affection_n will_v fall_v off_o from_o earthly_a thing_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n the_o keenness_n and_o sharpness_n of_o they_o in_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v abate_v by_o the_o decay_n of_o their_o natural_a power_n in_o age_n and_o the_o like_a they_o may_v be_v mate_v by_o frequent_a disappointment_n by_o sickness_n pain_n and_o affliction_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o or_o they_o may_v be_v willing_a unto_o a_o distribution_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n to_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o it_o wherein_o they_o still_o cleave_v unto_o the_o world_n but_o under_o another_o shape_n and_o appearance_n they_o may_v be_v startle_v by_o conviction_n so_o as_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o that_o belong_v unto_o another_o frame_n but_o or_o one_o pretence_n or_o other_o under_o one_o appearance_n or_o other_o they_o will_v for_o ever_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v unto_o earthly_a thing_n unless_o they_o be_v mortify_v unto_o they_o through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n and_o cross_n of_o christ._n gal._n 6.14_o whateve_a thought_n you_o may_v have_v of_o yourselves_o in_o this_o matter_n unless_o you_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o a_o work_n of_o mortification_n on_o your_o affection_n you_o can_v have_v no_o refresh_a ground_n of_o assurance_n that_o you_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n spiritually-minded_n five_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o duty_n belong_v unto_o your_o stewardship_n of_o earthly_a thing_n attend_v diligent_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n without_o this_o the_o grace_n exhort_v unto_o may_v be_v abuse_v so_o of_o old_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n because_o of_o the_o danger_n in_o adhere_v unto_o they_o their_o own_o superstition_n and_o the_o craft_n of_o other_o man_n prevail_v with_o many_o to_o part_v with_o all_o they_o have_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o other_o not_o better_a it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o themselves_o this_o evil_n whole_o arise_v from_o want_n of_o attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n which_o give_v no_o such_o direction_n in_o ordinary_a case_n but_o there_o be_v not_o much_o see_v in_o these_o day_n of_o a_o excess_n in_o that_o kind_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o all_o instance_n of_o duty_n of_o this_o nature_n most_o man_n mind_n be_v habitual_o influence_v with_o pretence_n reason_n and_o consideration_n that_o turn_v the_o scale_n as_o unto_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o proportion_n in_o this_o duty_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o world_n if_o you_o will_v be_v safe_a you_o must_v in_o all_o instance_n of_o duty_n as_o in_o work_n of_o charity_n piety_n and_o compassion_n give_v authority_n in_o and_o over_o your_o soul_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n let_v neither_o self_n nor_o unbelief_n nor_o the_o custom_n and_o example_n of_o other_o be_v hear_v to_o speak_v but_o let_v the_o rule_n alone_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o to_o what_o that_o speak_v yield_v obedience_n unless_o these_o thing_n be_v find_v in_o we_o none_o of_o we_o no_o man_n live_v if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o he_o can_v have_v any_o refresh_a evidence_n or_o assurance_n that_o he_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o inordinate_a yea_o and_o predominant_a love_n unto_o this_o world_n and_o indeed_o to_o add_v a_o little_a further_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o digression_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o have_v this_o exception_n make_v against_o the_o state_n of_o any_o man_n on_o just_a ground_n yea_o but_o he_o love_v the_o world_n he_o be_v sober_a and_o industrious_a he_o be_v constant_a in_o duty_n of_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v a_o earnest_a preacher_n of_o they_o a_o man_n of_o sound_a principle_n and_o blameless_a as_o unto_o the_o excess_n of_o life_n but_o he_o love_v the_o world_n the_o question_n be_v how_o do_v this_o appear_v it_o may_v be_v what_o you_o say_v be_v but_o one_o of_o those_o evil_a surmise_n which_o all_o thing_n be_v fill_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o speak_v it_o not_o at_o all_o to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o rash_a judge_v of_o other_o which_o none_o be_v more_o prone_a unto_o than_o those_o who_o one_o way_n or_o other_o be_v eminent_o guilty_a themselves_o but_o i_o will_v have_v every_o man_n judge_v himself_o that_o we_o be_v none_o of_o we_o condemn_v of_o the_o lord_n it_o notwithstanding_o the_o thing_n mention_v any_o of_o we_o do_v centre_n in_o self_n which_o be_v supply_v and_o fill_v with_o the_o world_n if_o we_o preffer_n self_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n do_v aim_n at_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o self_n in_o what_o we_o do_v well_o or_o ill_o be_v useless_a unto_o the_o only_a good_a and_o bless_a end_n of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n in_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o other_o according_a unto_o the_o proportion_n wherewith_o we_o be_v entrust_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o it_o have_v the_o principal_a interest_n in_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o danger_n be_v yet_o great_a with_o they_o who_o divert_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a such_o be_v they_o who_o in_o pride_n of_o life_n vanity_n in_o apparel_n excess_n in_o drink_v pamper_v the_o flesh_n every_o day_n tread_v close_o on_o the_o heel_n of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o do_v not_o also_o full_o keep_v company_n with_o it_o altogether_o in_o vain_a be_v it_o for_o such_o person_n to_o countenance_n themselves_o with_o a_o appearance_n of_o other_o grace_n in_o they_o or_o the_o sedulous_a performance_n of_o other_o duty_n this_o one_o rule_n will_v eternal_o prevail_v against_o they_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o by_o the_o way_n let_v man_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o walk_v in_o any_o instance_n against_o the_o know_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o wise_a or_o more_o experience_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o their_o regret_n and_o sorrow_n if_o not_o unto_o their_o offence_n and_o scandal_n or_o in_o any_o way_n whereunto_o they_o win_v the_o consent_n of_o their_o own_o light_n and_o conscience_n by_o such_o reason_n and_o consideration_n as_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n yet_o thus_o and_o no_o otherwise_o be_v it_o with_o all_o they_o who_o under_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n do_v indulge_v unto_o any_o excess_n wherein_o they_o be_v conform_v unto_o the_o world_n five_o god_n make_v a_o hedge_n against_o the_o excess_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n rational_a and_o any_o way_n enlighten_v unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n by_o suffer_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n to_o carry_v the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o into_o act_n so_o filthy_a so_o abominable_a so_o ridiculous_a as_o reason_n itself_o can_v but_o abhor_v man_n by_o they_o transform_v themselves_o into_o beast_n and_o monster_n as_o may_v be_v manifest_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o instance_n hence_o the_o wiseman_n pray_v against_o riches_n lest_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v the_o temptation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v prov._n 30.8.9_o last_o to_o close_v this_o matter_n and_o to_o show_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v in_o case_n we_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o they_o have_v thereby_o a_o predominant_a interest_n in_o our_o heart_n god_n have_v positive_o determine_v and_o declare_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o will_v accept_v of_o those_o affection_n which_o we_o pretend_v we_o can_v and_o do_v spare_v for_o he_o and_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o we_o abstain_v from_o open_a sin_n if_o we_o abhor_v the_o lewdness_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v constant_a in_o religious_a duty_n and_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o most_o strict_a sort_n in_o religion_n like_o paul_n in_o his_o pharisaism_n may_v we_o not_o will_v some_o say_v or_o think_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n though_o our_o heart_n cleave_v inordinate_o unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n i_o say_v god_n have_v preremptory_o determine_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o other_o argument_n will_v not_o prevail_v with_o we_o he_o leave_v we_o at_o last_o unto_o this_o go_v love_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o know_v assure_o you_o do_v it_o unto_o the_o eternal_a loss_n of_o your_o soul_n 1_o joh._n 2.15_o jam._n 4._o these_o few_o instance_n have_v i_o give_v of_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o fix_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o they_o be_v most_o of_o they_o such_o only_a as_o he_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o administation_n of_o his_o providence_n there_o
be_v a_o dangerous_a symtom_n of_o a_o evil_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o that_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v will_v at_o last_o be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n i_o know_v such_o person_n will_v or_o may_v have_v pretend_v evidence_n unto_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o be_v well_o enough_o satisfy_v of_o and_o with_o their_o own_o sincerity_n in_o many_o thing_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fix_v upon_o the_o the_o sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n but_o this_o apprehension_n arise_v from_o a_o false_a notion_n of_o hypocrisy_n no_o man_n they_o suppose_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n but_o he_o that_o general_o or_o universal_o pretend_v himself_o in_o religion_n to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v not_o and_o what_o he_o know_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v or_o at_o least_o may_v easy_o do_v so_o and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v the_o broad_a notion_n of_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n but_o take_v a_o hypoerite_n for_o he_o who_o under_o light_n profession_n gift_n duty_n do_v habitual_o and_o willing_o fail_v in_o any_o point_n of_o sincerity_n he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o perish_a hypocrite_n than_o the_o former_a and_o it_o may_v alter_v the_o case_n with_o they_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o one_o in_o who_o there_o be_v this_o prevalent_a decay_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n god_n forbid_v i_o only_o say_v that_o where_o it_o continue_v without_o remedy_n it_o be_v such_o a_o symtome_n of_o hypocrisy_n as_o that_o he_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o rest_v until_o he_o have_v search_v it_o unto_o the_o bottom_n for_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o such_o person_n they_o have_v have_v a_o false_a or_o imperfect_a work_n in_o that_o conversion_n unto_o god_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v conviction_n of_o sin_n communication_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o gift_n alteration_n upon_o the_o affection_n change_v of_o socicty_n and_o conversation_n have_v make_v it_o up_o now_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o work_n great_o to_o flourish_v for_o a_o season_n in_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o profession_n but_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n also_o gradual_o to_o decay_v until_o it_o be_v quite_o wither_v away_o in_o some_o it_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o power_n of_o some_o vigorous_a temptation_n and_o particular_a lust_n indulge_v unto_o end_v in_o worldliness_n and_o sensuality_n but_o in_o the_o most_o it_o decay_v gradual_o until_o it_o have_v lose_v all_o its_o savour_n and_o sap_n see_v joh._n 15.3_o wherefore_o while_o man_n find_v this_o decay_n in_o themselves_o unless_o they_o be_v fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o destructive_a security_n unless_o they_o be_v harden_v through_o be_v deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n they_o can_v but_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o examine_v how_o thing_n stand_v with_o they_o whether_o they_o ever_o effectual_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n which_o work_v by_o love_n see_v it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o though_o they_o have_v only_o a_o work_n of_o another_o nature_n for_o a_o save_v work_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n thrive_v and_o grow_v as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n testify_v but_o it_o be_v this_o false_a and_o imperfect_a work_n that_o have_v no_o root_n and_o be_v thus_o subject_a to_o wither_v six_o person_n in_o such_o a_o estate_n be_v apt_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o false_a hope_n and_o notion_n whereby_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n do_v put_v forth_o its_o power_n to_o harden_v they_o unto_o their_o ruin_n two_o way_n there_o be_v whereby_o this_o pernicious_a effect_n be_v produce_v the_o one_o by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o a_o particular_a lust_n or_o sin_n the_o other_o by_o a_o neglect_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o a_o vain_a conversation_n in_o the_o world_n under_o which_o the_o soul_n pine_v away_o and_o consume_v as_o unto_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v three_o false_a notion_n whereby_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n delude_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o be_v that_o one_o sin_n alone_o wherein_o they_o will_v be_v indulge_v let_v they_o be_v spare_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n and_o in_o all_o other_o they_o will_v be_v exact_a enough_o this_o be_v the_o composition_n that_o naaman_n will_v have_v make_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n 2_o king_n 5.18_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o many_o trust_n unto_o hence_o it_o have_v by_o the_o event_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o some_o person_n have_v live_v long_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o gross_a sin_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o while_n use_v a_o semblance_n of_o great_a diligence_n in_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n whereby_o poor_a sinner_n delude_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o suppose_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v himself_o up_o unto_o any_o lust_n or_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v observant_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n yet_o this_o will_v give_v he_o no_o relief_n as_o unto_o the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o rule_n be_v peremptory_a unto_o this_o purpose_n jam._n 2.10_o 11._o one_o sin_n willing_o live_v in_o be_v as_o able_a to_o destroy_v a_o man_n soul_n as_o a_o thousand_o beside_o it_o be_v practical_o false_a there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o one_o know_a sin_n but_o he_o real_o live_v in_o more_o though_o that_o only_o bear_v the_o chief_a sway._n with_o some_o such_o person_n these_o sin_n appear_v unto_o other_o who_o observe_v their_o frame_n and_o spirit_n though_o they_o appear_v not_o to_o themselves_o in_o some_o they_o be_v manifest_a in_o themselves_o although_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o other_o 1_o tim._n 5.24_o but_o let_v no_o man_n relieve_v himself_o with_o thought_n that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o sin_n while_o that_o one_o sin_n keep_v he_o in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o god_n hence_o second_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o hereby_o for_o they_o judge_v that_o although_o they_o can_v as_o yet_o shake_v off_o their_o sin_n yet_o they_o will_v continue_v still_o to_o love_n god_n and_o abound_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o will_v not_o become_v hater_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o persecutor_n for_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o hope_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o one_o zoar_n this_o lesser_a sin_n which_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o circumstance_n engage_v they_o in_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o they_o at_o the_o last_o this_o also_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n a_o mere_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o sin_n to_o act_v its_o deceit_n by_o for_o no_o man_n that_o willing_o live_v in_o any_o sin_n can_v love_v god_n at_o all_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o rule_n 1_o joh._n 2.15_o it_o be_v but_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o love_n to_o god_n that_o any_o man_n have_v who_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n where_o god_n be_v not_o love_v above_o all_o he_o be_v not_o love_v at_o all_o and_o he_o be_v not_o so_o where_o man_n will_v not_o part_v with_o one_o curse_a lust_n for_o his_o sake_n let_v not_o your_o light_n deceive_v you_o nor_o your_o gift_n nor_o your_o duty_n nor_o your_o profession_n if_o you_o live_v in_o sin_n you_o love_v not_o god_n three_o they_o determine_v that_o at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o season_n on_o time_n after_o such_o satisfaction_n give_v unto_o their_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n they_o will_v utter_o give_v over_o so_o as_o that_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v their_o ruin_n but_o this_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n also_o a_o effectual_a instrument_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n he_o that_o will_v not_o now_o give_v over_o who_o will_v not_o immediate_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o any_o sin_n and_o warning_n about_o it_o endeavour_v sincere_o and_o constant_o its_o relinquishment_n say_v what_o he_o will_v and_o pretend_v what_o he_o will_v he_o never_o intend_v to_o give_v over_o nor_o be_v it_o probable_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n that_o ever_o he_o will_v do_v so_o when_o man_n decay_n be_v from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o particular_a sin_n by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a false_a notion_n do_v they_o harden_v themselves_o unto_o ruin_n for_o those_o who_o be_v pine_v away_o under_o hectical_a consumption_n a_o general_a decay_n of_o the_o vital_a spirit_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v also_o false_a notion_n whereby_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o as_o first_o that_o although_o they_o have_v some_o cause_n to_o mistrust_v themselves_o yet_o indeed_o their_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o some_o may_v apprehend_v it_o or_o as_o they_o be_v
