o in_o short_a let_v we_o neither_o be_v rude_a nor_o antic_a in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o let_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o spirit_n as_o also_o our_o word_n and_o gesture_n be_v reverend_a grave_a and_o serious_a lest_o we_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o profane_v holy_a thing_n god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o whole_a man._n thus_o you_o see_v that_o our_o intellectual_a and_o sensitive_a faculty_n yea_o and_o our_o body_n too_o must_v according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n be_v all_o sanctify_a and_o devote_v unto_o god_n which_o be_v full_o comprehend_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thess_n 5.23_o and_o the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v you_o whole_o and_o i_o pray_v god_n your_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o head_n viz._n that_o this_o great_a change_n consist_v in_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n from_o who_o we_o have_v so_o deep_o revolt_v ii_o since_o it_o be_v only_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n that_o god_n be_v reconcilable_a to_o fall_v man_n it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o we_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o he_o in_o this_o matter_n joh._n 14.6_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o so_o vers_fw-la 19_o of_o this_o chapter_n god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o act_n 4.12_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v our_o ultimate_a end_n so_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n and_o way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o end_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o full_o declare_v in_o this_o point_n viz._n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o access_n to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o the_o son_n that_o it_o will_v be_v insolent_a dare_a presumâ—ption_n for_o we_o to_o attempt_v it_o any_o other_o way_n never_o think_v of_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n transact_v with_o he_o present_v yourselves_o or_o service_n to_o he_o or_o of_o expect_v any_o favour_n from_o he_o but_o in_o and_o through_o christ_n joh._n 5.23_o he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v he_o it_o be_v therefore_o requisite_a that_o we_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o this_o great_a mediator_n that_o we_o dear_o love_v he_o and_o sincere_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o
the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n yea_o and_o sometime_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n beside_o those_o of_o daily_a infirmity_n and_o therefore_o be_v often_o call_v to_o repentance_n humiliation_n and_o amendment_n and_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o act_v faith_n upon_o his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o double_v their_o watch_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o future_a when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o be_v not_o perhaps_o oblige_v at_o all_o to_o call_v in_o question_n their_o foundation_n nor_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubt_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o main_a indeed_o as_o for_o those_o who_o oft_o fall_v into_o groffer_n sin_n and_o lie_v long_o in_o they_o even_o such_o sin_n as_o they_o may_v easy_o forbear_v if_o they_o be_v true_o willing_a such_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o question_v their_o own_o sincerity_n but_o as_o for_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o the_o godly_a yea_o or_o their_o great_a fall_n through_o inadvertency_n surprise_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o sudden_a temptation_n the_o case_n here_o be_v quite_o different_a if_o a_o workman_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v his_o foundation_n and_o be_v proceed_v forward_o in_o the_o building_n shall_v upon_o evevy_n lesser_a or_o some_o few_o great_a mistake_n in_o the_o superstructure_n pull_v down_o all_o again_o and_o question_v the_o foundation_n itself_o he_o will_v make_v very_o little_a progress_n and_o so_o have_v but_o little_a comfort_n in_o his_o work_n so_o here_o true_a believer_n who_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n have_v still_o need_v to_o beg_v daily_a pardon_n for_o their_o daily_a sin_n yet_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o needless_a doubt_n or_o misgive_a thought_n as_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o main_a for_o if_o any_o man_n siam_fw-it we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a 1_o john_n 2.1_o he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n but_o be_v clean_o every_o whit_n john_n 13.10_o when_o david_n have_v sin_v so_o grievous_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n be_v seâ—â—_n to_o he_o to_o expostulate_v with_o he_o about_o it_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n we_o find_v that_o he_o humble_o acknowledge_v his_o transgression_n earnest_o