most_o earnest_o to_o be_v desire_v or_o avoid_v herein_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o strive_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o endeavour_v to_o go_v run_v or_o contend_v but_o all_o in_o vain_a every_o thing_n fail_v they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o relieve_v until_o they_o be_v awake_v so_o such_o person_n in_o impression_n they_o receive_v from_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o strive_v and_o contend_v in_o their_o thought_n and_o resolution_n to_o comply_v with_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o but_o their_o strength_n fail_v they_o find_v no_o success_n for_o want_v of_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o after_o a_o time_n give_v over_o their_o endeavour_n until_o they_o be_v occasional_o renew_v again_o now_o the_o thought_n which_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o grace_n excite_v unto_o its_o due_a exercise_n be_v distinguishable_a from_o they_o which_o be_v only_o occasional_o suggest_v unto_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o word_n outward_o preach_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v especial_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n towards_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v preach_v they_o belong_v unto_o our_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n thereof_o and_o love_n respect_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o not_o mere_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v express_v the_o other_o thought_n be_v only_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o affect_v with_o light_n and_o truth_n without_o any_o cordial_a love_n unto_o the_o thing_n themselves_o 2._o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o complacency_n of_o soul_n arise_v from_o love_n experience_n more_o or_o less_o of_o the_o power_n of_o they_o and_o their_o suitableness_n unto_o the_o new_a nature_n or_o principle_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o for_o when_o our_o mind_n find_v that_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o we_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o word_n that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o will_v be_v more_o conformable_a unto_o it_o give_v a_o secret_a complacency_n with_o satisfaction_n unto_o the_o soul._n the_o other_o thought_n which_o be_v only_o occasional_a have_v none_o of_o these_o concomitant_n or_o effect_n but_o be_v dry_a and_o barren_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o a_o few_o word_n or_o transient_a discourse_n 3._o the_o former_a be_v mean_n of_o spiritual_a growth_n so_o some_o say_v the_o natural_a growth_n of_o vegetable_n be_v not_o by_o insensible_a motion_n but_o by_o gust_n and_o sensible_a eruption_n of_o increase_n these_o be_v both_o in_o spiritual_a growth_n and_o the_o late_a consist_v much_o in_o those_o thought_n which_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o new_a nature_n be_v excite_v unto_o by_o the_o word_n in_o the_o latter_a 2._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v another_o mean_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n one_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o excite_v stir_v up_o and_o draw_v forth_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n unto_o a_o due_a exercise_n in_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o affection_n suitable_a unto_o they_o those_o who_o design_v not_o this_o end_n in_o prayer_n know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v now_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o prayer_n and_o many_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n that_o it_o be_v their_o own_o duty_n to_o pray_v every_o day_n it_o may_v be_v in_o their_o family_n and_o otherwise_o and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o man_n can_v constant_o join_v with_o other_o in_o prayer_n much_o more_o how_o they_o can_v pray_v themselves_o but_o that_o they_o must_v have_v thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n every_o day_n howbeit_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o root_n or_o live_a spring_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o but_o they_o be_v only_o occasional_a impression_n on_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o instance_n of_o the_o ground_n hereof_o which_o on_o many_o reason_n require_v our_o diligent_a consideration_n spiritual_a thought_n may_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o person_n in_o his_o own_o duty_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o gift_n when_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o at_o all_o for_o they_o lead_v and_o guide_v the_o mind_n unto_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n gift_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o spiritual_a improvement_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n or_o ability_n and_o a_o man_n can_v speak_v or_o utter_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o his_o rational_a faculty_n by_o invention_n or_o memory_n or_o both_o manage_v in_o and_o by_o his_o thought_n unless_o he_o speak_v by_o rote_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o rational_a what_o therefore_o proceed_v from_o a_o man_n rational_a faculty_n in_o and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o gift_n that_o his_o thought_n must_v be_v exercise_v about_o a_o man_n may_v read_v a_o long_a prayer_n that_o express_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o yet_o never_o have_v one_o spiritual_a thought_n arise_v in_o his_o mind_n about_o they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o any_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n require_v unto_o such_o read_n but_o only_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v read_v this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v so_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v always_o so_o or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o but_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o gift_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o exercise_n of_o reason_n by_o invention_n judgement_n and_o memory_n and_o consequent_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n yet_o may_v they_o all_o be_v mere_o occasional_a from_o the_o present_a external_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n without_o any_o live_a spring_n or_o exercise_v of_o grace_n in_o such_o a_o course_n may_v man_n of_o tolerable_a gift_n continue_v all_o their_o day_n unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o deceive_v both_o they_o and_o their_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n and_o experience_n a_o enquiry_n may_v be_v make_v thereon_o as_o unto_o our_o own_o concernment_n in_o these_o thing_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v spiritual_a gift_n of_o their_o own_o and_o of_o they_o also_o in_o some_o degree_n who_o usual_o enjoy_v the_o gift_n of_o other_o in_o this_o duty_n for_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v whether_o the_o thought_n which_o we_o have_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o and_o upon_o prayer_n do_v arise_v from_o gift_n only_o those_o of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n give_v occasion_n unto_o they_o or_o be_v influence_v from_o a_o live_a principle_n and_o spring_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o case_n this_o be_v however_o by_o some_o it_o may_v be_v apprehend_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o which_o will_v require_v much_o time_n full_o to_o resolve_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o whereby_o the_o refine_a sort_n of_o hypocrite_n do_v more_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o other_o nothing_o whereby_o some_o man_n do_v give_v themselves_o more_o countenance_n in_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o their_o lust_n than_o by_o this_o part_n of_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n when_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o best_a of_o believer_n ought_v to_o keep_v a_o diligent_a watch_n over_o themselves_o in_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n with_o respect_n hereunto_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v they_o to_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n if_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n negligent_a herein_o they_o may_v rest_v in_o a_o bare_a exercise_n of_o gift_n when_o on_o a_o due_a examination_n and_o trial_n they_o have_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o what_o they_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o what_o brevity_n i_o can_v give_v a_o resolution_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n and_o to_o this_o end_n observe_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a complaint_n that_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v fill_v with_o great_a obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v true_a not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o themselves_o for_o they_o all_o come_v forth_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o be_v full_a of_o light_n order_n beauty_n and_o wisdom_n and_o light_n and_o order_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o any_o thing_n make_v a_o discovery_n of_o itself_o but_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o darkness_n and_o difficulty_n in_o these_o thing_n lie_v in_o ourselves_o we_o can_v more_o clear_o and_o steady_o see_v and_o behold_v the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n than_o we_o can_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v in_o its_o great_a lustre_n it_o be_v not_o because_o there_o be_v more_o light_n
duty_n itself_o when_o we_o find_v the_o daily_a fruit_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o a_o holy_a humble_a watchful_a frame_n innumerable_a be_v the_o advantage_n benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v common_o speak_v unto_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o consolation_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o they_o where_o there_o be_v continuance_n in_o prayer_n there_o will_v be_v spiritual_a growth_n in_o some_o proportion_n for_o man_n to_o be_v earnest_a in_o prayer_n and_o thriftless_a in_o grace_n be_v a_o certain_a indication_n of_o prevalent_a corruption_n and_o want_v of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a in_o prayer_n itself_o if_o a_o man_n eat_v his_o daily_a food_n let_v he_o eat_v never_o so_o much_o or_o so_o often_o if_o he_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o it_o his_o body_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o prevalent_a distemper_n and_o so_o be_v his_o spiritual_a constitution_n who_o thrive_v not_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o food_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n but_o that_o which_o i_o fix_v upon_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o present_a enquiry_n be_v the_o frame_n that_o it_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o it_o will_v keep_v it_o humble_a and_o upon_o a_o diligent_a watch_n as_o unto_o its_o disposition_n and_o act_n he_o who_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v will_v endeavour_v to_o live_v as_o he_o pray_v this_o none_o can_v do_v who_o do_v not_o with_o diligence_n keep_v his_o heart_n unto_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v pray_v about_o to_o pray_v earnest_o and_o live_v careless_o be_v to_o proclaim_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v in_o his_o prayer_n hereby_o than_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o those_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o our_o mind_n be_v exercise_v withal_o in_o our_o supplication_n if_o they_o be_v influence_v unto_o a_o constant_a daily_a watch_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o frame_n of_o spirit_n those_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o we_o pray_v for_o they_o be_v from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o be_v general_o a_o unsuitableness_n in_o our_o mind_n unto_o what_o we_o seem_v to_o contend_v for_o in_o our_o prayer_n the_o gift_n may_v be_v in_o exercise_n but_o the_o grace_n be_v want_v if_o a_o man_n be_v every_o day_n on_o the_o exchange_n and_o there_o talk_v diligent_o and_o earnest_o about_o merchandise_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o trade_n but_o when_o he_o come_v home_n think_v no_o more_o of_o they_o because_o indeed_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v no_o interest_n in_o they_o he_o may_v be_v a_o very_a poor_a man_n notwithstanding_o his_o pretence_n and_o he_o may_v be_v spiritual_o very_o poor_a who_o be_v on_o occasion_n fervent_a in_o prayer_n if_o when_o he_o retire_v unto_o himself_o he_o be_v not_o careful_a and_o diligent_a about_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 4._o when_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o due_a preparation_n of_o heart_n unto_o the_o duty_n do_v excite_v and_o