they_o in_o conjunction_n will_v bring_v in_o relief_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o your_o own_o peace_n without_o application_n by_o faith_n unto_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v wherefore_o 3._o herein_o lie_v your_o great_a duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o your_o temptation_n namely_o in_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o your_o thought_n on_o the_o love_n care_n compassion_n and_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o ability_n to_o help_v succour_n and_o save_v they_o that_o do_v believe_v so_o to_o strengthen_v your_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o he_o which_o will_v prove_v assure_o successful_a and_o victorious_a the_o same_o duty_n be_v incumbent_a on_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o any_o urgent_a prevalent_a general_a temptation_n there_o be_v season_n wherein_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n come_v on_o the_o earth_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o what_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v judge_v that_o now_o it_o be_v such_o a_o hour_n 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present_a state_n and_o our_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o herein_o consist_v the_o life_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v heavenly_a mind_a that_o be_v to_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a be_v all_o one_o or_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a as_o unto_o its_o original_a and_o essence_n or_o the_o first_o proper_a act_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o its_o growth_n and_o degree_n and_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o in_o experience_n nor_o do_v i_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o place_v his_o chief_a interest_n in_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o have_v many_o thought_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o a_o supposition_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o conformity_n unto_o he_o col._n 3.1_o 2._o if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n set_v your_o affection_n or_o your_o thought_n mind_n much_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o it_o become_v those_o who_o through_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v raise_v unto_o newness_n of_o life_n to_o have_v their_o thought_n exercise_v on_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n above_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o and_o the_o singular_a use_n of_o our_o prospect_n into_o these_o thing_n or_o our_o meditation_n on_o they_o he_o instruct_v we_o in_o 2_o cor._n 4.16_o 17_o 18._o for_o which_o cause_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a not_o to_o faint_v under_o the_o daily_a decay_n of_o our_o outward_a man_n and_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n thereby_o to_o bear_v affliction_n as_o thing_n light_a and_o momentary_a to_o thrive_v under_o all_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v unspeakable_a mercy_n and_o privilege_n can_v you_o attain_v a_o better_a frame_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o will_v more_o desire_v if_o you_o be_v believer_n be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o have_v such_o a_o mind_n in_o we_o than_o to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v one_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o due_a meditation_n on_o thing_n unseen_a and_o eternal_a these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v within_o the_o veil_n whereon_o we_o ought_v to_o cast_v the_o anchor_n of_o our_o hope_n in_o all_o the_o storm_n we_o meet_v withal_o heb._n 6.19_o 20._o whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o afterward_o without_o doubt_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v great_o defective_a in_o this_o duty_n partly_o for_o want_v of_o light_n into_o they_o partly_o for_o want_v of_o delight_n in_o they_o they_o think_v little_a of_o a_o eternal_a country_n wherever_o man_n be_v they_o do_v not_o use_v to_o neglect_v thought_n of_o that_o country_n wherein_o their_o inheritance_n lie_v if_o they_o be_v absent_a from_o it_o for_o a_o season_n yet_o will_v they_o labour_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o principal_a concernment_n of_o it_o but_o this_o heavenly_a country_n wherein_o lie_v our_o eternal_a inheritance_n be_v not_o regard_v man_n do_v not_o as_o they_o ought_v exercise_v themselves_o unto_o thought_n of_o thing_n eternal_a and_o invisible_a it_o be_v impossible_a if_o they_o do_v so_o that_o their_o mind_n shall_v be_v so_o earthly_a and_o their_o affection_n cleave_v so_o as_o they_o do_v unto_o present_a thing_n he_o that_o look_v steady_o on_o the_o sun_n although_o he_o can_v bear_v the_o lustre_n of_o its_o beam_n full_o yet_o his_o sight_n be_v so_o affect_v with_o it_o that_o when_o he_o call_v off_o his_o eye_n from_o it_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o thing_n about_o he_o they_o be_v all_o dark_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o who_o look_v steady_o in_o his_o contemplation_n on_o thing_n above_o eternal_a thing_n though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v their_o glory_n yet_o a_o veil_n will_v be_v cast_v by_o it_o on_o all_o the_o desirable_a beauty_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o take_v off_o his_o affection_n from_o they_o man_n live_v and_o act_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o conviction_n that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n to_o come_v with_o a_o persuasion_n hereof_o they_o much_o relieve_v themselves_o in_o their_o sorrow_n suffering_n and_o temptation_n yet_o with_o many_o it_o be_v only_o a_o reserve_v when_o they_o can_v be_v here_o no_o more_o but_o as_o unto_o daily_a contemplation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o as_o unto_o any_o entrance_n into_o it_o by_o faith_n and_o hope_n the_o most_o be_v stranger_n thereunto_o if_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v nothing_o will_v be_v more_o natural_a unto_o we_o than_o to_o have_v many_o thought_n of_o eternal_a thing_n as_o those_o wherein_o all_o our_o own_o principal_n concern_v do_v lie_n as_o well_o as_o those_o which_o be_v excellent_a and_o glorious_a in_o themselves_o the_o direction_n thereon_o be_v that_o we_o will_v make_v heavenly_a thing_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o blessedness_n and_o glory_n a_o principal_a object_n of_o our_o thought_n that_o we_o will_v think_v much_o about_o they_o that_o we_o
in_o any_o place_n it_o behove_v they_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n and_o regard_n unto_o all_o their_o enemy_n and_o their_o attempt_n against_o they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v vigilant_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o oppositition_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v without_o that_o visible_o contend_v with_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n neglect_v such_o as_o traitorous_o act_v within_o among_o themselves_o betray_v their_o counsel_n and_o weaken_v their_o strength_n they_o will_v be_v undoubted_o ruin_v wise_a man_n do_v first_o take_v care_n of_o what_o be_v within_o as_o know_v if_o they_o be_v there_o betray_v all_o they_o do_v against_o their_o open_a enemy_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n in_o the_o warfare_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v we_o have_v enemy_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o open_o and_o visible_o in_o various_a temptation_n fight_v against_o our_o soul_n these_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o watch_v against_o to_o conflict_n with_o and_o to_o seek_v a_o conquest_n over_o but_o it_o be_v this_o internal_a vanity_n of_o mind_n that_o endeavour_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o betray_v we_o to_o weaken_v we_o in_o all_o our_o grace_n or_o to_o hinder_v their_o due_a operation_n and_o to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n unto_o our_o curse_a enemy_n if_o our_o principal_a endeavour_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v suppress_v and_o destroy_v this_o traitor_n we_o shall_v not_o succeed_v in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o disabilty_a of_o mind_n as_o unto_o steadiness_n in_o holy_a thought_n and_o meditation_n whereof_o you_o do_v complain_v when_o you_o be_v affect_v therewith_o turn_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o from_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v labour_v to_o be_v humble_v great_o and_o to_o walk_v humble_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o vanity_n of_o mind_n so_o some_o wholesome_a fruit_n may_v be_v take_v from_o this_o bitter_a root_n and_o meat_n may_v come_v out_o of_o this_o eater_n if_o when_o you_o can_v abide_v in_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o your_o relation_n unto_o he_o you_o reflect_v on_o this_o cause_n of_o it_o to_o your_o further_a humiliation_n and_o self-abasement_n your_o good_a design_n and_o purpose_n be_v not_o lose_v let_v such_o a_o one_o say_v i_o begin_v to_o think_v of_o god_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n in_o christ_n jesus_n of_o my_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o where_o now_o in_o a_o few_o minute_n do_v i_o find_v myself_o i_o be_o get_v into_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n into_o thing_n useless_a and_o earthly_a or_o be_o at_o such_o a_o loss_n as_o that_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o proceed_v in_o the_o work_n wherein_o i_o be_v engage_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o what_o a_o curse_a enemy_n have_v i_o within_o i_o i_o be_o ashamed_a of_o myself_o weary_a of_o myself_o loathe_v myself_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n such_o thought_n may_v be_v as_o useful_a unto_o he_o as_o those_o which_o he_o first_o design_v true_a it_o be_v we_o can_v never_o be_v free_v absolute_o from_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o vanity_n and_o instability_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n vnchangeable_n cleave_v unto_o god_n always_o in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n but_o yet_o great_a degree_n may_v be_v attain_v in_o the_o conquest_n and_o expulsion_n of_o it_o such_o as_o i_o fear_v few_o have_v experience_n of_o yet_o ought_v all_o to_o the_o labour_n after_o if_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o labour_v diligent_o to_o abide_v and_o abound_v in_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o in_o love_n to_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o if_o we_o watch_v against_o the_o entertainment_n and_o approbation_n of_o such_o thought_n and_o thing_n in_o our_o mind_n as_o whereby_o this_o 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mind_n if_o they_o permit_v they_o to_o rove_v continual_o after_o thing_n foolish_a sensual_a and_o earthly_a if_o they_o wilful_o supply_v they_o with_o object_n unto_o that_o end_n and_o labour_v not_o by_o all_o mean_n for_o the_o mortification_n of_o this_o evil_a frame_n in_o vain_a shall_v they_o desire_v or_o expect_v to_o bring_v they_o at_o any_o time_n on_o any_o occasion_n to_o be_v steady_a in_o the_o thought_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o any_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v it_o be_v with_o many_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mind_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n make_v the_o tree_n good_a and_o then_o the_o fruit_n will_v be_v good_a and_o not_o before_o when_o the_o power_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n have_v make_v the_o mind_n habitual_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thought_n of_o such_o thing_n will_v be_v natural_a unto_o it_o and_o accompany_v with_o delight_n but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o 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the_o apostle_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 3.5_o not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n he_o speak_v principal_o of_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o of_o such_o as_o be_v most_o eminent_o furnish_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n as_o he_o declare_v v_o 6._o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o with_o other_o who_o have_v not_o their_o grace_n nor_o their_o office_n wherefore_o if_o man_n without_o regard_n unto_o the_o present_a actual_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n do_v suppose_v that_o they_o can_v of_o themselves_o exercise_v their_o mind_n in_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o so_o only_o fret_v at_o themselves_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o disappointment_n not_o know_v what_o be_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o they_o will_v live_v in_o a_o lifeless_a barren_a frame_n all_o their_o day_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o natural_a ability_n man_n may_v frame_v thought_n of_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o their_o mind_n according_a unto_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o they_o they_o may_v methodize_v they_o by_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o express_v they_o elegant_o unto_o other_o but_o even_o while_o they_o do_v so_o they_o may_v be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v for_o there_o may_v be_v in_o their_o thought_n no_o act_n of_o faith_n love_n or_o holy_a delight_n in_o god_n or_o any_o grace_n at_o all_o but_o such_o alone_o be_v thing_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o they_o be_v such_o only_a as_o wherein_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n