implore_v the_o divine_a mercy_n pray_v hard_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o state_n in_o the_o main_a nor_o can_v we_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v so_o but_o encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n psal_n 51.17_o the_o sacrisices_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a spirit_n a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n o_o god_n thou_o will_v not_o despise_v there_o be_v say_v a_o great_a divine_a some_o sin_n which_o every_o one_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v so_o forsake_v as_o to_o cease_v commit_v they_o and_o there_o be_v some_o lesser_a sin_n which_o they_o that_o repent_v of_o they_o do_v hate_v indeed_o but_o yet_o frequent_o renew_v as_o our_o defective_a degree_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n itself_o faith_n love_n trust_v fear_v obedience_n our_o vain_a thought_n and_o word_n some_o sinful_a passion_n etc._n etc._n many_o such_o sin_n be_v fit_o call_v infirmity_n because_o they_o consist_v with_o life_n and_o be_v forgive_v it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o for_o one_o fort_n require_v a_o conversion_n to_o another_o state_n and_o the_o other_o require_v but_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o when_o they_o be_v unknown_a be_v forgive_v without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n because_o our_o general_a repentance_n be_v virtual_o though_o not_o actual_o particular_a as_o to_o they_o one_o sort_n be_v cause_n of_o judge_v ourselves_o ungodly_a and_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v only_a cause_n of_o filial_a humiliation_n baxter'_v directory_n part_v 1._o pag._n 299._o direct_v 11._o though_o you_o can_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o â—uller_a comfort_n of_o assurance_n do_v not_o therefore_o undervalue_v any_o thing_n that_o look_v hopeful_o or_o have_v a_o likely_a endency_n thereto_o great_a thing_n be_v not_o usual_o attain_v but_o by_o degree_n and_o through_o many_o difficulty_n it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n to_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o justify_v state_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n so_o common_a among_o true_a believer_n themselves_o as_o perhaps_o you_o imagine_v who_o yet_o have_v considerable_a support_v â—nd_v comfort_n from_o hopeful_a probability_n in_o the_o case_n now_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o pull_v down_o the_o vain_a hope_n of_o presumptuous_a sinner_n so_o it_o also_o be_v to_o strengthen_v and_o help_v the_o joy_n and_o hope_n of_o weak_a christian_n well_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o be_v you_o not_o grieve_v or_o the_o many_o offence_n you_o have_v commit_v against_o god_n at_o least_o be_v it_o not_o your_o trouble_n that_o you_o can_v nourn_v for_o sin_n no_o more_o that_o your_o heart_n be_v no_o north_n tender_a and_o relent_a be_v it_o not_o your_o desire_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n your_o endeavour_n to_o renounce_v your_o sin_n and_o to_o mortify_v your_o corruption_n can_v you_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o part_v with_o christ_n or_o quit_v your_o interest_n in_o he_o for_o all_o your_o doubt_n and_o let_v go_v your_o hold_n of_o he_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v offer_v you_o in_o exchange_n will_v you_o not_o even_o loath_a and_o abhor_v the_o proposal_n be_v it_o not_o your_o endaavour_n to_o love_v he_o more_o and_o serve_v he_o better_o put_v such_o question_n as_o these_o be_v to_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o judge_v whether_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o something_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o than_o like_v special_a grace_n and_o though_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o let_v thus_o much_o support_v you_o till_o you_o can_v see_v further_o and_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v thankful_a for_o what_o you_o have_v and_o strive_v for_o more_o grace_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o comfort_n will_v increase_v together_o and_o all_o along_o be_v sure_a to_o remember_v that_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o accept_v you_o upon_o gospel-term_n as_o you_o can_v be_v to_o desire_v it_o yea_o and_o infinite_o mâ—â—â—_n willing_a as_o love_a holiness_n better_o than_o you_o do_v 〈◊〉_d the_o march_n break_v between_o christ_n and_o you_o it_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d through_o your_o own_o refusal_n never_o be_v any_o poâ—â—_n sinner_n beforehand_o with_o he_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o consent_v and_o be_v a_o suitor_n to_o we_o for_o our_o full_a 〈◊〉_d hearty_a consent_n nor_o will_v he_o despise_v the_o least_o tendecy_n thereto_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n oâ—_n on_o his_o part_n all_o be_v safe_a and_o clear_a prevail_v but_o withy_a own_o heart_n to_o hold_v on_o and_o go_v thorough_a with_o the_o work_n and_o all_o be_v thy_o own_o direct_v 12._o be_v sure_a