animate_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o the_o gift_n make_v impression_n on_o the_o affection_n then_o be_v we_o spiritual_o mind_a therein_o gift_n be_v servant_n not_o ruler_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o grace_n not_o to_o lead_v it_o but_o to_o follow_v it_o and_o to_o be_v ready_a with_o their_o assistance_n on_o its_o exercise_n for_o the_o most_o part_n where_o they_o lead_v all_o they_o be_v all_o alone_a this_o be_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o these_o thing_n grace_n habitual_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o heart_n unto_o this_o duty_n providence_n and_o rule_n give_v the_o occasion_n for_o its_o excercise_n sense_n of_o duty_n call_v for_o preparation_n grace_n come_v into_o actual_a exercise_n gift_n come_v in_o with_o their_o assistance_n if_o they_o lead_v all_o all_o be_v out_o of_o order_n it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o sometime_o a_o person_n indispose_v and_o lifeless_a engage_v into_o prayer_n in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n upon_o conviction_n of_o duty_n may_v in_o and_o by_o the_o gift_n have_v his_o affection_n excite_v and_o grace_n engage_v unto_o its_o proper_a work_n it_o may_v be_v so_o i_o say_v but_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o trust_v unto_o this_o order_n and_o method_n for_o where_o it_o be_v so_o there_o may_v be_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o all_o their_o fervour_n and_o commotion_n of_o affection_n but_o when_o the_o genuine_a act_n of_o faith_n love_n holy_a reverence_n and_o gracious_a desire_n do_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n unto_o its_o exercise_n call_v in_o its_o assistance_n unto_o the_o expression_n of_o themselves_o then_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o their_o proper_a order_n 5._o it_o be_v so_o when_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v equal_o regard_v and_o attend_v unto_o with_o prayer_n itself_o he_o all_o who_o religion_n lie_v in_o prayer_n and_o hearing_n have_v none_o at_o all_o god_n have_v a_o equal_a respect_n unto_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o so_o must_v we_o have_v also_o so_o be_v it_o express_v as_o unto_o the_o instance_n of_o alm_n act_v 10.31_o and_o james_n place_v all_o religion_n herein_o because_o there_o be_v none_o without_o it_o jam._n 1.27_o i_o shall_v not_o value_v his_o prayer_n at_o all_o be_v he_o never_o so_o earnest_a and_o frequent_a in_o they_o who_o give_v not_o alm_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o this_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v require_v of_o we_o who_o be_v minister_n that_o we_o be_v not_o like_o a_o hand_n set_v up_o in_o cross_a way_n direct_v other_o which_o way_n to_o go_v but_o stay_v behind_o itself_o this_o digression_n about_o the_o rise_n and_o spring_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n in_o prayer_n i_o judge_v not_o unnecessary_a in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o jealous_a lest_o gift_n impose_v themselves_o in_o the_o room_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v careful_a that_o they_o be_v employ_v only_o unto_o their_o proper_a end_n which_o be_v to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n and_o not_o otherwise_o 3._o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o they_o do_v not_o spring_v from_o a_o live_a principle_n within_o and_o so_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o this_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o other_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v speak_v one_o to_o another_o of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o his_o glory_n be_v concern_v mal._n 3.16_o to_o declare_v the_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o delight_n of_o his_o saint_n psal._n 145._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o his_o greatness_n be_v unsearchable_a one_o generation_n shall_v praise_v thy_o work_n to_o another_o and_o shall_v declare_v thy_o mighty_a work_n i_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o glorious_a honour_n of_o thy_o majesty_n and_o of_o thy_o wondrous_a work_n and_o man_n shall_v speak_v of_o the_o might_n of_o thy_o terrible_a act_n and_o i_o will_v declare_v thy_o greatness_n they_o shall_v abundant_o utter_v the_o memory_n of_o thy_o great_a goodness_n and_o shall_v sing_v of_o thy_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n and_o according_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o be_v speak_v or_o make_v mention_n of_o thing_n divine_a spiritual_a and_o holy_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o they_o all_o the_o flagitious_a sin_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o be_v not_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o this_o be_v that_o it_o be_v grow_v unusual_a yea_o a_o shame_n or_o scorn_v for_o man_n to_o speak_v together_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o when_o religion_n be_v in_o its_o primitive_a power_n and_o glory_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o with_o they_o who_o real_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n some_o i_o say_v there_o be_v who_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o spiritual_a communication_n those_o with_o who_o they_o do_v converse_v if_o they_o be_v not_o profligate_v if_o they_o have_v any_o spiritual_a light_n can_v but_o so_o far_o comply_v with_o what_o they_o say_v as_o to_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n speak_v which_o be_v spiritual_a oft_o time_n the_o track_n and_o course_n of_o man_n thought_n lie_v so_o out_o of_o the_o way_n be_v so_o contrary_a unto_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o seem_v strange_a unto_o they_o they_o give_v they_o no_o entertainment_n you_o do_v but_o cross_v their_o way_n with_o such_o discourse_n whereon_o they_o stand_v still_o a_o little_a and_o
in_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o the_o like_a and_o withal_o have_v some_o renew_a conviction_n of_o sin_n in_o commission_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n and_o thereon_o do_v endeavour_n to_o be_v more_o spiritual_o mind_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o our_o thought_n on_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o we_o fail_v in_o and_o these_o thought_n decay_n as_o our_o conviction_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o do_v wear_v off_o or_o be_v remove_v we_o have_v attain_v a_o very_a low_a degree_n in_o this_o grace_n if_o we_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o at_o all_o water_n that_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o a_o live_a spring_n run_v equal_o and_o constant_o unless_o it_o be_v obstruct_v or_o divert_v by_o some_o violent_a opposition_n but_o that_o which_o be_v from_o thunder-shower_n run_v furious_o for_o a_o season_n but_o be_v quick_o dry_v up_o so_o be_v those_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o arise_v from_o a_o prevalent_a internal_a principle_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n they_o be_v even_o and_o constant_a unless_o a_o interruption_n be_v put_v upon_o they_o for_o a_o season_n by_o temptation_n but_o those_o which_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o thunder_n of_o conviction_n however_o their_o stream_n may_v be_v fill_v for_o a_o season_n they_o quick_o dry_v up_o and_o utter_o decay_v 2._o such_o thought_n may_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o spiritual_o mind_v from_o outward_a mean_n and_o occasion_n such_o i_o intend_v as_o be_v indeed_o useful_a yea_o appoint_v of_o god_n for_o this_o end_n among_o other_o that_o they_o may_v ingenerate_v and_o stir_v up_o holy_a thought_n and_o affection_n in_o we_o but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o their_o use_n and_o operation_n in_o some_o they_o excite_v the_o inward_a principle_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o act_v in_o holy_a thought_n according_a unto_o its_o own_o sanctify_a disposition_n and_o prevalent_a affection_n this_o be_v their_o proper_a end_n and_o use._n in_o other_o they_o occasional_o suggest_v such_o thought_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o spring_v only_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n propose_v unto_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o end_n also_o they_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n howbeit_o such_o thought_n do_v not_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v where_o you_o till_o and_o manure_v your_o land_n if_o it_o bring_v forth_o plentiful_a crop_n of_o corn_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o soil_v it_o self_n be_v good_a and_o fertile_a the_o dress_n of_o it_o only_o give_v occasion_n and_o advantage_n to_o put_v forth_o its_o own_o fruitbearing_a virtue_n but_o if_o in_o the_o till_v of_o land_n you_o lay_v much_o dung_n upon_o it_o and_o it_o bring_v forth_o here_o and_o there_o a_o handful_n where_o the_o dung_n lie_v you_o will_v say_v the_o soil_n be_v barren_a it_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o of_o itself_o these_o mean_n that_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o be_v as_o the_o till_v of_o a_o fruitful_a soil_n which_o help_v it_o in_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n by_o exciting_a its_o own_o virtue_n and_o power_n they_o stir_v up_o holy_a affection_n unto_o holy_a thought_n and_o desire_n but_o in_o other_o who_o heart_n be_v barren_a they_o only_o serve_v as_o it_o be_v some_o of_o they_o here_o and_o there_o to_o stir_v up_o spiritual_a thought_n which_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n or_o spirit_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n it_o shall_v be_v handle_v distinct_o by_o itself_o chap._n iii_o outward_a mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o thought_n of_o such_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o do_v not_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n exercise_n of_o gift_n prayer_n how_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o prayer_n be_v true_o spiritual_a thought_n prove_v we_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v 1._o such_o a_o mean_n be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o it_o be_v observe_v concern_v many_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o hear_v it_o willing_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o upon_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o and_o we_o see_v the_o same_o thing_n exemplify_v in_o multitude_n every_o day_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v without_o many_o thought_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o person_n about_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o word_n for_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o thought_n and_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v produce_v more_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o hypocrite_n concern_v who_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v and_o be_v never_o spiritual_o mind_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o miscarriage_n be_v give_v we_o by_o our_o saviour_n math._n 13.20_o 21._o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n the_o same_o be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n the_o good_a thought_n they_o have_v proceed_v not_o from_o any_o principle_n in_o themselves_o neither_o their_o affection_n nor_o their_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v any_o internal_a root_n whereon_o they_o shall_v grow_v so_o be_v it_o with_o many_o who_o live_v under_o the_o present_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n continual_o suggest_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o do_v abide_v with_o they_o more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o be_v affect_v for_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o who_o be_v either_o despiser_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v or_o way-side_n hearer_n who_o understand_v nothing_o of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o immediate_o lose_v all_o sense_n of_o it_o all_o thought_n about_o it_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o they_o who_o attend_v with_o some_o diligence_n and_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o some_o joy_n these_o insensible_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v without_o some_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n howbeit_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v as_o be_v say_v but_o like_v unto_o water_n that_o run_v after_o a_o shower_n of_o rain_n they_o pour_v out_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o proceed_v from_o some_o strong_a live_a spring_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o when_o once_o the_o water_n of_o the_o shower_n be_v spend_v their_o channel_n be_v dry_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o stone_n and_o dirt_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n fall_v on_o such_o person_n as_o shower_n of_o