the_o present_a storm_n may_v as_o well_o be_v the_o secret_a sin_n of_o professor_n as_o the_o open_a provocation_n of_o ungodly_a man_n god_n will_v punish_v severe_o those_o which_o he_o have_v know_v amos_n 3.2_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_o our_o duty_n to_o search_v diligent_o that_o nothing_o be_v find_v rest_v in_o we_o against_o which_o god_n be_v declare_v his_o displeasure_n take_v heed_n of_o negligence_n and_o security_n herein_o when_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v his_o disciple_n that_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v betray_v he_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v guilty_a be_v the_o last_o that_o say_v master_n be_v it_o i._o let_v no_o ground_n of_o hope_n you_o have_v of_o your_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n no_o sense_n of_o your_o sincerity_n in_o any_o of_o your_o duty_n no_o visible_a difference_n between_o you_o and_o other_o in_o the_o world_n impose_v themselves_o on_o your_o mind_n to_o divert_v they_o from_o diligence_n in_o this_o duty_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n and_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n will_v see_v his_o name_n 2._o a_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o live_v in_o a_o holy_a resignation_n of_o our_o person_n our_o life_n our_o family_n all_o our_o enjoyment_n unto_o the_o sovereign_a will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o part_n with_o all_o thing_n upon_o his_o call_n without_o repine_v this_o also_o be_v plain_o declare_v in_o the_o voice_n of_o present_a providence_n god_n be_v make_v wing_n for_o man_n riches_n he_o be_v shake_v their_o habitation_n take_v away_o the_o visible_a defence_n of_o their_o life_n proclaim_v the_o instability_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o mind_v to_o contend_v with_o he_o we_o have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o give_v we_o rest_v and_o peace_n for_o a_o moment_n but_o a_o holy_a resignation_n of_o all_o unto_o his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n will_v you_o now_o know_v what_o you_o shall_v fix_v and_o exercise_v your_o thought_n upon_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v evidence_n of_o your_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v i_o say_v be_v frequent_o conversant_a in_o they_o about_o these_o thing_n they_o lie_v before_o you_o they_o call_v upon_o you_o and_o will_v find_v you_o a_o just_a employment_n count_v they_o part_n of_o your_o business_n allow_v they_o some_o part_n of_o your_o time_n cease_v not_o until_o you_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o your_o conscience_n that_o you_o have_v in_o sincerity_n state_v both_o these_o duty_n in_o your_o mind_n which_o will_v never_o be_v do_v without_o many_o thought_n about_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v so_o with_o you_o god_n will_v be_v great_o displease_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o come_n and_o call_v now_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o articulate_v fear_v the_o woeful_a doom_n record_v prov._n 1.24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o isa._n 56.12_o chap._n 66.4_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o if_o any_o calamity_n public_a or_o private_a do_v overtake_v you_o under_o a_o neglect_n of_o these_o duty_n you_o will_v be_v woeful_o surprise_v and_o not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o turn_v for_o relief_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o time_n and_o season_n wherein_o you_o may_v have_v a_o especial_a trial_n and_o experiment_n whether_o you_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no._n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o faith_n to_o excite_v and_o draw_v forth_o grace_n into_o exercise_n according_a unto_o present_a occasion_n if_o this_o grace_n be_v habitual_o resident_a in_o you_o it_o will_v put_v itself_o forth_o in_o many_o thought_n about_o these_o present_a duty_n but_o alas_o for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o walk_v contrary_a to_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v contrary_a unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n a_o great_a instance_n we_o have_v with_o respect_n unto_o these_o duty_n especial_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o for_o 1._o who_o almost_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n into_o and_o trial_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o way_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o procure_a cause_n of_o the_o displeasure_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n general_o when_o the_o token_n and_o evidence_n of_o they_o do_v most_o abound_v the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o outrageous_a provoke_a sin_n these_o visible_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n hence_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o cast_v the_o whole_a reason_n of_o present_a judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o put_v it_o whole_o from_o themselves_o hence_o common_o there_o be_v never_o less_o of_o self_n examination_n than_o when_o it_o be_v call_v for_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n but_o as_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o open_a dare_a sin_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o procure_a cause_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o it_o in_o temporal_a judgement_n so_o the_o wise_a course_n for_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v they_o unto_o the_o great_a judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n this_o the_o apostle_n direct_v we_o unto_o 2_o thess._n 1.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o our_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o consider_v on_o what_o account_v judgement_n begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o with_o respect_n thereunto_o again_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o present_a duty_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o providence_n be_v a_o humble_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concernment_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sit_v loose_a in_o our_o affection_n from_o all_o earthly_a temporal_a enjoyment_n this_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v let_v we_o profess_v what_o we_o will_v unless_o our_o thought_n be_v great_o exercise_v about_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o motive_n unto_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o faith_n put_v forth_o its_o efficacy_n unto_o the_o mortification_n of_o self_n and_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n wherefore_o without_o this_o we_o can_v make_v no_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o alas_o how_o many_o at_o present_a do_v open_o walk_v contrary_a unto_o god_n herein_o the_o way_n the_o countenance_n the_o discourse_n of_o man_n do_v give_v evidence_n hereunto_o their_o love_n unto_o present_a thing_n their_o contrivance_n for_o their_o increase_n and_o continuance_n do_v grow_v and_o thrive_v under_o the_o call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_n so_o it_o be_v of_o old_a they_o do_v eat_v they_o drink_v they_o marry_v and_o give_v in_o marriage_n until_o the_o day_n that_o noah_n enter_v into_o the_o ark._n can_v the_o generality_n of_o professor_n at_o this_o day_n give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o thought_n upon_o such_o thing_n as_o shall_v dispose_v they_o unto_o this_o holy_a resignation_n that_o they_o meditate_v on_o the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o thence_o make_v themselves_o ready_a to_o part_n with_o all_o at_o his_o time_n and_o pleasure_n how_o can_v person_n pretend_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v the_o current_n of_o who_o thought_n lie_v in_o direct_a contrariety_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n here_o lie_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o self-deceiving_n they_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n they_o judge_v themselves_o believer_n they_o hope_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o have_v many_o evidence_n for_o it_o but_o one_o negative_a evidence_n will_v render_v a_o hundred_o that_o be_v positive_a useless_a all_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o do_v say_v the_o young_a man_n yet_o one_o thing_n thou_o want_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o want_n of_o that_o one_o render_v his_o all_o thing_n of_o no_o avail_n unto_o he_o many_o thing_n you_o have_v do_v many_o thing_n you_o do_v many_o ground_n of_o hope_n abide_v with_o you_o neither_o yourselves_o nor_o other_o do_v doubt_n of_o your_o condition_n but_o be_v you_o spiritual_o mind_v if_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v want_v all_o the_o rest_n will_v not_o avail_v you_o you_o have_v indeed_o neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n and_o what_o ground_n have_v you_o to_o judge_v that_o you_o be_v so_o if_o the_o current_n of_o your_o thought_n lie_v in_o direct_a contrariety_n unto_o the_o present_a call_n of_o god_n if_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v your_o love_n to_o the_o world_n be_v such_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o perhaps_o be_v increase_v if_o your_o desire_n be_v strong_a to_o secure_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o if_o the_o daily_a contrivance_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v not_o how_o you_o may_v attain_v a_o constant_a resignation_n of_o yourselves_o and_o your_o all_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o be_v do_v without_o much_o thoughtfulness_n and_o meditation_n on_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o
to_o consider_v it_o as_o what_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n obnoxious_a unto_o as_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n what_o we_o have_v deserve_v by_o our_o personal_a sin_n as_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n what_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o through_o jesus_n the_o deliverer_n who_o save_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v what_o expression_n it_o be_v of_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n who_o have_v prepare_v this_o tophet_n of_o old_a that_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o sin_n keep_v up_o to_o a_o abhorrency_n of_o it_o walk_v in_o humility_n self-abasement_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o divine_a grace_n this_o therefore_o be_v require_v of_o we_o that_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n we_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o blessedness_n and_o eternal_a glory_n as_o a_o free_a and_o absolute_a effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n jesus_n with_o that_o state_n of_o eternal_a misery_n which_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o holy_a thankfulness_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v stir_v up_o unto_o its_o due_a exercise_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v say_v that_o they_o complain_v before_o that_o they_o can_v get_v their_o mind_n fix_v on_o these_o thing_n weakness_n weariness_n darkness_n diversion_n occasion_n do_v prevalent_o obstruct_v their_o abide_n in_o such_o thought_n i_o shall_v speak_v further_o unto_o this_o afterward_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o suggest_v two_o thing_n 1._o if_o you_o can_v attain_v yet_o continue_v to_o follow_v after_o get_v your_o mind_n in_o a_o perpetual_a endeavour_n after_o a_o abode_n in_o spiritual_a thought_n let_v your_o mind_n be_v rise_v towards_o they_o every_o hour_n yea_o a_o hundred_o time_n a_o day_n on_o all_o occasion_n on_o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o duty_n and_o sigh_v within_o yourselves_o for_o deliverance_n when_o you_o find_v disappointment_n or_o not_o a_o continuance_n in_o they_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o place_n rom._n 8.23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o 2._o take_v care_n you_o go_v not_o backward_o and_o lose_v what_o you_o have_v wrought_v if_o you_o neglect_v these_o thing_n for_o a_o season_n you_o will_v quick_o find_v yourselves_o neglect_v by_o they_o so_o i_o observe_v it_o every_o day_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n whilst_o person_n keep_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n on_o it_o where_o they_o find_v it_o preach_v unto_o their_o edification_n they_o find_v great_a delight_n in_o it_o and_o will_v undergo_v great_a difficulty_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o let_v they_o be_v divert_v from_o it_o for_o a_o season_n after_o a_o while_o it_o grow_v indifferent_a unto_o they_o any_o thing_n will_v satisfy_v they_o that_o pretend_v unto_o the_o same_o duty_n chap._n vii_o especial_a object_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n on_o the_o glorious_a state_n of_o heaven_n and_o what_o belong_v thereunto_o first_o of_o christ_n himself_o thought_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n in_o opposition_n unto_o thought_n of_o eternal_a misery_n the_o use_n of_o such_o thought_n advantage_n in_o suffering_n it_o will_v be_v unto_o our_o advantage_n have_v state_v right_a notion_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o bless_a state_n above_o in_o our_o mind_n to_o fix_v on_o some_o particular_n belong_v unto_o it_o as_o the_o especial_a object_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n as_o 1._o think_v much_o of_o he_o who_o unto_o we_o be_v the_o life_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v christ_n himself_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o treat_v hereof_o because_o i_o have_v design_v a_o peculiar_a treatise_n on_o this_o subject_a of_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n both_o here_o and_o unto_o eternity_n at_o present_v therefore_o a_o few_o thing_n only_o shall_v be_v mention_v because_o on_o this_o occasion_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o state_n above_o be_v express_v by_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n where_o he_o be_v to_o behold_v his_o glory_n for_o in_o and_o through_o he_o be_v the_o beatifical_a manifestation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n make_v for_o evermore_o and_o through_o he_o be_v all_o communication_n of_o inward_a glory_n unto_o we_o the_o present_a resplendency_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n consist_v in_o his_o mediatory_a ministry_n as_o i_o have_v at_o large_a elsewhere_o declare_v and_o he_o will_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o all_o glorious_a communication_n between_o god_n and_o the_o church_n unto_o eternity_n wherefore_o if_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v we_o shall_v fix_v our_o thought_n on_o christ_n above_o as_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o heavenly_a glory_n to_o help_v we_o herein_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o thing_n that_o follow_v 1._o faith_n have_v continual_a recourse_n unto_o he_o on_o the_o account_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n for_o thereon_o pardon_v of_o sin_n justification_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n do_v depend_v this_o arise_v in_o the_o first_o place_n from_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o want_n but_o love_n of_o he_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a unto_o we_o than_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o although_o we_o have_v powerful_a motive_n unto_o love_n from_o what_o he_o do_v and_o be_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o adherence_n unto_o he_o thereby_o be_v what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v now_o exalt_v in_o heaven_n if_o we_o rejoice_v not_o at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o present_a glory_n if_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o be_v not_o frequent_a with_o we_o and_o refresh_v unto_o we_o how_o dwell_v his_o love_n in_o we_o 2._o our_o hope_n be_v that_o ever_o long_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o he_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v certain_o our_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v here_o with_o he_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o any_o to_o suppose_v that_o they_o place_v their_o chief_a happiness_n in_o be_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n who_o care_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v with_o he_o here_o as_o they_o may_v and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o our_o be_v present_a with_o he_o here_o be_v by_o faith_n and_o love_n act_v themselves_o in_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o affection_n and_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o esteem_v themselves_o christian_n who_o scarce_o think_v of_o christ_n all_o the_o day_n long_o yet_o some_o as_o one_o complain_v of_o old_a scarce_o ever_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o he_o but_o when_o they_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n i_o have_v read_v of_o they_o who_o have_v live_v and_o die_v in_o continual_a contemplation_n on_o he_o so_o far_o as_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v i_o have_v know_v they_o i_o do_v know_v they_o who_o call_v themselves_o unto_o a_o reproof_n if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o have_v be_v many_o minute_n out_o of_o their_o thought_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o who_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n yet_o i_o wish_v i_o do_v not_o know_v more_o who_o give_v evidence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o serious_a thought_n and_o meditation_n about_o he_o yea_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v not_o averse_a upon_o occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o god_n of_o mercy_n of_o pardon_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n who_o if_o you_o mention_v christ_n unto_o they_o with_o any_o thing_n of_o faith_n love_n trust_v in_o he_o they_o seem_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o strange_a thing_n few_o there_o be_v who_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o religion_n beyond_o what_o be_v natural_a the_o thing_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v foolishness_n unto_o they_o take_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o duty_n 1._o in_o your_o thought_n of_o christ_n be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o be_v conceive_v and_o direct_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n lest_o you_o deceive_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o give_v up_o the_o conduct_n of_o your_o affection_n unto_o vain_a imagination_n spiritual_a notion_n befalling_a carnal_a mind_n do_v once_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o superstition_n ruin_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n a_o conviction_n man_n have_v that_o they_o must_v think_v much_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o this_o will_v make_v they_o conformable_a unto_o he_o but_o have_v no_o real_a evangelical_n faith_n nor_o the_o wisdom_n of_o faith_n to_o exercise_v it_o in_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n nor_o understanding_n what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v true_o like_a unto_o he_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o many_o foolish_a invention_n and_o imagination_n by_o which_o they_o