that_o you_o exercise_v the_o moâ—â—_n deep_a and_o entire_a self-resignation_n to_o the_o sovereign_a pleasure_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o this_o matter_n leave_v it_o unto_o god_n to_o measure_v out_o your_o comfort_n for_o you_o and_o to_o determine_v the_o time_n and_o season_n thereof_o lay_v your_o soul_n at_o his_o foot_n with_o the_o profound_a reverence_n humility_n and_o submission_n say_v as_o david_n in_o another_o case_n it_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n will_v look_v upon_o my_o affliction_n but_o if_o he_o say_v he_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o i_o behold_v here_o be_o i_o let_v he_o do_v as_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o 2_o sam._n 15.26_o o_o learn_v to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o look_v for_o he_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o hide_v his_o faâ—â—_n isa_n 8.17_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o you_o shall_v be_v loser_n by_o thus_o resign_v your_o soul_n and_o your_o all_o into_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v your_o certain_a duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a evidence_n of_o that_o sincerity_n which_o you_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o there_o be_v many_o comfortable_a promise_n make_v to_o such_o act_n of_o soul_n as_o these_o and_o encourage_v example_n set_v before_o we_o bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o wait_v for_o he_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n wait_v i_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n psal_n 20.14_o methinks_v that_o such_o a_o
fleshly_a prosperity_n and_o ease_n search_v after_o those_o sin_n which_o do_v most_o easy_o beset_v you_o those_o corruption_n which_o do_v most_o frequent_o foil_v you_o and_o single_v they_o out_o to_o run_v they_o down_o spare_v they_o not_o but_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o samuel_n with_o agag_n hew_v they_o in_o piece_n before_o the_o lord_n fortify_v yourselves_o with_o argument_n against_o they_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n go_v not_o to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o your_o christian_a liberty_n resist_v the_o first_o stir_n of_o they_o the_o least_o tendency_n towards_o they_o prov._n 30.32_o if_o thou_o have_v do_v foolish_o in_o lift_v up_o thyself_o or_o if_o thou_o have_v think_v evil_a lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o thy_o mouth_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n especial_o of_o your_o belove_a sin_n habituate_v yourselves_o to_o frequent_v serious_a thought_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o you_o psal_n 16.8_o 2._o make_v not_o a_o light_a matter_n of_o the_o least_o decay_v in_o grace_n or_o tendency_n towards_o backslide_v what_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o regenerate_a person_n can_v or_o rather_o shall_v not_o jer._n 32.40_o fall_v away_o final_o yet_o it_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n that_o such_o a_o one_o may_v fall_v very_o foul_o so_o as_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o wound_v his_o own_o conscience_n to_o blemish_v his_o profession_n and_o to_o obscure_v his_o evidence_n '_o and_o be_v not_o all_o this_o sad_a enough_o moreover_o it_o be_v certain_a man_n usual_o decline_v by_o degree_n and_o therefore_o the_o least_o degree_n or_o tendency_n thereto_o be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v if_o therefore_o you_o find_v that_o conscience_n begin_v to_o grow_v less_o tender_a than_o former_o it_o be_v if_o sin_n sit_v light_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o remain_a corruption_n be_v less_o grievous_a to_o you_o than_o heretofore_o if_o you_o grow_v more_o customacy_n and_o careless_a in_o religious_a duty_n and_o less_o regardful_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o life_n of_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n if_o you_o can_v more_o easy_o let_v slip_v spiritual_a opportunity_n and_o find_v less_o relish_n and_o sweetness_n in_o they_o than_o former_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o the_o world_n and_o flesh_n begin_v to_o grow_v more_o prevalent_a with_o you_o and_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o fancy_n that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n your_o thought_n of_o heaven_n grow_v cold_a and_o languid_a and_o your_o desire_n or_o long_n to_o be_v with_o christ_n do_v abate_v if_o you_o find_v it_o thus_o with_o you_o you_o have_v need_n bestir_v yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o recover_v your_o first_o love_n and_o to_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v otherwise_o you_o little_o know_v how_o far_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v be_v provoke_v and_o what_o considerable_a degree_n both_o of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n may_v quick_o be_v lose_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o satan_n will_v do_v his_o worst_a to_o hinder_v you_o in_o your_o way_n to_o