rain_n it_o give_v a_o course_n sometime_o great_a sometime_o less_o unto_o their_o thought_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o they_o have_v not_o a_o well_o of_o water_n in_o they_o spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n wherefore_o after_o a_o while_n their_o mind_n be_v dry_v up_o from_o such_o thought_n nothing_o remain_v in_o they_o but_o earth_n and_o that_o perhaps_o foul_a and_o dirty_a it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o most_o holy_a and_o spiritual_o mind_v may_v have_v nay_o aught_o to_o have_v their_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n excite_v multiply_a and_o confirm_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o its_o dispensation_n one_o principal_a use_n of_o it_o in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o it_o have_v this_o effect_n two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o its_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n be_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v the_o more_o this_o be_v do_v the_o more_o shall_v we_o thrive_v in_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v 2._o as_o it_o administer_v occasion_n unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n for_o propose_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n love_n fear_v trust_v reverence_n unto_o the_o soul_n it_o draw_v forth_o all_o those_o grace_n into_o exercise_n wherefore_o although_o the_o vigorous_a act_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n be_v occasional_a from_o the_o word_n be_v more_o under_o and_o after_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o than_o at_o other_o time_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o the_o ordinance_n by_o god_n own_o appointment_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o evidence_n that_o those_o with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v yet_o where_o man_n have_v no_o other_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n such_o thought_n do_v not_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v their_o endeavour_n in_o they_o be_v like_o those_o of_o man_n in_o a_o dream_n under_o some_o oppression_n of_o their_o spirit_n their_o imagination_n fix_v on_o something_o or_o other_o that_o be_v
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
affection_n in_o the_o degree_n treat_v about_o suppose_v of_o love_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o allowable_a be_v one_o of_o the_o sophism_n and_o artifices_fw-la wherewith_o many_o be_v delude_v hereon_o provide_v they_o run_v not_o out_o into_o scandalous_a excess_n they_o approve_v of_o themselves_o in_o such_o a_o worldly_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o act_v according_a unto_o it_o as_o render_v they_o fruitless_a useless_a senseless_a and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o prevail_a adherence_n of_o affection_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o we_o other_o be_v delude_v by_o a_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v in_o one_o instance_n only_o they_o will_v be_v spare_v it_o be_v but_o this_o or_o that_o object_n they_o will_v give_v out_o the_o embrace_n of_o their_o affection_n unto_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v entire_a for_o god_n the_o vanity_n of_o which_o pretence_n we_o have_v speak_v unto_o before_o other_o be_v ruin_v by_o give_v place_n unto_o their_o solicitation_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o one_o affection_n whatever_o as_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o of_o fear_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n for_o profession_n multitude_n have_v lose_v all_o their_o affection_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n through_o a_o fear_n of_o lose_v that_o which_o be_v temporal_a as_o their_o life_n their_o liberty_n their_o good_n and_o the_o like_a when_o once_o satan_n or_o the_o world_n have_v get_v as_o it_o be_v the_o mastery_n of_o this_o affection_n or_o a_o prevalent_a interest_n in_o it_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o draw_v all_o other_o into_o a_o defection_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a nor_o easy_a thing_n to_o preserve_v our_o affection_n pure_a entire_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o vigorous_a adherence_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n against_o all_o these_o solicitation_n watchfulness_n prayer_n faith_n in_o exercise_n and_o a_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o be_v require_v hereunto_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o end_n namely_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o spiritual_a affection_n in_o their_o integrity_n many_o even_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a die_v away_o as_o to_o all_o power_n and_o vigour_n of_o spiritual_a life_n five_o affection_n thus_o fix_v upon_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a will_v give_v great_a relief_n against_o the_o remainder_n of_o that_o vanity_n of_o mind_n which_o believer_n themselves_o be_v oft_o time_n perplex_v withal_o yea_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o great_a burden_n unto_o they_o nor_o which_o they_o more_o groan_n for_o deliverance_n from_o the_o instability_n of_o the_o mind_n its_o readiness_n to_o receive_v impression_n from_o thing_n vain_a and_o useless_a the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o thought_n be_v a_o continual_a burden_n unto_o many_o nothing_o can_v give_v the_o soul_n any_o relief_n herein_o nothing_o can_v give_v bound_n unto_o the_o endless_a vanity_n of_o foolish_a imagination_n nothing_o can_v dry_v up_o the_o spring_n from_o whence_o they_o arise_v or_o render_v the_o soil_n wherein_o they_o grow_v barren_a as_o unto_o their_o production_n and_o maintenance_n but_o only_o the_o growth_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n with_o their_o continual_a vigorous_a act_n on_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o hereby_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n will_v be_v so_o unite_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o the_o psalmist_n prayer_n for_o psal._n 86.11_o as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o give_v entertainment_n unto_o vain_a empty_a foolish_a imagination_n thought_n of_o other_o thing_n great_a and_o better_a than_o what_o this_o world_n can_v contain_v will_v be_v continual_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n not_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o by_o any_o solicitation_n of_o vanity_n for_o he_o that_o be_v wise_a can_v but_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o it_o exercise_v its_o thought_n about_o have_v substance_n in_o they_o be_v durable_a profitable_a always_o the_o same_o that_o the_o advantage_n peace_n rest_v riches_n and_o reward_v of_o the_o soul_n lie_v in_o they_o but_o other_o imagination_n which_o the_o foolish_a mind_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v entertainment_n unto_o be_v vain_a empty_a fruitless_a and_o such_o as_o end_v in_o shame_n and_o trouble_n again_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o foolish_a imagination_n arise_v from_o or_o be_v animate_v and_o increase_v by_o that_o gust_n and_o relish_v which_o it_o find_v in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o whether_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a hence_o on_o all_o occasion_n yea_o in_o holy_a duty_n it_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o turn_v aside_o and_o take_v a_o taste_n of_o they_o and_o sometime_o to_o take_v up_o with_o they_o like_o a_o tipple_a traveller_n who_o though_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o journey_n on_o the_o most_o earnest_a occasion_n yet_o he_o can_v but_o be_v bibbing_a here_o and_o there_o as_o he_o pass_v by_o and_o it_o may_v be_v at_o length_n before_o he_o come_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v lodge_v himself_o in_o a_o nasty_a alehouse_n when_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o important_a duty_n yet_o if_o they_o always_o carry_v about_o they_o a_o strong_a gust_n and_o relish_v of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o will_v ever_o and_o anon_o in_o their_o thought_n divert_v unto_o they_o either_o as_o unto_o such_o real_a object_n as_o they_o be_v accustom_v unto_o or_o as_o unto_o what_o present_a circumstance_n do_v administer_v unto_o corrupt_a affection_n or_o as_o to_o what_o they_o fancy_n and_o create_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v after_o they_o have_v make_v they_o a_o few_o short_a visit_n they_o take_v up_o with_o they_o and_o lose_v whole_o the_o work_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o nothing_o as_o be_v say_v will_v give_v relief_n herein_o but_o the_o vigorous_a and_o constant_a exercise_n of_o our_o affection_n on_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o this_o will_v insensible_o take_v off_o that_o gust_n and_o relish_v which_o the_o mind_n have_v find_v in_o thing_n present_a earthly_a and_o sensual_a and_o make_v they_o as_o a_o sapless_a thing_n unto_o the_o whole_a soul_n they_o will_v so_o place_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a on_o the_o heart_n as_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v crucify_v unto_o it_o lose_v all_o that_o brightness_n beauty_n and_o savour_n which_o it_o make_v use_v of_o to_o solicit_v our_o mind_n unto_o thought_n and_o desire_n about_o it_o moreover_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n alone_o will_v keep_v we_o on_o our_o watch_n against_o all_o those_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v excite_v and_o maintain_v such_o be_v the_o wander_a and_o rove_a of_o the_o outward_a sense_n the_o sense_n especial_o that_o of_o the_o eye_n be_v ready_a to_o become_v purveyor_n to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o vanity_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o mind_n hence_o the_o psalmist_n pray_v turn_v away_o my_o eye_n from_o behold_v vanity_n if_o the_o eye_n rove_v after_o vain_a object_n the_o mind_n will_v ruminate_v upon_o they_o and_o another_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o fix_v on_o such_o object_n as_o may_v solicit_v lust_n or_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o it_o be_v a_o useful_a labour_n will_v this_o place_n admit_v of_o it_o to_o discover_v the_o ready_a serviceableness_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n unto_o sin_n and_o folly_n if_o not_o watch_v against_o rom._n 6.13_o 19_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o incessant_a work_v of_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n which_o of_o itself_o be_v evil_a continual_o and_o all_o the_o day_n long_o this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o a_o vain_a mind_n and_o the_o vehicle_n or_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n for_o all_o temptation_n from_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n beside_o sundry_a occasion_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v usual_o turn_v or_o abuse_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n exciting_a and_o exercise_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o mind_n wherever_o our_o affection_n be_v fix_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n our_o mind_n will_v constant_o be_v under_o a_o warn_v or_o charge_v to_o keep_v diligent_a watch_n against_o all_o these_o thing_n whereby_o that_o vanity_n which_o it_o so_o abhor_v which_o it_o be_v so_o burden_a withal_o be_v maintain_v and_o excite_v nor_o without_o this_o prevalency_n in_o the_o mind_n will_v ever_o a_o work_n of_o mortification_n be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o soul_n col._n 3.2_o 4_o 5._o chap._n xxi_o have_v declare_v wherein_o this_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n do_v consist_v that_o which_o remain_v in_o compliance_n with_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n declare_v and_o practical_o improve_v by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n rome_n 8.6_o to_o be_v spiritually-minded_n be_v life_n and_o peace_n colos._n 3.2_o set_a your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o london_n print_v by_o j._n g._n for_o nathaniel_n ponder_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n near_o the_o church_n 1681._o the_o preface_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o plain_a ensue_a discourse_n which_o may_v both_o direct_v he_o in_o the_o read_n and_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o apology_n for_o myself_o in_o the_o publish_n of_o it_o he_o may_v therefore_o know_v that_o the_o thought_n here_o communicate_v be_v original_o private_a meditation_n for_o my_o own_o use_n in_o a_o season_n wherein_o i_o be_v every_o way_n unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o and_o far_o from_o expectation_n that_o ever_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o able_a any_o more_o in_o this_o world_n receive_v as_o i_o think_v some_o benefit_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o my_o own_o