and_o make_v our_o soul_n meet_v for_o the_o reception_n and_o entertainment_n of_o he_o wherefore_o 3._o our_o want_n of_o experience_n in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o holy_a intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n arise_v principal_o from_o our_o defect_n in_o this_o duty_n i_o have_v know_v one_o who_o after_o a_o long_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n fall_v into_o great_a darkness_n and_o distress_n mere_o on_o this_o account_n that_o he_o do_v not_o experience_n in_o himself_o the_o sweetness_n life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o testimony_n give_v concern_v the_o real_a communication_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n unto_o and_o the_o intimation_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o believer_n he_o know_v well_o enough_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o it_o at_o least_o he_o understand_v there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o he_o have_v experience_n of_o god_n carry_v he_o by_o faith_n through_o that_o darkness_n but_o teach_v he_o withal_o that_o no_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v let_v into_o the_o soul_n but_o by_o constant_a thoughtfulness_n and_o contemplation_n on_o christ._n how_o many_o bless_a visit_n do_v we_o lose_v by_o not_o be_v exercise_v unto_o this_o duty_n see_v cant._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o sometime_o we_o be_v busy_a sometime_o careless_a and_o negligent_a sometime_o slothful_a sometime_o under_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o we_o neither_o inquire_v after_o nor_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o have_v our_o joy_n abound_v again_o i_o speak_v now_o with_o especial_a respect_n unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o presence_n as_o god_n and_o man_n eternal_o unite_v the_o discharge_v of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n as_o he_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o present_a act_n for_o the_o church_n as_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o true_a tabernacle_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v and_o not_o man_n the_o love_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o intercession_n whereby_o he_o take_v care_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o approach_n of_o his_o glorious_a come_n unto_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o daily_a thought_n and_o meditation_n let_v we_o not_o mistake_v ourselves_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v not_o to_o have_v the_o notion_n and_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v constant_a no_o not_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n both_o which_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n at_o all_o it_o be_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n real_o exercise_v with_o delight_n about_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o especial_o christ_n himself_o as_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n again_o so_o think_v of_o eternal_a thing_n as_o continual_o to_o lay_v they_o in_o the_o balance_n against_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n this_o use_n of_o it_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o somewhat_o before_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v press_v upon_o all_o occasion_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o we_o shall_v yet_o suffer_v more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o we_o have_v do_v so_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o if_o we_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n we_o must_v do_v so_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o the_o world_n be_v prepare_v to_o bring_v it_o on_o we_o and_o as_o we_o must_v suffer_v so_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n that_o we_o suffer_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n mere_a suffering_n will_v neither_o commend_v we_o unto_o god_n nor_o any_o way_n advantage_n our_o own_o soul_n when_o we_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o eminent_a grace_n gift_n and_o privilege_n psal._n 1.29_o but_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o man_n suppose_v themselves_o to_o suffer_v for_o conscience_n sake_n though_o if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o all_o our_o suffering_n be_v in_o vain_a nor_o be_v it_o enough_o that_o we_o suffer_v for_o this_o or_o that_o way_n of_o profession_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o esteem_v to_o be_v true_a and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n unto_o what_o be_v not_o so_o the_o glory_n of_o suffering_n on_o these_o account_n sole_o have_v be_v much_o sully_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o person_n out_o of_o a_o natural_a courage_n accompany_v with_o deep_a radicate_a persuasion_n and_o have_v their_o mind_n influence_v with_o some_o sinister_a end_n may_v undergo_v thing_n hard_a and_o difficult_a in_o give_v testimony_n unto_o what_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n example_n we_o have_v have_v hereof_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n see_v 1_o pet._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o we_o have_v have_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o all_o paint_n and_o appearance_n of_o honour_n from_o they_o who_o in_o their_o suffering_n be_v deceive_v in_o what_o they_o profess_v but_o man_n may_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n suffer_v for_o what_o be_v indeed_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n yea_o may_v give_v their_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v therein_o and_o yet_o not_o to_o his_o glory_n nor_o their_o own_o eternal_a advantage_n wherefore_o we_o be_v due_o to_o consider_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v our_o suffering_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o honourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o many_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n with_o respect_n unto_o suffering_n that_o i_o never_o see_v good_a event_n of_o when_o it_o be_v try_v to_o the_o uttermost_a boldness_n confidence_n a_o pretend_a contempt_n of_o hardship_n and_o scorn_v other_o man_n who_o they_o suppose_v defective_a in_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o garment_n or_o livery_n they_o wear_v on_o this_o occasion_n such_o principle_n may_v carry_v man_n out_o in_o a_o bad_a cause_n they_o will_v never_o do_v so_o in_o a_o good_a evangelical_n truth_n will_v not_o be_v honourable_o witness_v unto_o but_o by_o evangelical_n grace_n distrust_v of_o ourselves_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_n to_o be_v undergo_v and_o of_o our_o own_o frailty_n with_o continual_a prayer_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o or_o support_v under_o they_o and_o prudent_a care_n to_o avoid_v they_o without_o a_o inroad_n on_o conscience_n or_o neglect_v of_o duty_n be_v much_o better_a preparation_n for_o a_o entrance_n into_o a_o state_n of_o suffer_v many_o thing_n belong_v unto_o our_o learning_n aright_o this_o first_o and_o last_o lesson_n of_o the_o gospel_n namely_o of_o bear_v the_o cross_n or_o undergo_a all_o sort_n of_o suffering_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o they_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a occasion_n this_o only_o be_v that_o which_o we_o now_o press_v as_o a_o evidence_n of_o our_o sincerity_n in_o our_o suffering_n and_o a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o enable_v we_o cheerful_o to_o undergo_v they_o which_o be_v to_o have_v such_o a_o continual_a prospect_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o glory_n so_o as_o to_o lay_v it_o in_o the_o balance_n against_o all_o that_o we_o may_v undergo_v for_o 1._o to_o have_v our_o mind_n fill_v and_o possess_v with_o thought_n thereof_o will_v give_v we_o a_o alacrity_n in_o our_o entrance_n into_o suffering_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n other_o consideration_n will_v offer_v themselves_o unto_o our_o relief_n which_o will_v quick_o fade_v and_o disappear_v they_o be_v like_o a_o cordial_a water_n which_o give_v a_o little_a relief_n for_o a_o season_n and_o then_o leave_v the_o spirit_n to_o sink_v beneath_o what_o they_o be_v before_o it_o be_v take_v some_o relieve_v themselves_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o suffering_n they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v conflict_n with_o they_o and_o come_v off_o with_o safety_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n so_o small_a which_o will_v not_o prove_v too_o hard_a and_o strong_a for_o we_o unless_o we_o have_v especial_a assistance_n some_o do_v the_o same_o from_o their_o duration_n they_o be_v but_o for_o ten_o day_n or_o six_o month_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v free_a some_o from_o the_o compassion_n and_o esteem_n of_o men._n these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n be_v apt_a to_o occur_v unto_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n whether_o they_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v or_o no._n but_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v accustom_v unto_o thought_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v
in_o general_n but_o that_o man_n have_v decoct_v and_o waste_v the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o full_a revelation_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o he_o make_v it_o be_v the_o last_o that_o ever_o he_o will_v make_v in_o this_o world_n if_o this_o be_v despise_v if_o man_n rebel_v against_o the_o light_n of_o it_o if_o they_o break_v the_o cord_n of_o it_o and_o be_v senseless_a of_o its_o power_n nothing_o can_v preserve_v they_o from_o the_o high_a atheism_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v relief_n or_o preservation_n from_o inferior_a mean_n where_o the_o high_a and_o most_o noble_a be_v reject_v reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o argument_n be_v still_o well_o plead_v from_o they_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o atheist_n and_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o retain_v man_n in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o godhead_n who_o have_v no_o other_o no_o high_a evidence_n of_o they_o but_o where_o man_n have_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o divine_a revelation_n where_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o make_v some_o profession_n of_o they_o and_o have_v through_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o hatred_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o good_a reject_v all_o conviction_n from_o they_o concern_v the_o be_v power_n and_o rule_n of_o god_n they_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v unto_o a_o confession_n of_o they_o by_o any_o consideration_n that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v suggest_v there_o be_v therefore_o among_o other_o three_z reason_n why_o there_o be_v more_o atheist_n among_o they_o who_o live_v where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o reject_v than_o among_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o than_o there_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o 1._o god_n have_v design_v to_o magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n or_o all_o other_o way_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o child_n of_o man_n psal._n 138.2_o where_o therefore_o this_o be_v reject_v and_o despise_v he_o will_v not_o give_v the_o honour_n unto_o reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o shall_v preserve_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o any_o evil_a whatever_n reason_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o efficacy_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o reject_v the_o light_n and_o power_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o the_o word_n as_o it_o have_v or_o may_v have_v on_o they_o who_o best_o guide_v it_o be_v who_o never_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v oft_o time_n more_o common_a honesty_n among_o civilise_a heathen_n and_o mahometan_n than_o among_o degenerate_a christian_n and_o from_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o child_n of_o professor_n be_v sometime_o irrecoverable_o profligate_v it_o will_v be_v say_v many_o be_v recover_v unto_o god_n by_o affliction_n who_o have_v despise_v the_o word_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o never_o any_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n by_o affliction_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o word_n man_n may_v by_o affliction_n be_v recall_v unto_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n but_o none_o be_v immediate_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o they_o as_o a_o good_a shepherd_n when_o a_o sheep_n wander_v from_o the_o flock_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v his_o call_n send_v out_o his_o dog_n which_o stop_v he_o and_o bite_v he_o hereon_o he_o look_v about_o he_o and_o hear_v the_o call_n of_o the_o shepherd_n return_v again_o to_o the_o flock_n job_n 33.19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25._o but_o with_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o where_o the_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o wherein_o he_o do_v most_o glorify_v his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o goodness_n be_v despise_v he_o will_v not_o only_o take_v off_o the_o efficacy_n of_o inferior_a mean_n but_o judicial_o harden_v the_o heart_n and_o blind_a the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o such_o mean_n shall_v be_v of_o no_o use_n unto_o they_o see_v isa._n 6.