heaven_n your_o own_o corruption_n and_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n will_v get_v ground_n upon_o you_o you_o have_v need_n row_v hard_o against_o the_o stream_n which_o of_o itself_o will_v carry_v you_o back_o if_o you_o press_v not_o forward_o noâ—_n progredi_fw-la erit_fw-la regredi_fw-la 3._o labour_v to_o grow_v in_o due_a proportion_n as_o to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o holiness_n and_o duty_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n as_o of_o every_o thing_n else_o consist_v much_o in_o the_o due_a symmetry_n and_o proportion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o labour_v to_o exercise_v each_o grace_n and_o duty_n in_o its_o proper_a order_n and_o place_n so_o that_o one_o may_v not_o interfere_v with_o nor_o exclude_v another_o see_v that_o your_o judgement_n be_v well_o settle_v as_o to_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n that_o your_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v firm_a deep_a and_o solid_a to_o this_o end_n labour_n to_o study_v and_o digest_v well_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n let_v your_o thought_n dwell_v much_o upon_o they_o that_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o right_a meaning_n and_o due_a improvement_n of_o every_o article_n take_v care_n also_o that_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v full-fraught_a with_o become_v resolution_n and_o inclination_n that_o the_o purpose_n and_o desire_v of_o your_o soul_n be_v right_o order_v and_o place_v to_o this_o end_n study_v well_o the_o lord_n prayer_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o order_n of_o the_o several_a petition_n and_o endeavour_v to_o form_n and_o settle_v the_o inclination_n and_o tendency_n of_o your_o soul_n according_o especial_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v first_o and_o last_o in_o all_o your_o desire_n high_a in_o your_o esteem_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o desire_v in_o full_a subserviency_n thereto_o here_o lie_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v still_o contend_v and_o strive_v to_o raise_v our_o heart_n more_o towards_o that_o they_o may_v move_v more_o natural_o easy_o and_o delightful_o therein_o that_o god_n interest_n may_v be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a to_o we_o and_o then_o for_o the_o direction_n of_o your_o practice_n labour_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n to_o see_v the_o amiableness_n righteousness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n that_o you_o may_v hearty_o approve_v thereof_o love_v it_o and_o live_v according_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n after_o the_o inner_a man_n rom._n 7.22_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christian_a principle_n grace_n and_o duty_n be_v beyond_o measure_n lovely_a in_o the_o harmonious_a connexion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o labour_v therefore_o that_o this_o frame_n may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o deep_o imprint_v upon_o your_o heart_n and_o express_v in_o your_o life_n that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o jam._n 1.4_o if_o you_o be_v maim_v in_o one_o part_n all_o the_o rest_n will_v fare_v the_o worse_a for_o that_o remember_v integrity_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o christian_a viz._n that_o no_o part_n be_v lack_v 2_o cor._n 7.1_o perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v let_v we_o see_v that_o no_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v want_v in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o any_o part_n of_o holiness_n but_o still_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n even_o in_o degree_n take_v care_n for_o example_n that_o your_o zeal_n be_v guide_v by_o knowledge_n lest_o it_o set_v all_o on_o fire_n and_o prove_v mischievous_a to_o yourselves_o and_o other_o or_o at_o best_o no_o better_o than_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la and_o again_o let_v your_o knowledge_n be_v improve_v into_o holy_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n that_o you_o be_v not_o lukewarm_a or_o indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o most_o just_o challenge_v our_o whole_a heart_n rev._n 3_o 1â—_n 16._o let_v godly_a sorrow_n repentance_n and_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n be_v so_o exercise_v as_o not_o to_o exclude_v humble_a confidence_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n spiritual_a joy_n etc._n etc._n again_o if_o god_n give_v you_o a_o large_a share_n of_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n do_v not_o therefore_o think_v yourselves_o above_o the_o forementioned_a humble_v exercise_n which_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o preserve_v your_o purity_n and_o peace_n moreover_o let_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n justle_v out_o each_o other_o but_o let_v both_o be_v due_o and_o careful_o observe_v in_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o they_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o