meditation_n therein_o when_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o restore_v a_o little_a strength_n unto_o i_o i_o insist_v on_o the_o same_o subject_a in_o the_o instruction_n of_o a_o private_a congregation_n and_o this_o i_o do_v partly_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o advantage_n i_o have_v receive_v myself_o by_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o and_o partly_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o duty_n direct_v and_o press_v unto_o in_o the_o whole_a discourse_n be_v seasonable_a from_o all_o sort_n of_o present_a circumstance_n to_o be_v declare_v and_o urge_v on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o professor_n for_o leave_v other_o unto_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o method_n and_o design_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v the_o two_o thing_n whereby_o i_o regulate_v my_o work_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o my_o ministry_n to_o impart_v those_o truth_n of_o who_o power_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v have_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o real_a experience_n and_o to_o press_v those_o duty_n which_o present_a occasion_n temptation_n and_o other_o circumstance_n do_v render_v necessary_a to_o be_v attend_v unto_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v principal_o apply_v myself_o unto_o in_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v other_o for_o as_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o general_a the_o whole_a council_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v declare_v so_o in_o particular_a we_o be_v not_o to_o fight_v uncertain_o as_o man_n beat_v the_o air_n nor_o shoot_v our_o arrow_n at_o random_n without_o a_o certain_a scope_n and_o design_n knowledge_n of_o the_o flock_n whereof_o we_o be_v overseer_n with_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o their_o want_n their_o grace_n their_o temptation_n their_o light_n their_o strength_n and_o weakness_n be_v require_v herein_o and_o when_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n the_o preparation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v dispense_v proceed_v from_o zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o compassion_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n when_o it_o be_v deliver_v with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o a_o due_a reverence_n unto_o god_n who_o word_n it_o be_v and_o of_o authority_n towards_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v dispense_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o that_o great_a account_n which_o both_o they_o that_o preach_v and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v must_v short_o give_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n there_o may_v the_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o bless_a issue_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n but_o my_o present_a design_n be_v only_o to_o declare_v in_o particular_a the_o reason_n why_o i_o judge_v the_o preach_a and_o publish_v of_o this_o small_a and_o plain_a discourse_n concen_v the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a not_o to_o be_v altogether_o unseasonable_a at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o of_o most_o christian_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v observe_v unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o present_a importunity_n of_o the_o world_n to_o impose_v itself_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o various_a way_n of_o insinuation_n whereby_o it_o possess_v and_o fill_v they_o if_o it_o attain_v hereunto_o if_o it_o can_v fill_v the_o mind_n the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n with_o itself_o it_o will_v in_o some_o fortify_v the_o soul_n against_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o in_o other_o weaken_v all_o grace_n and_o endanger_v eternal_a ruin_n for_o if_o we_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o when_o the_o world_n fill_v our_o thought_n it_o will_v entangle_v our_o affection_n and_o first_o the_o present_a state_n of_o all_o public_a affair_n in_o it_o with_o a_o apprehend_a concernment_n of_o private_a person_n therein_o continual_o exercise_v the_o thought_n of_o many_o and_o be_v almost_o the_o only_a subject_n of_o their_o mutual_a converse_n for_o the_o world_n be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o mighty_a hurry_n and_o be_v in_o many_o place_n cast_v off_o from_o all_o foundation_n of_o steadfastness_n it_o make_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n giddy_a with_o its_o revolution_n or_o disorderly_a in_o the_o expectation_n of_o they_o thought_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v both_o allowable_a and_o unavoidable_a if_o they_o take_v not_o the_o mind_n out_o of_o its_o own_o power_n by_o their_o multiplicity_n vehemency_n and_o urgency_n until_o it_o be_v unframe_v as_o unto_o spiritual_a thing_n retain_v neither_o room_n nor_o time_n for_o their_o entertainment_n hence_o man_n walk_v and_o talk_v as_o if_o the_o world_n be_v all_o when_o comparative_o it_o be_v nothing_o and_o when_o man_n come_v with_o their_o warm_a affection_n reek_v with_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o or_o attendance_n unto_o any_o spiritual_a duty_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o they_o if_o not_o impossible_a to_o stir_v up_o any_o grace_n unto_o a_o due_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n unless_o this_o plausible_a advantage_n which_o the_o world_n have_v obtain_v of_o insinuate_a itself_o and_o its_o occasion_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o fill_v they_o and_o possess_v they_o be_v watch_v against_o and_o obviate_v so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o that_o it_o may_v not_o transform_v the_o mind_n into_o its_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n this_o grace_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n which_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n can_v be_v attain_v nor_o keep_v unto_o its_o due_a exercise_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v any_o of_o we_o deliver_v from_o this_o snare_n at_o this_o season_n without_o a_o watchful_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o constant_a contemplation_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a proceed_v from_o the_o prevalent_a adherence_n of_o our_o affection_n unto_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n again_o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o a_o earthly_a worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o many_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v high_a time_n they_o be_v call_v unto_o a_o due_a consideration_n how_o unanswerable_a they_o be_v therein_o unto_o the_o power_n and_o spirituallity_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v there_o be_v no_o way_n whereby_o such_o a_o frame_n may_v be_v evince_v to_o prevail_v in_o many_o yea_o in_o the_o generality_n of_o such_o professior_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a unto_o all_o in_o their_o habit_n attire_n and_o vestment_n in_o their_o usual_a converse_n and_o mispence_v of_o time_n in_o their_o over_o liberal_a entertainment_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o unto_o the_o border_n of_o excess_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o a_o a_o like_a nature_n there_o be_v in_o many_o such_o a_o conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n a_o thing_n severe_o forbid_v that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o these_o thing_n do_v manifest_v such_o a_o predominancy_n of_o carnal_a affection_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o whatever_o may_v be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_a be_v inconsistent_a with_o spiritual_a peace_n to_o call_v man_n off_o from_o this_o evil_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o discover_v the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o to_o direct_v they_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v effect_v to_o supply_v their_o thought_n and_o affection_n with_o better_a object_n to_o discover_v and_o press_v that_o excercise_n of_o they_o which_o be_v indispensible_o require_v of_o all_o believer_n if_o they_o design_v life_n and_o
psalmist_n my_o heart_n be_v endite_v a_o good_a matter_n i_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v make_v touch_v the_o king_n he_o be_v meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n on_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o person_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n hence_o his_o heart_n bubble_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a a_o good_a matter_n it_o be_v a_o allusion_n take_v from_o a_o quick_a spring_n of_o live_a water_n from_o its_o own_o life_n and_o fullness_n it_o bubble_n up_o the_o water_n that_o run_v and_o flow_v from_o it_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o thought_n in_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v there_o be_v a_o live_a fullness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n that_o spring_v up_o into_o holy_a thought_n about_o they_o from_o hence_o do_v our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o great_a description_n of_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n joh._n 4.12_o the_o spirit_n with_o his_o grace_n reside_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n nor_o be_v it_o such_o a_o well_o as_o content_v with_o its_o own_o fullness_n do_v not_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o instrument_n or_o pain_n in_o draw_v send_v out_o its_o refresh_a water_n as_o it_o be_v with_o most_o well_n though_o of_o live_a water_n for_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o answer_n and_o opposition_n unto_o that_o objection_n of_o the_o woman_n upon_o this_o mention_n of_o give_v live_a water_n v_o 10._o sir_n say_v she_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o draw_v and_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a whence_o will_v thou_o have_v this_o water_n v._n 11._o true_o say_v he_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o well_o and_o water_n dead_a earthly_a thing_n they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n unless_o we_o have_v instrument_n line_n and_o bucket_n to_o draw_v withal_o but_o the_o live_a water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o water_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o pit_n or_o cistern_n without_o we_o whence_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v but_o it_o be_v within_o we_o and_o that_o not_o dead_a and_o useless_a but_o continual_o spring_v up_o unto_o the_o use_n and_o refreshment_n of_o they_o that_o have_v it_o for_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n of_o the_o new_a nature_n the_o spirit_n and_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v it_o do_v of_o itself_o and_o from_o itself_o without_o any_o external_a influence_n on_o it_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o whole_a soul_n unto_o spiritual_a act_n that_o tend_v unto_o eternal_a life_n such_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v they_o arise_v from_o the_o inward_a principle_n inclination_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o bubling_n of_o this_o well_o of_o live_a water_n they_o be_v the_o minding_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o our_o saviour_n describe_v they_o matth._n 12.35_o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n first_o the_o man_n be_v good_a as_o he_o say_v before_o make_v the_o tree_n good_a or_o the_o fruit_n can_v be_v good_a v_o 33._o he_o be_v make_v so_o by_o grace_n in_o the_o change_n and_o renovation_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v every_o way_n evil_a this_o good_a man_n have_v a_o treasure_n in_o his_o heart_n so_o all_o man_n have_v as_o the_o next_o word_n be_v the_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o man_n in_o this_o world_n every_o man_n have_v a_o treasure_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v a_o prevail_a inexhaustible_a principle_n of_o all_o his_o act_n and_o operation_n but_o in_o some_o this_o treasure_n be_v good_a in_o other_o it_o be_v evil._n that_o be_v the_o prevail_a principle_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o its_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n be_v in_o some_o good_a and_o gracious_a in_o other_o it_o be_v evil_a out_o of_o this_o good_a treasure_n a_o good_a man_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n the_o first_o open_v of_o it_o the_o first_o bring_v of_o it_o forth_o be_v by_o these_o thought_n the_o thought_n that_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o it_o if_o the_o thought_n that_o natural_o arise_v and_o spring_v up_o in_o we_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a foolish_a sensual_a earthly_a selfish_a such_o be_v the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o such_o be_v we_o but_o where_o the_o thought_n that_o