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o act_n 13_o 40_o 41._o rom._n 1.21_o 28._o 2_o thes._n 2.11_o 12._o 2._o the_o contempt_n of_o gospel_n light_a and_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v supernatural_a which_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o transgression_n unto_o all_o atheist_n among_o we_o beget_v in_o and_o leaf_n on_o the_o mind_n such_o a_o deprave_a corrupt_a habit_n such_o a_o congery_n of_o all_o evil_n that_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n can_v produce_v that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v whole_o incline_v unto_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n as_o all_o our_o original_a vicious_a inclination_n succeed_v immediate_o on_o our_o rejection_n and_o loss_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o best_a thing_n corrupt_v yield_v the_o worst_a savour_n as_o manna_n stanke_z and_o breed_v worm_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reject_v stink_a worm_n take_v the_o place_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n which_o grow_v into_o viper_n and_o scorpion_n every_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o gospel-truth_n bring_v in_o a_o proportionate_a degree_n of_o inclination_n unto_o wickedness_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n 2_o pet._n 2.21_o and_o that_o which_o be_v total_a unto_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n whereas_o therefore_o multitude_n from_o their_o darkness_n unbelief_n temptation_n love_n of_o sin_n pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n do_v fall_v off_o from_o all_o subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o gospel_n either_o notional_o or_o practical_o deride_v or_o despise_v all_o supernatural_a revelation_n they_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o dispose_v unto_o downright_a atheism_n than_o person_n who_o never_o have_v the_o light_n or_o benefit_n of_o such_o revelation_n take_v heed_n of_o decay_n whatever_o ground_n the_o gospel_n lose_v in_o our_o mind_n sin_n possess_v it_o for_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o ends._n let_v none_o say_v it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o man_n grow_v cold_a and_o negligent_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n worship_n public_a and_o private_a which_o be_v to_o reject_v gospel_n light_n let_v they_o say_v and_o pretend_v what_o they_o please_v that_o in_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o conversation_n it_o be_v well_o with_o they_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o so_o sin_n will_n sin_n do_v one_o way_n or_o other_o make_v a_o increase_n in_o they_o proportionate_a unto_o these_o decay_n and_o will_v soon_o or_o late_a discover_v itself_o so_o to_o do_v and_o themselves_o if_o they_o be_v not_o utter_o harden_v may_v great_o discover_v it_o inward_o in_o their_o peace_n or_o outward_o in_o their_o life_n 3._o where_o man_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o see_v the_o great_a the_o light_n be_v that_o shine_v about_o they_o the_o fast_o they_o must_v close_o they_o eye_n all_o atheism_n spring_v from_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o see_v thing_n invisible_a and_o eternal_a love_n of_o sin_n a_o resolve_a continuance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o effectual_a power_n of_o vicious_a inclination_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v good_a make_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o such_o man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o a_o supreme_a unavoidable_a judge_n a_o eternal_a rewarder_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o a_o divine_a be_v whereas_o therefore_o the_o most_o glorious_a light_n and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o these_o thing_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n man_n that_o will_v abide_v by_o their_o interest_n to_o love_n and_o live_v in_o sin_n must_v close_v their_o eye_n with_o all_o the_o art_n and_o power_n that_o they_o have_v or_o else_o they_o will_v pierce_v into_o their_o mind_n unto_o their_o torment_n this_o they_o do_v by_o downright_a atheism_n which_o alone_o pretend_v to_o give_v they_o security_n against_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n against_o all_o other_o conviction_n they_o may_v take_v shelter_n from_o their_o fear_n under_o less_o degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o unto_o the_o disparagement_n but_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o many_o avow_v themselves_o to_o be_v atheist_n in_o those_o place_n wherein_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v know_v and_o profess_v for_o none_o can_v have_v the_o least_o inclination_n or_o temptation_n thereunto_o until_o they_o have_v before_o hand_n reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o immediate_o expose_v they_o unto_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o person_n the_o opposition_n that_o have_v be_v
thought_n some_o way_n that_o have_v be_v find_v out_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o pretence_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v destructive_a unto_o it_o but_o herein_o consist_v the_o very_a life_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o usual_a expression_n of_o all_o the_o due_a respect_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o and_o that_o because_o where_o that_o be_v not_o in_o exercise_n nothing_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o and_o thence_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o wisdom_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v therein_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o prevalent_a exercise_n in_o all_o wherein_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o immediate_o all_o our_o duty_n be_v utter_o lose_v as_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n chap._n ix_o what_o of_o god_n or_o in_o god_n we_o be_v to_o think_v and_o meditate_v upon_o his_o be_v reason_n of_o it_o opposition_n to_o it_o the_o way_n of_o their_o conquest_n thought_n of_o the_o omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n peculiarly_a necessary_a the_o reason_n hereof_o as_o also_o of_o his_o omnipotency_n the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o such_o thought_n these_o thing_n mention_v have_v be_v premise_v in_o general_n as_o unto_o the_o nature_n manner_n and_o way_n of_o exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n on_o god_n that_o which_o remain_v be_v to_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v upon_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n and_o what_o we_o will_v be_v conversant_a withal_o in_o our_o thought_n if_o so_o be_v we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v at_o present_a on_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v his_o grace_n and_o love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o belong_v unto_o another_o head_n but_o on_o those_o which_o have_v a_o immediate_a respect_n unto_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o and_o its_o holy_a essential_a property_n 1._o think_v much_o of_o the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n herein_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o relation_n and_o access_n unto_o he_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v this_o be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o reason_n and_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v exercise_v unto_o multiply_v thought_n about_o it_o renew_v on_o all_o occasion_n for_o many_o who_o be_v not_o direct_a atheist_n yet_o live_v without_o any_o solid_a wellgrounded_n assent_v unto_o the_o divine_a be_v they_o do_v not_o so_o believe_v it_o as_o to_o be_v practical_o influence_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o inbred_a light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n will_v give_v any_o rational_a creature_n satisfaction_n in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v in_o the_o most_o a_o anticipation_n of_o any_o thought_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o tradition_n and_o education_n which_o have_v invite_v man_n into_o a_o assent_n unto_o it_o they_o know_v not_o how_o they_o never_o call_v it_o into_o question_n nor_o have_v as_o they_o suppose_v any_o cause_n so_o to_o do_v nature_n itself_o startle_v at_o the_o first_o thought_n of_o deny_v of_o it_o but_o if_o ever_o such_o person_n on_o any_o urgent_a occasion_n come_v to_o have_v real_a thought_n about_o it_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n and_o fluctuate_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o not_o have_v any_o certain_a indubitable_a convicton_n of_o its_o truth_n wherefore_o as_o our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v be_v as_o to_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o lay_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o operation_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n about_o the_o work_n and_o effect_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v increase_v and_o render_v useful_a by_o faith_n in_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o divine_a power_n through_o they_o by_o this_o faith_n we_o ought_v to_o let_v in_o frequent_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o existence_n and_o that_o on_o two_o reason_n render_v the_o duty_n necessary_a in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n in_o this_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v 1._o the_o abound_v of_o atheism_n both_o notional_a and_o practical_a the_o reason_n of_o it_o have_v be_v give_v before_o and_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_a unto_o any_o ordinary_a observation_n and_o on_o two_o account_n with_o respect_n hereunto_o we_o ought_v to_o abound_v in_o thought_n of_o faith_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o a_o especial_a testimony_n be_v require_v in_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o curse_a effect_n of_o hell_n he_o therefore_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v can_v but_o have_v many_o thought_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n thereby_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o isai._n 43.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o let_v all_o the_o nation_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o let_v the_o people_n be_v assemble_v who_o among_o they_o can_v declare_v this_o and_o show_v we_o former_a thing_n let_v they_o bring_v forth_o their_o witness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v justify_v or_o let_v they_o hear_v and_o say_v it_o be_v truth_n you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o my_o servant_n who_o i_o have_v choose_v that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v i_o and_o understand_v that_o i_o be_o he_o before_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n form_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v after_o i_o ay_o even_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o saviour_n i_o have_v declare_v and_o have_v save_v and_o i_o have_v show_v when_o there_o be_v no_o strange_a god_n among_o you_o therefore_o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o be_o god_n chap._n 44.8_o fear_v you_o not_o neither_o be_v afraid_a have_v not_o i_o tell_v thou_o from_o that_o time_n and_o have_v declare_v it_o you_o be_v even_o my_o witness_n be_v there_o a_o god_n beside_o i_o yea_o there_o be_v no_o god_n i_o know_v not_o any_o 2._o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n of_o they_o continual_o administer_v unto_o we_o those_o atheistical_a impiety_n principle_n and_o practice_n which_o abound_v among_o we_o be_v grievous_a provocation_n unto_o all_o pious_a soul_n without_o frequent_a retreat_n unto_o thought_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o relief_n nor_o refreshment_n to_o be_v have_v under_o they_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o noah_n in_o the_o old_a world_n and_o of_o lot_n in_o sodom_n which_o render_v their_o grace_n illustrious_a 2._o because_o of_o the_o unaccountable_a confusion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v fill_v withal_o at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n whatever_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v a_o temptation_n in_o humane_a affair_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o abound_v at_o this_o day_n never_o have_v man_n profane_a and_o profligate_v great_a outward_a appearance_n to_o strengthen_v they_o in_o their_o atheism_n nor_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a great_a trial_n for_o their_o faith_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o visible_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o psalmist_n of_o old_a on_o such_o a_o occasion_n be_v almost_o surprise_v into_o unbelieving_a complaint_n psal._n 73.2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o such_o surprisal_n may_v now_o also_o befall_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o he_o very_o i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n for_o all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v i_o be_v plague_v and_o chastened_a every_o morning_n hence_o when_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n be_v exercise_v with_o thought_n about_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o declare_v chap._n 1.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o consideration_n in_o the_o fresh_a exercise_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o be_v and_o property_n of_o god_n v_o 12_o 13._o and_o david_n make_v that_o his_o retreat_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n psal._n 11.3_o 4_o 5._o in_o such_o a_o season_n as_o this_o be_v upon_o both_o the_o account_v mention_v those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v will_n much_o exercise_v their_o thought_n about_o the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n they_o will_v say_v within_o themselves_o very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o he_o be_v a_o god_n who_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n hence_o will_v follow_v such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o immensity_n of_o his_o nature_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n as_o will_v hold_v their_o soul_n firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o high_a storm_n of_o temptation_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o yet_o be_v there_o
their_o avoidance_n they_o will_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n indeed_o the_o common_a converse_v of_o professor_n among_o themselves_o and_o other_o walking_z talk_v and_o behave_v themselves_o like_o other_o man_n be_v as_o full_a of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o world_n be_v of_o itself_o have_v lose_v the_o grace_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n within_o and_o stain_v the_o glory_n of_o profession_n without_o the_o rule_n observe_v by_o david_n will_v manifest_v how_o careful_a we_o ought_v to_o be_v herein_o psal._n 39.1_o 2_o 3._o i_o say_v i_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o my_o way_n that_o i_o sin_v not_o with_o my_o tongue_n i_o will_v keep_v my_o mouth_n with_o a_o bridle_n while_o the_o wicked_a be_v before_o i_o i_o be_v dumb_a with_o silence_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n even_o from_o good_a and_o my_o sorrow_n be_v stir_v my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v then_o speak_v i_o with_o my_o tongue_n which_o place_n be_v speak_v unto_o before_o 3._o a_o holy_a constraint_n put_v on_o the_o mind_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o meditation_n press_v it_o continual_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n the_o mind_n will_v be_v apt_a of_o itself_o to_o start_v aside_o from_o duty_n pure_o spiritual_a through_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o flesh_n abide_v in_o it_o the_o more_o inward_a and_o pure_o spiritual_a any_o duty_n be_v which_o have_v no_o outward_a advantage_n the_o more_o prone_a will_v the_o mind_n be_v to_o decline_v from_o it_o it_o will_v be_v so_o more_o from_o private_a prayer_n than_o public_a more_o from_o meditation_n than_o prayer_n and_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o draw_v it_o aside_o by_o object_n without_o and_o various_a stir_n of_o the_o affection_n within_o a_o holy_a constraint_n be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o with_o a_o sudden_a rejection_n of_o what_o rise_v up_o to_o its_o diversion_n or_o disturbance_n wherefore_o we_o be_v to_o call_v in_o all_o constrain_a motive_n such_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5.14_o to_o keep_v the_o mind_n steady_a unto_o its_o duty_n 4._o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n to_o furnish_v the_o soul_n with_o that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o may_v administer_v continual_a matter_n of_o holy_a thought_n and_o meditation_n from_o within_o ourselves_o this_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o at_o large_a before_o and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v that_o which_o keep_v many_o from_o the_o least_o proficiency_n in_o these_o duty_n as_o a_o man_n may_v have_v some_o skill_n or_o ability_n for_o a_o trade_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v no_o material_n to_o work_v upon_o he_o must_v sit_v still_o and_o let_v his_o trade_n alone_o and_o so_o must_v man_n do_v as_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o holy_a meditation_n whatever_o be_v the_o ability_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n their_o invention_n or_o memory_n if_o they_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o such_o meditation_n they_o must_v let_v their_o work_n alone_o hence_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v dwell_v in_o they_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n chap._n 3.16_o that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v abound_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v unfit_a for_o this_o duty_n 5._o vnweariedness_n in_o our_o conflict_n with_o satan_n who_o by_o various_a artifices_fw-la and_o the_o injection_n of_o fiery_a dart_n labour_v continual_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o these_o duty_n he_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o want_v unto_o this_o occasion_n he_o who_o be_v furnish_v in_o any_o measure_n with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n may_v find_v he_o more_o sensible_o at_o work_n in_o his_o craft_n and_o opposition_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o duty_n than_o any_o other_o way_n when_o we_o stand_v thus_o before_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v always_o at_o our_o right_a hand_n to_o resist_v we_o and_o ofttimes_o his_o