be_v just_a and_o upright_o or_o as_o they_o call_v it_o moral_o honest_a in_o your_o deal_n with_o man_n except_o you_o be_v also_o serious_a hearty_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o devotedness_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o again_o think_v not_o that_o any_o worship_n of_o service_n you_o perform_v to_o god_n will_v be_v accept_v while_o second-table-duty_n be_v wilful_o neglect_v it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v we_o better_o and_o more_o useful_a in_o every_o relation_n and_o capacity_n wherein_o we_o stand_v 1_o pet._n 2.16_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o etc._n etc._n tit._n 2.12_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n viz._n we_o must_v be_v sober_a in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o sense_n appetite_n affection_n etc._n etc._n righteous_a in_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o godly_a in_o the_o tendency_n and_o inclination_n of_o
our_o soul_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o serious_a discharge_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o conclude_v this_o head_n be_v not_o so_o intent_n upon_o any_o one_o part_n of_o duty_n as_o to_o overlook_v the_o rest_n then_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.6_o i_o esteem_v thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n vers_fw-la 128._o 4._o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o generation_n of_o seeker_n psal_n 24.6_o so_o psal_n 27.8_o when_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o hâ—aâ—t_n say_v uâ—to_fw-mi thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v how_o 〈◊〉_d do_v we_o find_v this_o duty_n press_v upon_o we_o pray_v always_o pray_v and_o faint_v not_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n pray_v to_o your_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a pray_v every_o where_o pray_v without_o cease_v etc._n etc._n yea_o we_o find_v the_o holy_a person_n frequent_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a duty_n psal_n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n psal_n 109.4_o i_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v up_o of_o prayer_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o more_o example_n but_o i_o forbear_v o_o sir_n it_o be_v on_o our_o knee_n that_o we_o must_v get_v strength_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n the_o actuate_a of_o holy_a desire_n and_o present_v they_o to_o god_n must_v needs_o tend_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o strengthen_v those_o habit_n of_o grace_n from_o which_o such_o desire_n proceed_v beside_o as_o it_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o a_o undeniable_a duty_n shall_v not_o a_o people_n seek_v unto_o their_o god_n a_o most_o reasonable_a piece_n of_o service_n so_o a_o answerable_a blessing_n may_v be_v expect_v upon_o it_o god_n be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o psal_n 81.10_o ask_v for_o great_a thing_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n come_v not_o with_o mean_a poor_a narrow_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v not_o cold_a nor_o lazy_a in_o your_o request_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5._o a_o learned_a divine_a mention_n secret_a prayer_n in_o the_o forefront_n of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v natural_o most_o backward_o mr._n baxter_n now_o one_o will_v think_v our_o own_o necessity_n shall_v even_o constrain_v we_o to_o it_o alas_o how_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o it_o and_o how_o much_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o strive_v against_o our_o indisposition_n to_o it_o how_o sweet_a be_v a_o duty_n when_o rescue_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o difficulty_n o_o sir_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o god_n hear_v no_o often_o from_o we_o and_o with_o no_o great_a fervency_n sure_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a approach_n to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n will_v be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o more_o like_o he_o remember_v god_n have_v way_n enough_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o your_o knee_n what_o if_o dark_a cloud_n shall_v arise_v upon_o you_o or_o some_o sharp_a affliction_n befall_v you_o then_o it_o be_v likely_a you_o will_v come_v cry_v after_o he_o and_o seek_v he_o early_o hos_fw-la 5.15_o but_o why_o not_o without_o so_o much_o ado_n why_o shall_v not_o gentle_a method_n prevail_v with_o you_o be_v but_o acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o you_o need_v not_o want_v either_o matter_n or_o motive_n for_o this_o great_a duty_n never_o expect_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n without_o keep_v up_o life_n and_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n with_o a_o passage_n which_o i_o late_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o excellent_a mr._n philip_n henry_n to_o the_o publisher_n whereof_o i_o here_o return_v my_o most_o humble_a thanks_o