thus_o natural_o proceed_v from_o the_o treasure_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v spiritual_a and_o holy_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v where_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o our_o thought_n they_o give_v no_o such_o evidence_n as_o that_o inquire_v after_o man_n may_v have_v thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o and_o that_o frequent_o which_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o this_o principle_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o two_o other_o cause_n 1._o inward_a force_n 2._o outward_a occasion_n 1._o inward_a force_n as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v this_o be_v by_o conviction_n conviction_n put_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o impression_n that_o cause_v it_o to_o act_v contrary_a unto_o its_o own_o habitual_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o water_n to_o descend_v but_o apply_v a_o instrument_n unto_o it_o that_o shall_v make_v a_o compression_n of_o it_o and_o force_v it_o unto_o a_o vent_n it_o will_v fly_v upward_o vehement_o as_o if_o that_o be_v its_o natural_a motion_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o force_n of_o the_o impression_n cease_v it_o return_v immediate_o unto_o its_o own_o proper_a tendency_n descend_v towards_o its_o centre_n so_o be_v it_o with_o man_n thought_n ofttimes_o they_o be_v earthly_a their_o natural_a course_n and_o motion_n be_v downward_o unto_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o but_o when_o any_o efficacious_a conviction_n press_v on_o the_o mind_n it_o force_v the_o egress_n of_o its_o thought_n upward_o towards_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o will_v think_v much_o and_o frequent_o of_o they_o as_o if_o that_o be_v their_o proper_a motion_n and_o course_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o conviction_n decay_v or_o wear_v off_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v no_o more_o sensible_a of_o its_o force_n and_o impression_n the_o thought_n of_o it_o return_v again_o unto_o their_o old_a course_n and_o track_n as_o the_o water_n tend_v downward_o this_o state_n and_o frame_n be_v graphical_o describe_v psal._n 78.35_o 36_o 37._o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o they_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n nevertheless_o they_o do_v but_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o they_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n man_n in_o trouble_n danger_n sickness_n fear_n of_o death_n or_o under_o effectual_a conviction_n of_o sin_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n will_v endeavour_v to_o think_v and_o meditate_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n yea_o they_o will_v be_v great_o trouble_v that_o they_o can_v think_v of_o they_o more_o than_o they_o do_v and_o esteem_v it_o their_o folly_n that_o they_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o as_o freedom_n and_o deliverance_n do_v approach_n so_o these_o thought_n decay_v and_o disappear_v the_o mind_n will_v not_o be_v compel_v to_o give_v place_n unto_o they_o any_o more_o the_o prophet_n give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o jer._n 13.23_o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v unto_o evil_n they_o have_v have_v another_o haunt_n be_v teach_v another_o course_n the_o habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n lie_v another_o way_n and_o they_o will_v no_o long_o tend_v towards_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o a_o impression_n be_v on_o they_o from_o their_o conviction_n and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o very_a mean_a attainment_n of_o a_o low_a and_o weak_a degree_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o heart_n or_o in_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v when_o our_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v rise_v or_o fall_v according_a unto_o renew_a occasional_a conviction_n if_o when_o we_o be_v under_o rebuke_n from_o god_n in_o our_o person_n or_o relation_n
in_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n than_o in_o the_o sun_n but_o because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v great_a than_o our_o visive_a faculty_n can_v direct_o bear_v and_o behold_v so_o we_o can_v more_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o distinct_a nature_n of_o thing_n moral_a and_o natural_a than_o we_o can_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a see_v john_n 3.14_o not_o that_o there_o be_v more_o substance_n or_o reality_n in_o they_o but_o because_o the_o ability_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v more_o suit_v unto_o the_o comprehension_n of_o they_o the_o other_o be_v above_o we_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v hinder_v and_o disorder_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a by_o ignorance_n temptation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o all_o sort_n in_o nothing_o more_o be_v man_n subject_a unto_o mistake_n than_o in_o the_o application_n of_o thing_n unto_o themselves_o and_o a_o judgement_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o they_o fear_v self-love_n with_o the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n do_v all_o engage_v their_o power_n to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o pervert_v its_o judgement_n in_o no_o case_n do_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o of_o sin_n which_o be_v all_o one_o more_o act_n itself_o hence_o multitude_n say_v peace_n to_o themselves_o to_o who_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v peace_n and_o some_o who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n do_v yet_o walk_v in_o darkness_n hence_o be_v that_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o help_v in_o this_o case_n ephes._n 1.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o there_o be_v also_o a_o great_a similitude_n between_o temporary_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o be_v save_v and_o durable_a and_o between_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o operation_n which_o be_v that_o that_o be_v under_o present_a consideration_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v therefore_o that_o without_o the_o especial_a light_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o man_n can_v make_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o his_o state_n and_o his_o action_n as_o shall_v be_v a_o stable_a foundation_n of_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o of_o obtain_v peace_n unto_o his_o own_o soul._n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n do_v constant_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o ordinary_o under_o this_o bless_a conduct_n in_o the_o search_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v come_v unto_o a_o satisfaction_n whether_o they_o be_v influence_v by_o faith_n and_o have_v grace_n exercise_v in_o they_o especial_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n or_o whether_o it_o derive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n raise_v by_o light_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n only_o and_o so_o whether_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n therein_o do_v spring_n from_o a_o vital_a principle_n of_o grace_n or_o whether_o they_o come_v from_o occasional_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o if_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o or_o to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o themselves_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n at_o all_o per_fw-la adventure_n to_o leave_v all_o thing_n at_o hazard_n to_o put_v off_o all_o trial_n unto_o that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o so_o never_o call_v themselves_o unto_o a_o account_n as_o unto_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o any_o particular_a instance_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o distinction_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o unto_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o we_o impartial_o and_o severe_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o frames_n and_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o holy_a duty_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o thereon_o not_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v that_o plain_o unto_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o word_n speak_v unto_o we_o this_o diligent_a search_n ought_v to_o respect_v our_o principle_n aim_n end_n act_n with_o the_o whole_a deportment_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o every_o duty_n see_v 2_o cor._n 13.5_o if_o a_o man_n receive_v much_o money_n and_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o superscription_n when_o he_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v great_a store_n of_o currant_n coin_n in_o gold_n and_o silver_n he_o may_v have_v only_a heap_n of_o lead_n or_o copper_n by_o he_o but_o he_o that_o trade_v in_o it_o as_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o his_o natural_a life_n and_o condition_n he_o will_v try_v what_o he_o receive_v both_o by_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o touchstone_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o much_o adulterate_v coin_n be_v passant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o man_n reckon_v on_o his_o duty_n by_o tale_n and_o number_n he_o may_v be_v utter_o deceive_v and_o be_v spiritual_o poor_a and_o a_o bankrupt_a when_o he_o esteem_v himself_o rich_a increase_v in_o good_n and_o want_v nothing_o some_o duty_n may_v appear_o hold_v in_o the_o balance_n as_o to_o weight_n which_o will_v not_o hold_v it_o at_o the_o touchstone_n as_o to_o worth_n both_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o our_o account_n thus_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o duty_n call_v the_o people_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v faith_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o so_o like_a to_o have_v acceptance_n with_o he_o isa._n 58.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o add_v we_o must_v unto_o our_o own_o diligent_a enquiry_n fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v search_v and_o try_v we_o as_o unto_o our_o sincerity_n and_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n hereof_o we_o have_v a_o express_a example_n psal._n 139.23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v unto_o our_o sincerity_n with_o our_o own_o spirit_n there_o be_v need_n of_o call_v in_o divine_a assistance_n in_o this_o matter_n both_o from_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o from_o its_o difficulty_n god_n alone_o know_v full_o and_o perfect_o what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o in_o the_o impartial_a use_n of_o these_o mean_n a_o man_n may_v come_v to_o assure_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n such_o as_o wherein_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v whether_o he_o do_v animate_v and_o quicken_v his_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o duty_n with_o inward_a vital_a grace_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v impression_n on_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o duty_n a_o duty_n this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n now_o hypocrisy_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o inroad_a on_o profession_n and_o gift_n have_v doflowred_a grace_n in_o its_o principal_a operation_n no_o person_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o walk_v at_o hazard_n with_o god_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o duty_n unto_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o other_o for_o they_o may_v countenance_v themselves_o with_o a_o appearance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o in_o reality_n and_o power_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o we_o have_v see_v many_o earnest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n who_o have_v turn_v vile_a and_o debauch_a apostate_n some_o have_v be_v know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o indulgence_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o yet_o to_o abide_v constant_a in_o their_o duty_n isa._n 1.15_o and_o we_o may_v hear_v prayer_n sometime_o that_o open_o discover_v themselves_o unto_o spiritual_a sense_n to_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o brain_n by_o the_o help_n of_o gift_n in_o memory_n and_o invention_n without_o a_o evidence_n of_o any_o mixture_n of_o humility_n reverence_n or_o godly_a fear_n without_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o flow_v as_o wine_n yet_o smell_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o unsavoury_a cask_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v put_v ourselves_o on_o the_o severe_a trial_n lest_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v in_o spiritual_a duty_n gift_n be_v gracious_a vouchsafement_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v grace_n useful_a unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o yea_o they_o may_v make_v they_o useful_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o who_o have_v no_o grace_n in_o themselves_o but_o as_o