strength_n be_v great_a hence_o as_o be_v observe_v ofttimes_o man_n design_v real_o to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o holy_a thought_n but_o end_n in_o vain_a imagination_n and_o rather_o take_v up_o with_o trifle_n than_o continue_v in_o this_o duty_n steadiness_n in_o the_o resistance_n of_o he_o on_o these_o occasion_n be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o we_o may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v at_o work_n by_o his_o engine_n and_o method_n for_o they_o consist_v in_o his_o suggestion_n of_o vain_a foolish_a or_o corrupt_a imagination_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o rise_v in_o our_o mind_n at_o such_o time_n as_o we_o will_v engage_v they_o in_o spiritual_a meditation_n we_o may_v know_v assure_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v 6._o continual_a watchful_a care_n that_o no_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o and_o defile_v we_o that_o no_o lust_n or_o corruption_n be_v predominant_a in_o we_o when_o it_o be_v so_o if_o person_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o conviction_n do_v endeavour_v sometime_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o these_o duty_n they_o shall_v labour_v in_o the_o very_a fire_n where_o all_o their_o endeavour_n will_v be_v immediate_o consume_v 7._o mortification_n unto_o the_o world_n in_o our_o affection_n and_o desire_n with_o moderation_n in_o our_o endeavour_n after_o the_o needful_a thing_n of_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a hereunto_o yea_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o without_o they_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n for_o otherwise_o our_o affection_n can_v be_v so_o preserve_v under_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o spiritual_a thing_n may_v be_v always_o savoury_a unto_o we_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v say_v that_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v thereunto_o it_o will_v take_v 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you_o be_v that_o you_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o that_o judgement_n if_o this_o be_v neglect_v if_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o your_o time_n be_v not_o improve_v with_o respect_n unto_o this_o end_n you_o will_v fall_v under_o the_o sentence_n of_o it_o unto_o eternity_n but_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n they_o may_v think_v that_o these_o thing_n tend_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o lawful_a employment_n and_o recreation_n which_o they_o be_v general_o afraid_a of_o and_o unwilling_a to_o purchase_v any_o frame_n of_o mind_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n they_o may_v suppose_v that_o to_o have_v man_n spiritual_o mind_v we_o will_v make_v they_o mope_v and_o to_o disregard_n all_o the_o lawful_a occasion_n of_o life_n but_o let_v not_o any_o be_v mistake_v i_o be_o not_o
they_o into_o a_o course_n of_o neglect_v duty_n itself_o wherefore_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o set_v apart_o constant_o some_o part_n of_o our_o time_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o the_o way_n of_o meditation_n and_o i_o shall_v close_v this_o discourse_n with_o some_o direction_n in_o this_o particular_a unto_o they_o who_o complain_v of_o their_o disability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o choose_v and_o separate_v a_o fit_a time_n or_o season_n a_o time_n of_o freedom_n from_o other_o occasion_n and_o diversion_n and_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o redeem_v time_n with_o respect_n unto_o holy_a duty_n such_o a_o season_n may_v be_v the_o more_o useful_a the_o more_o the_o purchase_n of_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o we_o be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o what_o cost_v we_o nought_o nor_o with_o any_o time_n that_o come_v within_o the_o same_o rule_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v only_o the_o 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lame_a and_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a offer_v it_o now_o unto_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n both_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o the_o law_n of_o holy_a institution_n do_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v god_n with_o the_o best_a that_o we_o have_v as_o all_o the_o fat_a of_o the_o inward_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o offer_v that_o time_n unto_o god_n wherein_o we_o be_v unmeet_a to_o appear_v before_o a_o earthly_a ruler_n yet_o such_o in_o my_o account_n be_v the_o season_n especial_o the_o evening_n season_n that_o most_o man_n choose_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o holy_a worship_n and_o you_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o beyond_o the_o day_n and_o time_n which_o he_o have_v take_v unto_o himself_o by_o a_o everlasting_a law_n how_o little_a of_o the_o choice_n of_o your_o time_n you_o have_v offer_v unto_o god_n as_o a_o free-will-offering_a that_o you_o may_v be_v excite_v to_o future_a diligence_n if_o therefore_o you_o serious_o intend_v this_o duty_n choose_v the_o season_n for_o it_o wherein_o you_o be_v most_o fit_a when_o even_o the_o natural_a vigour_n of_o your_o spirit_n be_v most_o free_a and_o active_a possible_o some_o will_v say_v this_o may_v be_v such_o a_o time_n as_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o world_n do_v call_v most_o earnest_o for_o your_o attendance_n unto_o they_o i_o say_v that_o be_v the_o season_n i_o will_v recommend_v and_o if_o you_o can_v conquer_v our_o mind_n to_o redeem_v it_o for_o god_n at_o that_o rate_n your_o endeavour_n in_o it_o will_v be_v prosperous_a however_o trust_v not_o to_o time_n that_o will_v offer_v themselves_o take_v they_o not_o up_o at_o hazard_n let_v the_o time_n itself_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_v to_o god_n take_v from_o the_o top_n of_o the_o heap_n or_o the_o choice_a part_n of_o your_o useful_a time_n 2._o preparation_n of_o mind_n unto_o a_o due_a 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be_v cast_v out_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o contrary_a thought_n be_v like_o jacob_n and_o esau_n they_o struggle_v in_o the_o same_o womb_n and_o oftentime_o esau_n will_v come_v first_o forth_o and_o for_o a_o while_o seem_v to_o carry_v the_o birthright_n if_o various_a thought_n do_v conflict_n in_o our_o mind_n some_o for_o this_o world_n and_o some_o for_o another_o those_o for_o this_o world_n may_v carry_v it_o for_o a_o season_n but_o where_o a_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o child_n the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o its_o vain_a thought_n and_o imagination_n the_o mind_n will_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o exercise_v itself_o on_o spiritual_a thing_n 3._o earnest_a desire_n after_o a_o renew_a sense_n and_o relish_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o if_o we_o engage_v into_o this_o duty_n mere_o on_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o set_v ourselves_o about_o it_o because_o we_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v well_o do_v utter_o to_o neglect_v it_o we_o may_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v successful_a in_o it_o but_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v at_o any_o time_n taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a when_o its_o meditation_n on_o he_o have_v be_v sweet_a when_o spiritual_a thing_n have_v have_v a_o savour_n and_o relish_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o hereon_o it_o come_v unto_o this_o duty_n with_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v the_o like_a taste_n the_o like_a experience_n yea_o to_o have_v they_o increase_v then_o be_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o hopeful_a progress_n and_o this_o also_o will_v make_v we_o persevere_v in_o our_o endeavour_n to_o go_v through_o with_o what_o we_o undertake_v namely_o when_o we_o do_v know_v by_o former_a experience_n what_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v in_o it_o if_o we_o dig_v and_o search_v for_o it_o as_o treasure_n if_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n may_v be_v otherwise_o attain_v if_o you_o suppose_v that_o it_o deserve_v not_o all_o this_o cost_n and_o charge_n about_o it_o judge_v by_o what_o be_v past_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o adviseable_a to_o give_v it_o over_o and_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o good_a lie_n quiet_o on_o the_o ground_n as_o continual_o attempt_v to_o rise_v and_o never_o once_o effect_v it_o remember_v how_o many_o successeless_a attempt_n you_o have_v make_v upon_o it_o and_o all_o have_v come_v to_o nothing_o or_o that_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o nothing_o i_o can_v say_v that_o in_o this_o way_n you_o shall_v always_o succeed_v but_o i_o fear_v you_o will_v never_o have_v success_n in_o this_o duty_n without_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o use_n with_o it_o when_o after_o this_o preparation_n you_o find_v yourselves_o yet_o perplex_a and_o entangle_v not_o able_a comfortable_o to_o persist_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n unto_o your_o refreshment_n take_v these_o two_o direction_n for_o your_o relief_n 1._o cry_v and_o sigh_v to_o god_n for_o help_n and_o relief_n bewail_v the_o darkness_n weakness_n and_o instability_n of_o your_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o groan_v within_o yourselves_o for_o deliverance_n and_o if_o your_o design_a mediâ—â—…ions_n do_v issue_n only_o in_o a_o renew_a gracious_a sense_n of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n with_o application_n unto_o god_n for_o supply_n of_o strength_n they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n lose_v as_o unto_o a_o spiritual_a account_n the_o thought_n of_o hezekiah_n in_o his_o meditation_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o great_a order_n or_o consistency_n when_o he_o so_o express_v they_o like_o a_o crane_n or_o a_o swallow_n so_o do_v i_o chatter_v i_o do_v mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n my_o eye_n
predominant_a in_o we_o what_o if_o we_o miss_v in_o our_o measure_n and_o that_o which_o we_o approve_v of_o in_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v disapprove_v of_o god_n we_o be_v cast_v for_o ever_o we_o belong_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o with_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v perish_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o thing_n namely_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o their_o abuse_n the_o allowable_a industry_n about_o they_o and_o the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o they_o on_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o our_o eternal_a condition_n depend_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o man_n must_v spend_v their_o time_n in_o solicitous_a anxiety_n of_o mind_n as_o not_o know_v when_o they_o have_v aright_o discharge_v their_o duty_n ans._n 1_o i_o press_v these_o thing_n at_o present_a no_o further_o but_o only_o to_o show_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o incline_v in_o his_o affection_n unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n wherein_o a_o excess_n be_v ruinous_a and_o hardly_o discoverable_a sure_o no_o wiseman_n will_v venture_v free_o and_o frequent_o unto_o the_o edge_n of_o such_o a_o precipice_n he_o will_v be_v jealous_a of_o his_o measure_n lest_o they_o will_v not_o hold_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o a_o due_a sense_n hereof_o be_v the_o best_a preservative_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o cleave_v inordinate_o unto_o these_o thing_n below_o and_o when_o god_n in_o any_o instance_n by_o affliction_n or_o otherwise_o show_v unto_o believer_n their_o transgression_n herein_o and_o how_o they_o have_v exceed_v job_n 38.8_o 9_o it_o make_v they_o careful_a for_o the_o future_a they_o will_v now_o or_o never_o be_v diligent_a that_o they_o fall_v not_o under_o that_o peremptory_a rule_n 1_o joh._n 2.14_o second_o where_o the_o soul_n be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a there_o be_v no_o need_n in_o this_o case_n of_o any_o more_o solicitousness_n or_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n than_o there_o be_v unto_o or_o about_o other_o duty_n but_o when_o it_o be_v byase_v and_o act_v by_o self-love_n and_o its_o more_o strong_a inclination_n unto_o thing_n present_a it_o be_v impossible_a man_n shall_v enjoy_v solid_a peace_n or_o be_v free_v from_o severe_a reflection_n on_o they_o by_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o such_o season_n wherein_o they_o be_v awaken_v unto_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o state_n nor_o have_v i_o any_o thing_n to_o tender_v for_o their_o relief_n with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v so_o far_o digress_v in_o this_o place_n as_o to_o give_v some_o direction_n unto_o those_o who_o in_o sincerity_n will_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o lawful_a use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o earthly_a thing_n so_o as_o not_o to_o adhere_v unto_o they_o with_o inordinate_a affection_n first_o remember_v always_o that_o you_o be_v not_o proprietor_n nor_o absolute_a possessor_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o only_a steward_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o man_n you_o be_v or_o may_v be_v just_a proprietor_n of_o what_o you_o enjoy_v with_o respect_n unto_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a possessor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n you_o be_v but_o steward_n this_o stewardship_n we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o as_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o parable_n luk._n 16.1_o 2._o this_o rule_n always_o attend_v unto_o will_v be_v a_o bless_a guide_n in_o all_o instancss_n and_o occasion_n of_o duty_n but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v leave_v in_o trust_n with_o house_n and_o large_a possession_n as_o a_o steward_n for_o the_o right_a lord_n owner_n and_o proprietor_n of_o they_o if_o he_o fall_v into_o a_o please_a dream_n that_o they_o be_v all_o his_o own_o and_o use_v they_o according_o it_o will_v be_v a_o woeful_a surprisal_n unto_o he_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o account_v for_o all_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o lay_v out_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n and_o when_o indeed_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v it_o will_v scarce_o be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o at_o the_o great_a day_n who_o forget_v the_o trust_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o suppose_v they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v with_o what_o they_o call_v their_o own_o second_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o way_n of_o get_v enjoy_v or_o use_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o give_v its_o own_o evidence_n unto_o spiritual_a wisdom_n whether_o it_o be_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o duty_n or_o no._n man_n be_v not_o light_o deceive_v herein_o but_o when_o they_o be_v evident_o under_o the_o power_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n or_o will_v not_o at_o all_o attend_v unto_o themselves_o and_o the_o language_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o man_n own_o fault_n alone_o if_o he_o know_v not_o wherein_o he_o do_v exceed_v a_o due_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n the_o frame_n and_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o they_o will_v great_o give_v check_n unto_o our_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o discover_v the_o folly_n of_o those_o reason_n whereby_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o into_o the_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n or_o justify_v ourselves_o therein_o and_o bring_v to_o light_v the_o secret_a principle_n of_o self-love_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o this_o evil_n three_o if_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v sure_a that_o you_o have_v another_o object_n for_o your_o affection_n which_o have_v a_o predominant_a interest_n in_o your_o mind_n and_o which_o will_v evidence_n itself_o so_o to_o have_v on_o all_o occasion_n let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o observant_a of_o himself_o as_o unto_o all_o outward_a duty_n require_v to_o he_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o earthly_a thing_n let_v he_o be_v liberal_a in_o the_o disposal_n of_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n let_v he_o be_v watchful_a against_o all_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o another_o object_n for_o his_o affection_n which_o have_v a_o prevail_a influence_n upon_o they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o set_v upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o