it_o be_v as_o follows_z pag._n 75._o be_v sure_o you_o look_v to_o secret_a duty_n keep_v that_o up_o whatever_o you_o do_v the_o soul_n can_v prosper_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o apostasy_n general_o begin_v at_o the_o closer-door_n secret_a prayer_n be_v first_o neglect_v and_o careless_o perform_v then_o frequent_o omit_v and_o after_o a_o while_n whole_o cast_v off_o and_o then_o farewell_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o religion_n 5._o learn_v the_o art_n of_o holy_a meditation_n it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o draw_v in_o life_n strength_n and_o sweetness_n from_o those_o great_a gospel-truths_n which_o inconsiderate_a person_n lay_v by_o as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o useless_a thing_n it_o be_v this_o that_o enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o clear_v our_o apprehension_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o set_v on_o work_v our_o resolution_n affection_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o soul-improving_a duty_n indeed_o nor_o can_v you_o want_v matter_n for_o such_o meditation_n if_o you_o will_v but_o see_v your_o thought_n at_o work_n and_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o it_o meditate_v upon_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n truth_n all-sufficiency_n think_v i_o say_v on_o these_o and_o think_v again_o till_o become_v impression_n be_v wrought_v upon_o your_o own_o spirit_n change_v you_o from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o think_v not_o upon_o god_n in_o a_o slighty_a or_o ordinary_a manner_n but_o with_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o admiration_n lest_o you_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a whereof_o you_o may_v be_v guilty_a in_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n let_v every_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v mighty_a upon_o you_o and_o participate_v in_o some_o suitable_a measure_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o almighty_a object_n think_v much_o on_o your_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o he_o be_v what_o he_o do_v what_o he_o suffer_v and_o why_o as_o also_o what_o he_o have_v further_a promise_v to_o do_v thus_o let_v christ_n dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n think_v on_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n call_v to_o mind_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n upon_o your_o soul_n how_o infinite_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o he_o how_o much_o you_o have_v still_o to_o do_v with_o he_o how_o direct_a and_o explicit_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o your_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o he_o as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o how_o careful_a you_o shall_v be_v to_o carry_v becoming_o towards_o he_o think_v on_o the_o holiness_n purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n how_o sweet_a how_o reasonable_a how_o advantageous_a that_o obedience_n be_v which_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n psal_n 119.97_o think_v on_o the_o heavenly_a perfection_n what_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n and_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v do_v what_o they_o be_v enjoy_v till_o your_o soul_n be_v on_o the_o wing_n long_v to_o be_v join_v to_o that_o holy_a and_o happy_a society_n think_v on_o the_o grace_n wherein_o you_o be_v most_o defective_a consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o and_o how_o ill_o you_o can_v live_v without_o they_o or_o without_o great_a degree_n of_o they_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o grace_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o meditation_n lift_v up_o your_o eye_n and_o your_o soul_n to_o heaven_n for_o help_v therein_o o_o that_o you_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o try_v this_o course_n to_o engage_v yourselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a and_o solemn_a exercise_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o meditation_n the_o advantage_n will_v be_v great_a every_o way_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a for_o this_o more_o state_v exercise_n of_o meditation_n it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o employment_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v often_o send_v up_o a_o thought_n or_o ejaculation_n towards_o heaven_n direct_v 3._o if_o your_o endeavour_n thus_o far_o prove_v successful_a so_o that_o you_o find_v more_o grace_n and_o strength_n come_v in_o thereby_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o so_o much_o the_o morâ—_n for_o god_n much_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v your_o talent_n be_v to_o be_v trade_v with_o noâ—_n hide_v in_o a_o napkin_n as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n abound_v towards_o you_o you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o grace_n bestow_v upon_o you_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a 1_o cor._n 15.10.58_o sure_o it_o