unto_o our_o own_o soul_n they_o be_v of_o no_o other_o advantage_n or_o benefit_n but_o to_o stir_v up_o grace_n unto_o its_o proper_a exercise_n and_o to_o be_v a_o vehicle_n to_o carry_v it_o on_o in_o its_o proper_a use_n if_o we_o do_v not_o always_o regard_v this_o in_o their_o exercise_n we_o have_v better_o be_v without_o they_o if_o instead_o hereof_o they_o once_o begin_v to_o impose_v themselves_o practical_o upon_o we_o so_o as_o that_o we_o rest_v in_o spiritual_a light_n act_v our_o invention_n memory_n and_o judgement_n with_o a_o ready_a utterance_n or_o such_o as_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o form_n of_o prayer_n can_v be_v more_o prejudicial_a unto_o our_o soul_n as_o wine_n if_o take_v moderate_o and_o seasonable_o help_v the_o stomach_n in_o digestion_n and_o quicken_v the_o natural_a spirit_n enable_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n unto_o their_o duty_n be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a unto_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o excess_n it_o do_v not_o help_v nature_n but_o oppress_v it_o and_o take_v on_o itself_o to_o do_v what_o nature_n shall_v be_v assist_v unto_o it_o fill_v man_n carcase_n with_o disease_n as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n with_o sin_n so_o while_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v use_v and_o employ_v only_o to_o excite_v aid_n and_o assist_v grace_n in_o its_o operation_n they_o be_v unutterable_o useful_a but_o if_o they_o put_v themselves_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o to_o do_v all_o that_o grace_n shall_v do_v they_o be_v hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a we_o have_v need_v therefore_o to_o be_v very_o diligent_a in_o this_o enquiry_n whether_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n even_o in_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o rather_o occasion_v from_o the_o duty_n than_o spring_n from_o a_o gracious_a principle_n in_o our_o heart_n or_o be_v the_o act_n of_o real_a save_a grace_n 2._o where_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o prayer_n be_v occasional_a only_o in_o the_o way_n before_o describe_v such_o prayer_n will_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o spiritual_a growth_n unto_o the_o soul._n they_o will_v not_o make_v the_o soul_n humble_a holy_a watchful_a and_o diligent_a in_o universal_a obedience_n grace_n will_v not_o thrive_v under_o the_o great_a constancy_n in_o such_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o astonish_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o under_o frequency_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o seem_a fervency_n therein_o many_o of_o we_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n as_o to_o visible_a thrive_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v without_o any_o increase_n of_o strength_n in_o the_o root_n of_o it_o god_n hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v save_v nor_o his_o ear_n deafen_a that_o he_o can_v hear_v he_o be_v the_o same_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a when_o our_o father_n cry_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v deliver_v when_o they_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o be_v not_o confound_v jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o prevalency_n while_o this_o world_n endure_v whence_o be_v it_o then_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o prayer_n among_o we_o and_o so_o little_a success_n i_o speak_v not_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n wherein_o god_n always_o act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o ofttimes_o give_v the_o most_o useful_a answer_n unto_o our_o prayer_n by_o deny_v our_o request_n i_o intend_v that_o only_o whereof_o the_o psalmist_n give_v we_o his_o experience_n psal._n 138.3_o in_o the_o day_n when_o i_o cry_v thou_o answer_v i_o and_o strengthn_v i_o with_o strength_n in_o my_o soul._n where_o prayer_n be_v effectual_a they_o will_v bring_v in_o spiritual_a strength_n but_o the_o prayer_n of_o many_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o spiritual_a and_o to_o express_v all_o conceivable_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o be_v persist_v in_o with_o constancy_n and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v hypocritical_a and_o whole_o insincere_a yet_o be_v there_o a_o defect_n somewhere_o which_o shall_v be_v inquire_v after_o for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o answer_v as_o that_o they_o who_o pray_v they_o be_v strengthen_v with_o strength_n in_o their_o soul_n there_o be_v not_o that_o spiritual_a thrive_a that_o growth_n in_o grace_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v to_o accompany_v such_o supplication_n i_o know_v that_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v often_o pray_v sincere_o and_o frequent_o for_o a_o especial_a mercy_n grace_n or_o deliverance_n from_o a_o particular_a temptation_n and_o yet_o no_o spiritual_a supply_n of_o strength_n unto_o his_o own_o experience_n come_v in_o thereby_o so_o paul_n pray_v thrice_o for_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o temptation_n and_o yet_o have_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o may_v be_v no_o defect_n in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o the_o grace_n in_o particular_a aim_v at_o not_o be_v attain_v for_o god_n have_v other_o holy_a end_n to_o accomplish_v hereby_o on_o the_o soul_n but_o how_o person_n shall_v continue_v in_o prayer_n in_o general_a according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v outward_o discover_v and_o yet_o thrive_v not_o at_o all_o as_o unto_o spiritual_a strength_n in_o their_o soul_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o astonishable_a man_n abide_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o in_o constancy_n in_o their_o family_n and_o otherwise_o and_o yet_o live_v in_o know_a sin_n whatever_o spiritual_a thought_n such_o man_n have_v in_o and_o by_o their_o prayer_n they_o be_v not_o spiritual_o mind_v shall_v we_o now_o say_v that_o all_o such_o person_n be_v gross_a hypocrite_n such_o as_o know_v they_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n and_o man_n know_v that_o they_o have_v not_o desire_v nor_o aim_n after_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o mention_v in_o their_o own_o prayer_n but_o do_v these_o thing_n either_o for_o some_o corrupt_a end_n or_o at_o best_a to_o satisfy_v their_o conviction_n can_v we_o thus_o resolve_v the_o whole_a difficulty_n of_o the_o case_n be_v take_v off_o for_o such_o double_a mind_a man_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 1.7_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o they_o never_o act_n faith_n with_o reference_n unto_o their_o own_o prayer_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o all_o of_o this_o sort_n some_o judge_n themselves_o sincere_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o their_o prayer_n not_o without_o some_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o success_n i_o will_v not_o say_v of_o all_o such_o person_n that_o they_o be_v among_o the_o number_n of_o they_o concern_v who_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n say_v because_o i_o call_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o refuse_v they_o shall_v call_v on_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o and_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o prov._n 1.18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o and_o although_o we_o may_v say_v unto_o such_o person_n in_o general_a either_o leave_v your_o sin_v or_o leave_v your_o pray_v from_o psal._n 50.16_o 17._o and_o that_o with_o respect_n unto_o present_a scandal_n and_o certain_a miscarriage_n in_o the_o end_n if_o both_o be_v continue_v in_o yet_o in_o particular_a i_o will_v not_o advise_v any_o such_o person_n to_o leave_v off_o his_o pray_v until_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o sin_n this_o be_v to_o advise_v a_o sick_a man_n to_o use_v no_o remedy_n until_o he_o be_v well_o cure_v who_o know_v but_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v may_v take_v a_o time_n to_o animate_v these_o lifeless_a prayer_n and_o make_v they_o a_o mean_n of_o deliverance_n from_o the_o power_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o fault_n and_o gild_n be_v whole_o their_o own_o who_o have_v effect_v a_o consistency_n between_o a_o way_n in_o sin_v and_o a_o course_n in_o pray_v and_o it_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o have_v never_o labour_v to_o fill_v up_o their_o request_n with_o grace_n what_o there_o have_v be_v of_o earnestness_n or_o diligence_n in_o they_o have_v be_v from_o a_o force_n put_v upon_o they_o by_o their_o conviction_n and_o fear_n for_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o absolute_o prevail_v on_o by_o sin_n who_o pray_v for_o deliverance_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n every_o pray_v man_n that_o perish_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o judge_n otherwise_o wherefore_o the_o thought_n that_o such_o person_n have_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n even_o in_o their_o duty_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o within_o nor_o be_v a_o natural_a emanation_n of_o the_o frame_v of_o their_o
heart_n and_o affection_n 3._o earnestness_n and_o appear_a fervency_n in_o prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o outward_a delivery_n of_o the_o word_n of_o it_o yea_o though_o the_o mind_n be_v so_o affect_v as_o to_o contribute_v much_o thereunto_o will_v not_o of_o themselves_o prove_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n therein_o do_v arise_v from_o a_o internal_a spring_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a property_n of_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_n act_v of_o love_n faith_n and_o desire_n but_o there_o be_v a_o fervency_n wherewith_o the_o mind_n itself_o may_v be_v affect_v that_o may_v arise_v from_o other_o cause_n 1._o it_o may_v do_v so_o from_o the_o engagement_n of_o natural_a affection_n unto_o the_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n or_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o man_n may_v be_v mighty_a earnest_n and_o intent_n in_o their_o mind_n in_o pray_v for_o a_o dear_a relation_n or_o for_o deliverance_n from_o eminent_a trouble_n or_o imminent_a danger_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o fervour_n arise_v from_o the_o vehement_a act_n of_o natural_a affection_n about_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o excite_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n by_o the_o present_a duty_n hence_o god_n call_v the_o earnest_a cry_n of_o some_o for_o temporal_a thing_n not_o a_o cry_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o howl_v hosea_n 7.14_o that_o be_v the_o cry_n of_o hungry_a ravenous_a beast_n that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v 2._o sometime_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o sharpness_n of_o conviction_n which_o will_v make_v man_n even_o roar_v in_o their_o prayer_n for_o disquietment_n of_o heart_n and_o this_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n as_o yet_o receive_v nor_o it_o may_v be_v ever_o will_v be_v so_o for_o the_o perplex_v work_n of_o conviction_n go_v before_o real_a conversion_n and_o as_o it_o produce_v many_o other_o effect_n and_o change_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o it_o may_v do_v this_o of_o great_a fervency_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o outward_a affliction_n pain_n or_o trouble_n psal._n 78.34_o 35._o 3._o ofttime_n the_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v very_o little_o concern_v in_o that_o fervour_n and_o earnestness_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o gift_n and_o through_o their_o own_o utterance_n man_n put_v their_o natural_a affection_n into_o such_o a_o agitation_n as_o shall_v carry_v they_o out_o into_o a_o great_a vehemency_n in_o their_o expression_n it_o have_v be_v so_o with_o sundry_a person_n who_o have_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v rot_a hypocrite_n and_o have_v afterward_o turn_v curse_v apostate_n wherefore_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o gracious_a spring_n or_o vital_a principle_n act_v itself_o from_o within_o in_o spiritual_a thought_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v design_v a_o advantage_n by_o their_o conception_n unto_o the_o interest_n of_o profaneness_n and_o scoff_v for_o if_o there_o may_v be_v these_o evil_n under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n both_o in_o constancy_n and_o with_o fervency_n if_o there_o may_v be_v a_o total_a want_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o true_a grace_n with_o it_o and_o under_o it_o than_o it_o may_v be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v