be_v the_o world_n that_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o his_o heart_n for_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v and_o must_v be_v place_v in_o chief_a on_o thing_n below_o or_o thing_n above_o there_o will_v be_v a_o predominant_a love_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o although_o all_o our_o action_n shall_v testify_v another_o frame_n yet_o if_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a object_n of_o our_o affection_n by_o one_o way_n or_o other_o unto_o the_o world_n we_o do_v belong_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v we_o so_o express_o by_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 16.9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o and_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o make_v to_o yourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o you_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v you_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n he_o that_o be_v faithful_a in_o that_o which_o be_v least_o be_v faithful_a also_o in_o much_o and_o he_o that_o be_v unjust_a in_o the_o least_o be_v unjust_a also_o in_o much_o if_o therefore_o you_o have_v not_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o unrighteous_a mammon_n who_o will_v commit_v to_o your_o trust_n the_o true_a riches_n and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o be_v faithful_a in_o that_o which_o be_v anothert_n man_n who_o shall_v give_v you_o that_o which_o be_v your_o own_o no_o servant_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o will_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n four_o labour_v continual_o for_o the_o mortification_n of_o your_o affection_n unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n set_v and_o fix_v on_o they_o nor_o will_v any_o reason_n or_o consideration_n effectual_o divert_v they_o or_o take_v they_o off_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n unless_o they_o be_v mortify_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n whatever_o change_v be_v otherwise_o wrought_v in_o they_o it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v mortification_n alone_o that_o will_v take_v they_o off_o from_o earthly_a thing_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n hence_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o that_o charge_n set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n below_o on_o the_o earth_n col._n 3.2_o add_v this_o as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v do_v so_o mortify_v therefore_o your_o member_n that_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n v_o 5._o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o his_o
but_o such_o also_o as_o will_v make_v compensation_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o they_o can_v but_o frequent_o fall_v into_o sin_n they_o relieve_v themselves_o from_o the_o reflection_n of_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o duty_n and_o renew_a diligence_n in_o they_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a what_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n man_n will_v take_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o contribute_v so_o much_o unto_o a_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v suitable_a unto_o and_o please_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v after_o it_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o conviction_n concern_v sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n this_o make_v the_o jew_n of_o old_a so_o pertinacious_o adhere_v unto_o the_o ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o prefer_v they_o above_o the_o gospel_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o rom._n 10.3_o 4._o they_o look_v and_o seek_v for_o righteousness_n by_o they_o those_o who_o for_o many_o generation_n be_v keep_v up_o with_o great_a difficulty_n unto_o any_o tolerable_a observance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o have_v learned_a to_o place_v all_o their_o hope_n of_o a_o righteousness_n in_o they_o will_v and_o do_v adhere_v unto_o they_o unto_o their_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a ruin_n rom._n 9_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o when_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o work_n of_o munificence_n and_o suppose_a charity_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o their_o substance_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n they_o who_o otherwise_o be_v covetous_a and_o greedy_a and_o oppress_v will_v lavish_a gold_n out_o of_o the_o bag_n and_o give_v up_o their_o whole_a patrimony_n with_o all_o their_o ill_n get_v good_n to_o attain_v it_o so_o powerful_a a_o influence_n have_v the_o desire_n of_o self_n righteousness_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o best_a fortification_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o last_o reserve_v whereby_o it_o maintain_v the_o interest_n of_o self_n against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n hence_o i_o say_v those_o that_o place_n their_o righteousness_n or_o that_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n will_v not_o only_o be_v diligent_a in_o they_o but_o oft_o time_n abound_v in_o a_o multiplication_n of_o they_o especial_o will_v they_o do_v so_o if_o they_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o please_v their_o affection_n with_o a_o show_n of_o humility_n and_o devotion_n require_v nothing_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n or_o sincere_a divine_a love_n therein_o so_o be_v it_o with_o many_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n whether_o the_o way_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v true_a or_o false_a whether_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n or_o reject_v by_o he_o and_o the_o declaration_n hereof_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 1.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o also_o mich._n 6.7_o 8._o four_o the_o reputation_n of_o devotion_n in_o religious_a duty_n may_v insensible_o affect_v the_o unrenewed_a mind_n of_o man_n with_o great_a diligence_n and_o delight_n in_o their_o performance_n however_o man_n be_v divide_v in_o their_o apprehension_n and_o practice_n about_o religion_n however_o different_a from_o and_o contrary_a unto_o each_o other_o their_o way_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n yea_o in_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o they_o who_o outward_o contemn_v these_o thing_n a_o matter_n of_o reputation_n to_o be_v devout_a to_o be_v diligent_a to_o be_v strict_a in_o and_o about_o those_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n and_o persuasion_n they_o judge_v incumbent_a on_o they_o this_o great_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n while_o pride_n be_v secret_o predominant_a in_o they_o and_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n especial_o will_v this_o consideration_n prevail_v on_o they_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o profess_v in_o competition_n with_o other_o depend_v much_o on_o their_o reputation_n as_o to_o their_o strictness_n in_o duty_n of_o devotion_n for_o then_o will_v they_o not_o only_o be_v diligent_a in_o themselves_o but_o zealous_a in_o draw_v other_o unto_o the_o same_o observance_n these_o two_o principle_n their_o own_o reputation_n and_o that_o of_o their_o sect_n constitute_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o pharisaism_n of_o old_a according_a as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v influence_v with_o these_o apprehension_n so_o will_v a_o love_n unto_o and_o a_o delight_n in_o those_o duty_n whereby_o their_o reputation_n be_v attain_v thrive_v and_o grow_v in_o they_o i_o be_o far_o from_o apprehend_v that_o any_o man_n be_v at_o least_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o who_o be_v such_o vile_a hypocrite_n as_o to_o do_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o religion_n to_o be_v see_v and_o praise_v of_o man_n be_v influence_v in_o all_o public_a duty_n thereby_o which_o some_o among_o the_o pharisee_n be_v give_v up_o unto_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n and_o motive_n before_o mention_v do_v also_o yet_o give_v admittance_n unto_o this_o corrupt_a end_n of_o desire_n of_o reputation_n or_o the_o praise_n of_o men._n for_o every_o such_o end_n be_v admit_v and_o prevalent_a in_o the_o mind_n will_v universal_o influence_n the_o affection_n unto_o a_o delight_n in_o those_o duty_n whereby_o that_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v until_o the_o person_n with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o be_v habituate_v unto_o they_o with_o great_a satisfaction_n five_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n insist_v on_o superstition_n as_o this_o be_v a_o undue_a fear_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n will_n and_o opperation_n build_v on_o false_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o it_o may_v befall_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o all_o religion_n true_a and_o false_a it_o be_v a_o internal_a vice_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o it_o respect_v the_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o religious_a service_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o devout_a performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n indeed_o accept_v not_o but_o forbid_v so_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v false_a and_o corrupt_a how_o in_o both_o respect_v it_o will_v engage_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a diligence_n and_o sometime_o with_o prodigious_a attempt_n to_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o what_o they_o do_v design_n be_v too_o long_a a_o work_n here_o to_o be_v declare_v it_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v mention_v it_o among_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n why_o man_n who_o affection_n be_v not_o spiritual_o renew_v may_v yet_o great_o delight_v in_o the_o diligent_a performance_n of_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n our_o design_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n hereunto_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o and_o supernatural_o renew_v and_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a change_n wrought_v on_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o supernatural_a renovation_n our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o act_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o of_o the_o other_o whether_o spiritual_o renew_v or_o occasional_o change_v and_o wherein_o the_o great_a exercise_n of_o they_o consist_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n i_o have_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whence_o man_n of_o unrenewed_a mind_n do_v delight_n oft_o time_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o from_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n it_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o devotion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o spring_n from_o the_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v with_o god_n that_o which_o remain_v to_o give_v in_o instance_n far_a evidence_n unto_o the_o discovery_n we_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o be_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o those_o who_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o attend_v unto_o their_o observance_n with_o great_a heed_n and_o diligence_n and_o
wilderness_n where_o no_o refreshment_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v to_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o come_v unto_o god_n and_o not_o with_o expectation_n of_o receive_v good_a and_o great_a thing_n from_o he_o be_v to_o despise_v god_n himself_o to_o overthrow_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o deprive_v our_o own_o soul_n of_o all_o benefit_n thereby_o and_o want_v hereof_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o most_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a unto_o themselves_o we_o be_v always_o to_o come_v unto_o god_n as_o unto_o a_o eternal_a spring_n of_o goodness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o all_o that_o our_o soul_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o of_o all_o we_o can_v desire_v in_o order_n unto_o our_o everlasting_a blessedness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o unto_o believer_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o two_o head_n before_o mention_v first_o they_o come_v for_o a_o communication_n of_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n in_o jesus_n christ._n hence_o do_v all_o our_o peace_n consolation_n and_o joy_n all_o our_o encouragement_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n all_o our_o supportment_n under_o our_o suffering_n sole_o depend_v in_o these_o thing_n do_v our_o soul_n live_v and_o without_o they_o we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v the_o immediate_a efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o we_o he_o shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5.5_o he_o witness_v our_o adoption_n unto_o we_o chap._n 8.15_o 16._o and_o thereby_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n in_o god_n as_o he_o be_v love_n but_o the_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o he_o communicate_v these_o thing_n unto_o we_o and_o effect_n they_o in_o we_o be_v by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o ordinary_o he_o do_v the_o same_o work_n also_o in_o prayer_n ofttimes_o in_o other_o holy_a administration_n for_o this_o end_n for_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o these_o mercy_n do_v believer_n come_v unto_o god_n by_o they_o they_o use_v they_o as_o mean_n to_o draw_v water_n from_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o receive_v in_o that_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o god_n by_o they_o will_v communicate_v so_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n if_o it_o be_v open_v by_o faith_n he_o come_v in_o and_o sup_v with_o man_n give_v they_o a_o gracious_a refreshment_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o love_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n rev._n 3.20_o joh._n 14.23_o this_o believer_n look_v for_o in_o and_o this_o they_o do_v in_o various_a measure_n receive_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o although_o some_o through_o their_o fear_n and_o temptation_n be_v not_o sensible_a hereof_o yet_o do_v they_o secret_o receive_v these_o bless_a gracious_a supply_n whereby_o their_o soul_n be_v hold_v in_o life_n without_o which_o they_o will_v pine_v away_o and_o perish_v so_o he_o deal_v with_o they_o cant._n 4.5_o 6._o these_o be_v the_o garden_n and_o gallery_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o of_o his_o love_n cant._n 7.12_o those_o who_o be_v humble_a and_o sincere_a know_v how_o often_o their_o soul_n have_v be_v refresh_v in_o they_o and_o how_o long_o sometime_o the_o impression_n they_o have_v receive_v of_o divine_a grace_n and_o love_n have_v continue_v with_o they_o unto_o their_o unspeakable_a consolation_n they_o remember_v what_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o open_v and_o application_n of_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v gradual_o more_o and_o more_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n how_o many_o a_o time_n they_o have_v receive_v light_n in_o darkness_n refreshment_n under_o despondency_n relief_n in_o their_o conflict_n with_o danger_n and_o temptation_n in_o and_o by_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n do_v affection_n that_o be_v spiritual_o renew_v cleave_v unto_o they_o who_o can_v but_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o that_o which_o he_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o communicate_v unto_o he_o the_o most_o invaluable_a mercy_n the_o most_o inestimable_a benefit_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n he_o can_v be_v make_v partaker_n he_o who_o have_v find_v a_o hide_a treasure_n although_o he_o shall_v at_o once_o take_v away_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o yet_o will_v esteem_v the_o place_n where_o he_o find_v it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o no_o more_o can_v be_v find_v or_o take_v of_o it_o at_o once_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a occasion_n yet_o be_v so_o full_a and_o boundless_a as_o that_o whenever_o he_o come_v again_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v present_a supply_n he_o will_v always_o value_v it_o and_o constant_o apply_v himself_o unto_o it_o and_o such_o be_v the_o treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a love_n that_o be_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o we_o be_v stranger_n unto_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o have_v never_o receive_v efficatious_a intimation_n of_o divine_a love_n unto_o our_o soul_n in_o and_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n