of_o this_o gift_n and_o its_o use_n be_v but_o hypocrisy_n and_o talk_n but_o i_o say_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o pretend_v that_o because_o the_o sun_n shine_v on_o a_o dunghill_n do_v occasion_n offensive_a and_o noisome_a steam_n therefore_o all_o that_o be_v pretend_v of_o its_o influence_n on_o spice_n and_o flower_n cause_v they_o to_o give_v out_o their_o fragrancy_n be_v utter_o false_a no_o man_n ever_o think_v that_o spiritual_a gift_n do_v change_v or_o renew_v the_o mind_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n where_o they_o be_v alone_o they_o only_o help_v and_o assist_v unto_o the_o useful_a exercise_n of_o natural_a faculty_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o saving_o renew_v no_o gift_n can_v stir_v up_o a_o save_a exercise_n of_o faith_n but_o where_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o cause_v the_o savour_n of_o it_o to_o flow_v forth_o 2._o be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o evil_n find_v under_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n what_o remedy_n for_o they_o may_v be_v propose_v be_v it_o that_o man_n shall_v renounce_v their_o use_n of_o it_o and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o read_n of_o prayer_n only_o 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n whatever_o for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o liable_a unto_o abuse_n and_o shall_v we_o reject_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o whole_a complexe_n of_o gospel_n gift_n for_o the_o commuication_n whereof_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o continue_v his_o spirit_n with_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n because_o by_o some_o they_o be_v abuse_v 2._o not_o only_o the_o same_o but_o far_o great_a evil_n may_v be_v find_v in_o and_o under_o the_o read_n of_o prayer_n which_o need_v no_o further_a demonstration_n than_o what_o it_o give_v of_o itself_o every_o day_n 3._o it_o be_v hard_o to_o understand_v how_o any_o benefit_n at_o all_o can_v accrue_v unto_o any_o by_o this_o relief_n when_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o other_o way_n be_v evident_a wherefore_o the_o enquiry_n remain_v how_o we_o may_v know_v unto_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o thought_n we_o have_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v from_o internal_a fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v whereunto_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v tend_v some_o few_o thing_n i_o shall_v offer_v towards_o satisfaction_n herein_o 1._o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v on_o the_o evidence_n before_o give_v that_o person_n who_o have_v any_o spiritual_a light_n and_o will_v diligent_o examine_v and_o try_v their_o own_o heart_n will_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o real_a act_n of_o faith_n of_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n there_o be_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o their_o spiritual_a thought_n in_o general_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o sincere_a faith_n will_v be_v its_o own_o evidence_n and_o where_o there_o be_v sincere_a act_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v evidence_n themselves_o if_o we_o try_v all_o thing_n impartial_o by_o the_o word_n but_o if_o man_n do_v as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o do_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o duty_n without_o a_o examination_n of_o their_o principle_n frames_n and_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o uncertainty_n 2._o when_o the_o soul_n find_v a_o sweet_a spiritual_a complacency_n in_o and_o after_o its_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o grace_n have_v be_v act_v in_o its_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o desire_n jer._n 31._o the_o prophet_n receive_v a_o long_a gracious_a message_n from_o god_n fill_v up_o with_o excellent_a promise_n and_o pathetical_a exhortation_n unto_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a be_v as_o it_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o ver._n 25._o for_o i_o have_v satiate_v the_o weary_a soul_n and_o i_o have_v replenish_v every_o sorrowful_a soul_n whereon_o the_o prophet_n add_v upon_o this_o i_o awake_v and_o behold_v and_o my_o sleep_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o god_n gracious_a message_n have_v so_o compose_v his_o spirit_n and_o free_v his_o mind_n from_o trouble_n as_o that_o he_o be_v at_o quiet_a repose_n in_o himself_o like_o a_o man_n asleep_a but_o after_o the_o end_n of_o it_o he_o stir_v up_o himself_o unto_o a_o review_n and_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o he_o i_o awake_v and_o behold_v or_o i_o stir_v up_o myself_o and_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v deliver_v unto_o i_o and_o say_v he_o my_o sleep_n be_v sweet_a unto_o i_o i_o find_v a_o gracious_a complacency_n in_o and_o refreshment_n unto_o my_o soul_n from_o what_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v so_o be_v it_o ofttimes_o with_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v have_v real_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n it_o find_v itself_o both_o in_o it_o and_o afterward_o when_o it_o be_v awaken_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o spiritual_o refresh_v it_o be_v sweet_a unto_o he_o this_o holy_a complacency_n this_o rest_n and_o sweet_a repose_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o delight_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o duty_n they_o do_v not_o pray_v only_o because_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v nor_o yet_o because_o
absolute_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a and_o superstition_n suggest_v other_o object_n for_o they_o which_o they_o ready_o embrace_v but_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a attempt_n the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v continual_o minting_n and_o coin_v new_a thought_n and_o imagination_n the_o cogitative_a faculty_n be_v always_o at_o work_n as_o the_o stream_n of_o a_o mighty_a river_n run_v into_o the_o ocean_n so_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o through_o self_n they_o run_v into_o hell_n it_o be_v a_o fond_a thing_n to_o set_v a_o dam_n before_o such_o a_o river_n to_o curb_v its_o stream_n for_o a_o little_a space_n there_o may_v be_v a_o stop_v make_v but_o it_o will_v quick_o break_v down_o all_o obstacle_n or_o overflow_v all_o its_o bound_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o divert_v its_o course_n but_o only_o by_o provide_v other_o channel_n for_o its_o water_n and_o turn_v they_o thereinto_o the_o mighty_a stream_n of_o the_o evil_a thought_n of_o man_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o bound_n or_o dam_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o they_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o relief_n from_o they_o the_o one_o respect_v their_o moral_a evil_n the_o other_o their_o natural_a abundance_n the_o first_o by_o throw_v salt_n into_o the_o spring_n as_o elisha_n cure_v the_o water_n of_o jericho_n that_o be_v to_o get_v the_o heart_n and_o mind_n season_v with_o grace_n for_o the_o tree_n must_v be_v make_v good_a before_o the_o fruit_n will_v be_v so_o the_o other_o be_v to_o turn_v their_o stream_n into_o new_a channel_n put_v new_a aim_n and_o end_v upon_o they_o fix_v they_o on_o new_a object_n so_o shall_v we_o abound_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n for_o abound_v in_o thought_n we_o shall_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n ephes._n 5._o 18_o 19_o and_o be_v not_o drink_v with_o wine_n wherein_o be_v excess_n but_o he_o fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o yourselves_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n when_o man_n be_v drink_v with_o wine_n unto_o a_o excess_n they_o make_v it_o quick_o evident_a what_o vain_a foolish_a ridiculous_a imagination_n it_o fill_v their_o mind_n withal_o in_o opposition_n hereunto_o the_o apostle_n advise_v believer_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n to_o labour_v for_o such_o a_o participation_n of_o he_o as_o may_v fill_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n as_o other_o fill_v themselves_o with_o wine_n to_o what_o end_n unto_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o desire_v such_o a_o participation_n of_o he_o to_o be_v so_o fill_v with_o he_o it_o be_v unto_o this_o end_n namely_o that_o he_o by_o his_o grace_n may_v fill_v they_o with_o holy_a spiritual_a thought_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a man_n drink_v unto_o a_o excess_n as_o fill_v with_o those_o that_o be_v foolish_a vain_a and_o wicked_a so_o the_o word_n of_o ver_fw-la 19_o do_v declare_v for_o he_o advise_v we_o to_o express_v our_o abound_a thought_n in_o such_o duty_n as_o will_v give_v a_o especial_a vent_n unto_o they_o wherefore_o when_o we_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v we_o shall_v abound_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n or_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o we_o have_v such_o thought_n will_v not_o sufficient_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v so_o unless_o we_o abound_v in_o they_o and_o this_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o principal_a enquiry_n on_o this_o head_n namely_o what_o measure_n we_o ought_v to_o assign_v hereof_o how_o we_o may_v know_v when_o we_o abound_v in_o spiritual_a thought_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v i_o answer_v in_o general_a among_o other_o scripture_n read_v over_o psal._n 119._o with_o understanding_n consider_v therein_o what_o david_n express_v of_o himself_o as_o unto_o his_o constant_a delight_n in_o and_o continual_a thought_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n at_o that_o season_n try_v yourselves_o by_o that_o pattern_n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o can_v true_o speak_v the_o same_o word_n with_o he_o at_o least_o if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o zeal_n yet_o with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n you_o will_v say_v that_o be_v david_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v equal_a with_o he_o but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v we_o must_v be_v like_o he_o if_o ever_o we_o intend_v to_o come_v to_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v it_o will_v ruin_v our_o soul_n if_o when_o we_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n express_v their_o experience_n in_o faith_n love_n delight_n in_o god_n and_o constant_a meditation_n on_o he_o we_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o we_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v but_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v all_o thing_n concern_v they_o be_v write_v for_o admonition_n 1_o cor._n 10.11_o and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o delight_n in_o god_n as_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spiritual_a mindedness_n in_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n we_o can_v have_v no_o evidence_n that_o we_o please_v god_n as_o they_o do_v or_o shall_v go_v to_o that_o place_n whither_o they_o be_v go_v profession_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n pass_v with_o many_o at_o a_o very_a low_a and_o easy_a rate_n their_o thought_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a and_o earthly_a their_o communication_n unsavoury_a and_o sometime_o corrupt_a their_o life_n at_o best_a uneven_a and_o uncertain_a as_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n yet_o all_o be_v well_o all_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a who_o obtain_v this_o testimany_n that_o they_o please_v god_n do_v not_o so_o walk_v before_o he_o they_o meditate_a continual_o in_o the_o law_n think_v of_o god_n in_o the_o night_n season_n speak_v of_o his_o way_n his_o work_n his_o praise_n their_o whole_a delight_n be_v in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o follow_v hard_o after_o he_o it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o david_n in_o particular_a that_o i_o have_v propose_v and_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o grace_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o who_o be_v feeble_a shall_v be_v as_o david_n zech._n 12.8_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o in_o his_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v we_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a judge_n of_o ourselves_o therein_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o few_o rule_n unto_o this_o direction_n by_o example_n 1._o consider_v what_o proportion_n your_o thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n bear_v with_o those_o about_o other_o thing_n our_o principal_a interest_n and_o concern_v as_o we_o profess_v lie_v in_o thing_n spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o eternal_a be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o foolish_a thing_n to_o suppose_v that_o our_o thought_n about_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o hold_v some_o proportion_n with_o those_o about_o other_o thing_n nay_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o exceed_v they_o no_o man_n be_v so_o vain_a in_o earthly_a thing_n as_o to_o pretend_v that_o his_o principal_a concern_n lie_v in_o that_o whereof_o he_o think_v very_o seldom_o in_o comparison_n of_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o man_n in_o reference_n unto_o their_o family_n their_o trade_n their_o occasion_n of_o life_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n not_o only_o consecrate_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n but_o evident_a also_o in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o and_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n do_v act_n themselves_o by_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o mind_n wherefore_o if_o our_o principal_a treasure_n be_v as_o we_o profess_v in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o woe_n unto_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o on_o they_o will_v our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o our_o desire_n and_o thought_n be_v principal_o fix_v that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a examine_v ourselves_o by_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v consider_v of_o what_o sort_n man_n other_a thought_n be_v and_o as_o unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o there_o be_v such_o as_o be_v exercise_v about_o their_o calling_n and_o lawful_a occasion_n these_o be_v numberless_a and_o endless_a especial_o among_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o rise_v early_o and_o go_v to_o bed_v late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n or_o be_v particular_o industrious_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o