we_o can_v love_v they_o and_o delight_v in_o they_o as_o we_o ought_v what_o do_v man_n come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o what_o do_v they_o pray_v for_o what_o do_v they_o expect_v to_o receive_v from_o he_o do_v they_o come_v unto_o god_n as_o the_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o live_v water_n as_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n peace_n and_o consolation_n or_o do_v they_o come_v unto_o his_o worship_n without_o any_o design_n as_o unto_o a_o dry_a and_o empty_a show_n do_v they_o fight_v uncertain_o with_o these_o thing_n as_o man_n beat_v the_o air_n or_o do_v they_o think_v they_o bring_v something_o unto_o god_n but_o receive_v nothing_o from_o he_o that_o the_o best_a of_o their_o business_n be_v to_o please_v he_o in_o do_v what_o he_o command_v but_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o they_o expect_v not_o nor_o do_v ever_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v do_v so_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o for_o person_n who_o walk_v in_o such_o way_n ever_o to_o attain_v a_o due_a delight_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n believer_n have_v other_o design_n herein_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o fresh_a make_v partaker_n of_o refresh_a comfort_a pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o thereby_o of_o their_o adoption_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o person_n according_a as_o they_o meet_v with_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a worship_n public_a or_o private_a so_o will_v they_o love_v value_n and_o adhere_v unto_o they_o some_o man_n be_v full_a of_o other_o thought_n and_o affection_n so_o as_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o their_o principal_a design_n or_o desire_n or_o be_v content_v with_o that_o measure_n of_o they_o which_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v attain_v or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o need_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o have_v fresh_a communication_n of_o they_o make_v unto_o their_o soul_n suppose_v that_o they_o can_v do_v well_o enough_o without_o a_o renew_a sense_n of_o divine_a love_n every_o day_n some_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o design_n to_o look_v after_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n worship_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v any_o real_a design_n in_o they_o many_o of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o professor_n be_v too_o negligent_a in_o this_o matter_n they_o do_v not_o long_a and_o pant_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n after_o renew_a pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o much_o need_n they_o have_v of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v and_o strengthen_v unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n they_o do_v not_o prepare_v their_o mind_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o they_o nor_o come_v with_o expectation_n of_o their_o communication_n unto_o they_o they_o do_v not_o right_o fix_v their_o faith_n on_o this_o truth_n namely_o that_o these_o holy_a administration_n and_o duty_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o convey_v his_o love_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o unto_o our_o soul_n from_o hence_o spring_v all_o that_o lukewarmness_n coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o holy_a worship_n that_o be_v grow_v among_o we_o for_o if_o man_n have_v lose_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o faith_n
in_o they_o and_o disesteem_n the_o chief_a benefit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o whence_o shall_v zeal_n for_o they_o delight_n in_o they_o or_o diligence_n in_o attendance_n unto_o they_o arise_v let_v not_o any_o please_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o such_o decay_n they_o be_v indication_n of_o their_o inward_a frame_n and_o those_o infallible_a such_o person_n will_v grow_v cold_a careless_a and_o negligent_a as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o public_a worship_n they_o will_v put_v themselves_o neither_o to_o charge_v nor_o trouble_v about_o they_o every_o occasion_n of_o life_n divert_v they_o and_o find_v ready_a entertainment_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o when_o they_o do_v attend_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v with_o great_a indifferency_n and_o unconcernedness_n yet_o will_v they_o have_v it_o think_v that_o all_o be_v still_o well_o within_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v they_o have_v as_o good_a a_o respect_n unto_o religion_n as_o any_o but_o these_o thing_n open_o discover_v a_o ulcerous_a disease_n in_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o man_n as_o evident_o as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v on_o their_o forehead_n what_o ever_o they_o pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o woeful_a decay_n from_o all_o due_a regard_n unto_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v avoid_v the_o society_n of_o such_o person_n as_o those_o who_o carry_v a_o infectious_a disease_n about_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o help_v on_o their_o cure_n but_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o affection_n spiritual_o renew_v do_v manifest_v themselves_o when_o we_o do_v delight_n in_o and_o value_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n because_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v unto_o we_o mean_n of_o communicate_v a_o sense_n and_o renew_v pledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n which_o depend_v thereon_o then_o be_v our_o affection_n renew_v in_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o they_o come_v for_o supply_n of_o internal_a sanctify_a strengthen_v grace_n this_o be_v the_o second_o great_a design_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o approach_n unto_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n the_o want_n hereof_o as_o unto_o measure_n and_o degree_n they_o find_v in_o themselves_o and_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o yea_o therein_o lie_v the_o great_a burden_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o two_o head_n first_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o second_o the_o conflict_n with_o and_o conquest_n over_o temptation_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v we_o continual_o exercise_v hence_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o we_o desire_v labour_n for_o and_o pant_v after_o be_v spiritual_a strength_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o ourselves_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o true_a believer_n groan_v after_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o which_o he_o prefer_v infinite_o above_o all_o earthly_a thing_n so_o he_o may_v have_v grace_n sufficient_a in_o any_o competent_a measure_n for_o these_o end_n let_v what_o will_v befall_v he_o he_o desire_v no_o more_o in_o this_o world_n god_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o this_o grace_n there_o be_v not_o one_o drachm_n of_o it_o to_o be_v obtain_v but_o from_o he_o alone_o and_o as_o he_o do_v communicate_v it_o unto_o we_o of_o his_o own_o sovereign_a goodness_n and_o pleasure_n so_o the_o ordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o he_o will_v do_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n isaiah_n 40.28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o have_v thou_o not_o know_v have_v thou_o not_o hear_v that_o the_o everlasting_a god_n the_o lord_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n faint_v not_o neither_o be_v weary_a there_o be_v no_o search_v of_o his_o understanding_n he_o give_v power_n to_o the_o faint_a and_o to_o they_o that_o have_v no_o may_v he_o increase_v strength_n even_o the_o youth_n shall_v faint_v and_o be_v weary_a and_o the_o young_a man_n shall_v utter_o fail_v but_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_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 faint_a all_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n be_v original_o seat_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n v_o 28._o but_o what_o relief_n can_v that_o afford_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v weak_a feeble_a faint_a he_o will_v act_v suitable_o unto_o his_o nature_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o power_n v_o 29._o but_o how_o shall_v we_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o grace_n in_o these_o opperation_n wait_v on_o he_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n v_o 31._o the_o word_n as_o preach_v be_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o god_n administer_v growth_n and_o strength_n unto_o they_o joh._n 17.17_o 1_o pet._n 2.23_o desire_v say_v he_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o but_o what_o encouragement_n have_v we_o thereunto_o if_o so_o be_v say_v he_o you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a if_o in_o and_o by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o this_o word_n you_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o grace_n the_o goodness_n the_o kindness_n of_o god_n unto_o your_o soul_n you_o can_v but_o desire_v it_o and_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o otherwise_o you_o will_v not_o do_v so_o when_o man_n have_v fate_n some_o good_a while_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o other_o ordinance_n without_o taste_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a they_o will_v grow_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o they_o wherefore_o prayer_n be_v the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n for_o the_o application_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o to_o obtain_v a_o participation_n of_o all_o needful_a grace_n which_o therefore_o he_o have_v propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o ask_v and_o how_o to_o plead_v for_o it_o in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o same_o promise_n be_v seal_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o grace_n represent_v in_o they_o effectual_o exhibit_v meditation_n confirm_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n about_o it_o and_o be_v the_o especial_a open_v of_o the_o heart_n unto_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o by_o these_o mean_n i_o say_v do_v god_n communicate_v all_o supply_n of_o renew_v strengthen_v and_o sanctify_a grace_n unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n and_o be_v able_a to_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o our_o temptation_n under_o this_o apprehension_n do_v believer_n approach_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n they_o come_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o god_n communication_n unto_o their_o soul_n hence_o they_o cleave_v unto_o they_o with_o delight_n so_o far_o as_o their_o affection_n be_v renew_v so_o the_o spouse_n testify_v of_o herself_o i_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n cant_n 2.3_o in_o these_o ordinance_n be_v the_o protect_a refresh_a presence_n of_o christ._n this_o she_o rest_v in_o with_o great_a delight_n as_o they_o come_v unto_o they_o with_o these_o design_n and_o expectation_n so_o they_o have_v experience_n of_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o receive_v by_o they_o which_o more_o and_o more_o engage_v they_o unto_o they_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o delight_n all_o these_o thing_n those_o who_o have_v a_o change_v wrought_v in_o their_o affection_n but_o not_o a_o spiritual_a renovation_n be_v stranger_n unto_o they_o neither_o have_v the_o design_n before_o mention_v in_o come_v to_o they_o nor_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o efficacy_n now_o propose_v in_o their_o attendance_n on_o they_o but_o these_o benefit_n be_v great_a as_o for_o instance_n when_o man_n find_v the_o worth_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v on_o their_o soul_n in_o its_o enlighten_v refresh_a strengthen_v transform_a power_n when_o they_o find_v their_o heart_n warm_v their_o grace_n excite_v and_o strengthen_v the_o love_n of_o god_n improve_v their_o disponding_n spirit_n under_o trial_n and_o temptation_n relieve_v their_o whole_a soul_n gradual_o more_o and_o more_o conform_v unto_o christ_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o by_o it_o extricate_v out_o of_o snare_n doubt_n fear_n temptation_n and_o bring_v unto_o satisfaction_n and_o rest_n they_o can_v but_o delight_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o as_o the_o food_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n unto_o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o
obstruction_n unto_o fruitfulness_n thrnkfulness_n and_o consolation_n when_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o our_o meditation_n about_o the_o benefit_n that_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v thereby_o for_o while_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o we_o can_v neither_o value_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o grant_v we_o this_o inestimable_a privilege_n nor_o perform_v any_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o it_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n this_o render_v it_o a_o especial_a object_n of_o our_o affection_n as_o spiritual_o renew_v that_o secret_a love_n unto_o and_o heavenly_a delight_n in_o the_o statute_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n which_o david_n express_v psal_n 119._o arise_v from_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o they_o as_o he_o constant_o declare_v and_o the_o sole_a reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n why_o man_n grow_v so_o careless_a negligent_a and_o cold_a in_o their_o attendance_n unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o any_o spiritual_a benefit_n or_o advantage_n by_o it_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v unto_o it_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o another_o most_o by_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n their_o mind_n have_v be_v various_o affect_v with_o it_o unto_o a_o joy_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o and_o readiness_n unto_o sundry_a duty_n of_o obedience_n but_o after_o a_o while_n when_o a_o sense_n of_o those_o temporary_a impression_n be_v wear_v off_o find_v no_o real_a spiritual_a benefit_n by_o it_o they_o lose_v all_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o become_v very_o indifferent_a as_o unto_o its_o enjoyment_n the_o frame_n which_o such_o person_n at_o length_n arrive_v unto_o be_v describe_v mal._n 1.13_o and_o 3.14_o and_o none_o can_v give_v any_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o or_o of_o their_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o saving-grace_n than_o when_o they_o apostatise_v from_o some_o degree_n of_o zeal_n for_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o such_o a_o curse_a indifferency_n as_o many_o be_v overtake_v withal_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o for_o see_v this_o be_v a_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n it_o will_v not_o be_v neglect_v but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o decay_n of_o all_o grace_n however_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o other_o pretence_n and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o ensnare_v every_o foolish_a prejudice_n every_o provocation_n every_o wanton_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n will_v confirm_v they_o in_o and_o increase_v their_o gradual_a backslide_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o believer_n as_o unto_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_n so_o it_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o degree_n of_o advantage_n which_o they_o find_v by_o it_o when_o man_n have_v enjoy_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n spiritual_a and_o effectual_a if_o they_o 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that_o our_o affection_n be_v renew_v so_o also_o it_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o communion_n which_o it_o have_v have_v with_o god_n in_o they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o of_o the_o spiritual_a refreshment_n which_o it_o have_v have_v from_o they_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o in_o recovery_n from_o temptation_n snare_n despondency_n in_o victory_n over_o sin_n and_o satan_n in_o spiritual_a impression_n work_v it_o unto_o a_o holy_a watchful_a frame_n which_o have_v abode_n with_o it_o in_o other_o way_n and_o occasion_n with_o the_o like_a advantage_n wherewith_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n and_o sincere_a heavenly_a meditation_n be_v accompany_v it_o can_v but_o have_v love_n unto_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o but_o if_o indeed_o we_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o find_v not_o these_o advantage_n 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