and_o motive_n unto_o it_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o you_o can_v judge_v yourselves_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v if_o any_o therefore_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o will_v abound_v more_o in_o spiritual_a thought_n only_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o fix_v they_o upon_o i_o propose_v this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o that_o which_o will_v lead_v they_o unto_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o present_a duty_n second_o the_o special_a trial_n and_o temptation_n of_o man_n call_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o thought_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o bodily_a disease_n pain_n or_o distemper_n it_o will_v cause_v he_o to_o think_v much_o of_o it_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o at_o least_o if_o he_o be_v wise_a he_o will_v so_o do_v nor_o will_v he_o always_o be_v complain_v of_o their_o smart_n but_o inquire_v into_o their_o cause_n and_o seek_v their_o removal_n yet_o be_v there_o some_o distemper_n as_o lethargy_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n take_v away_o all_o sense_n and_o thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o some_o be_v of_o such_o a_o slow_a secret_a progress_n as_o hectic_a fever_n that_o they_o be_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o both_o these_o be_v mortal_a and_o shall_v man_n be_v more_o negligent_a about_o the_o spiritual_a distemper_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o as_o to_o have_v multiply_v temptation_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o spiritual_a disease_n and_o take_v no_o thought_n about_o they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o where_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v such_o as_o either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n have_v deprive_v they_o of_o spiritual_a sense_n or_o by_o their_o deceitfulness_n be_v lead_v on_o insensible_o unto_o death_n eternal_a not_o to_o have_v our_o mind_n exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v stupid_o secure_a prov._n 23.34_o 35._o there_o be_v i_o confess_v some_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n how_o to_o exercise_v our_o thought_n aright_o about_o our_o temptation_n for_o the_o great_a way_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n be_v by_o stir_v up_o multiply_v thought_n about_o their_o object_n or_o what_o they_o do_v lead_v unto_o and_o this_o be_v do_v or_o occasion_v several_a way_n 1._o from_o the_o previous_a power_n of_o lust_n in_o the_o affection_n this_o will_v fill_v the_o mind_n with_o thought_n the_o heart_n will_v coin_v imagination_n in_o compliance_n therewith_o they_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o lust_n draw_v away_o the_o heart_n from_o duty_n and_o entice_v unto_o sin_n jam._n 1.14_o the_o mean_n at_o least_o whereby_o man_n come_v to_o have_v eye_n full_a of_o adultery_n 2_o pet._n 2.14_o or_o live_v in_o constant_a contemplation_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n 2._o they_o arise_v and_o be_v occasion_v by_o renew_a representation_n of_o the_o object_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v twofold_a 1._o that_o which_o be_v real_a as_o achan_n see_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o covet_v it_o josh._n 7.21_o prov._n 23.31_o against_o this_o be_v that_o prayer_n of_o the_o psalmist_n turn_v away_o my_o eye_n from_o behold_v vanity_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o job_n chap._n 31.1_o 2._o imaginary_a when_o the_o imagination_n be_v taint_v or_o infect_v by_o lust_n continual_o represent_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o act_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n herein_o do_v man_n make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o rom._n 13.14_o 3._o from_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n who_o use_v all_o his_o wiles_n and_o artifices_fw-la to_o stir_v up_o thought_n about_o that_o sin_n whereunto_o the_o temptation_n lead_v and_o temptation_n seldom_o fail_v of_o its_o end_n when_o it_o can_v stir_v up_o a_o multitude_n of_o unprofitable_a thought_n about_o its_o object_n for_o when_o temptation_n do_v multiply_v thought_n about_o sin_n proceed_v from_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o cause_n and_o the_o mind_n have_v wont_a itself_o to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n those_o in_o who_o they_o be_v do_v want_v nothing_o but_o opportunity_n and_o occasion_n take_v off_o the_o power_n of_o outward_a restraint_n for_o the_o commission_n of_o actual_a sin_n when_o man_n have_v so_o devise_v mischief_n they_o practise_v it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o hand_n mic._n 2.1_o it_o be_v no_o way_n safe_a to_o advise_v such_o person_n to_o have_v many_o thought_n about_o their_o temptation_n they_o will_v all_o turn_v to_o their_o disadvantage_n i_o speak_v unto_o they_o only_o unto_o who_o their_o temptation_n be_v their_o affliction_n and_o their_o burden_n and_o such_o person_n also_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a how_o they_o suffer_v their_o thought_n to_o be_v exercise_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o temptation_n lest_o it_o be_v a_o snare_n and_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o man_n may_v begin_v their_o thought_n of_o any_o object_n with_o abhorrency_n and_o detestation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o temptation_n end_v they_o in_o complacency_n and_o approbation_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n lay_v hold_v on_o something_o or_o other_o that_o lust_n in_o the_o mind_n stay_v upon_o with_o delectation_n and_o so_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o spirit_n which_o begin_v the_o duty_n there_o have_v be_v instance_n wherein_o person_n have_v enter_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o punish_v sin_n and_o have_v be_v ensnare_v by_o the_o occasion_n unto_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o sin_n they_o think_v to_o punish_v wherefore_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o one_o exercise_v with_o a_o actual_a temptation_n be_v able_a safe_o to_o conflict_n with_o it_o if_o it_o entertain_v abide_v thought_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o sin_n whereunto_o it_o lead_v for_o sin_n have_v mille_fw-la nocendi_fw-la art_fw-la and_o be_v able_a to_o transfuse_v its_o poison_n into_o the_o affection_n from_o every_o thing_n it_o have_v once_o make_v a_o bait_n of_o especial_o if_o it_o have_v already_o defile_v the_o mind_n with_o please_a contemplation_n of_o it_o yea_o oftentimes_o a_o man_n that_o have_v some_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o therein_o engage_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o temptation_n be_v so_o present_v unto_o he_o as_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o thought_n in_o a_o moment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v as_o they_o say_v medusa_n head_n he_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o stone_n his_o spirit_n be_v all_o freeze_a his_o strength_n be_v go_v all_o act_n of_o grace_n do_v cease_v his_o armour_n fall_v from_o he_o and_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o a_o prey_n to_o his_o temptation_n it_o must_v be_v a_o new_a supply_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v give_v he_o any_o deliverance_n wherefore_o whilst_o person_n be_v exercise_v with_o any_o temptation_n i_o do_v not_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v conversant_a in_o their_o thought_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o for_o sometime_o remembrance_n of_o former_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n sometime_o present_a surprisal_n with_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o unto_o corruption_n not_o yet_o mortify_v sometime_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n fix_v their_o imagination_n on_o it_o will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o and_o carry_v they_o unto_o a_o fresh_a compliance_n with_o that_o sin_n which_o they_o will_v be_v deliver_v from_o but_o this_o season_n call_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n about_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o deliverance_n from_o the_o snare_n wherein_o they_o be_v take_v or_o the_o danger_n they_o find_v themselves_o expose_v unto_o think_v of_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v be_v humble_v think_v of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v seek_v strength_n against_o it_o think_v not_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o sin_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n suit_v unto_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n lest_o you_o be_v more_o and_o more_o entangle_v but_o the_o present_a direction_n be_v think_v much_o of_o the_o way_n of_o relief_n from_o the_o power_n of_o your_o own_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o sin_n but_o this_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o come_v unto_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o that_o love_v their_o shackle_n that_o glory_n in_o their_o yoke_n that_o like_o their_o temptation_n well_o enough_o as_o those_o which_o give_v the_o most_o satisfactory_a entertainment_n unto_o their_o mind_n such_o man_n know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o do_v unless_o they_o may_v in_o their_o mind_n converse_v with_o the_o object_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o do_v multiply_v thought_n about_o they_o continual_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n
faith_n and_o profession_n in_o these_o our_o day_n the_o belly_n of_o man_n cleave_v unto_o the_o dust_n or_o their_o affection_n unto_o earthly_a thing_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o those_o who_o by_o rapine_n deceit_n and_o oppression_n strive_v to_o enrich_v themselves_o nor_o of_o those_o who_o design_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o attainment_n of_o greatness_n and_o promotion_n in_o the_o world_n though_o not_o by_o way_n of_o open_a wickedness_n lest_o of_o all_o of_o they_o who_o make_v religion_n and_o perhaps_o their_o ministry_n therein_o a_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n secular_a end_n and_o preferment_n no_o wise_a man_n can_v suppose_v such_o person_n any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o disprove_v all_o their_o pretence_n but_o i_o intend_v only_o those_o at_o present_a who_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v riches_n be_v lawful_a honest_a and_o unblameable_a who_o use_v they_o with_o some_o moderation_n and_o do_v profess_v that_o their_o portion_n lie_v in_o better_a thing_n so_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o fasten_v a_o conviction_n on_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o their_o conversation_n whatever_o may_v seem_v to_o reflect_v upon_o they_o they_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v that_o who_o omission_n will_v make_v they_o foolish_a in_o their_o affair_n or_o negligent_a in_o their_o duty_n but_o even_o among_o these_o also_o there_o be_v oft_o time_n that_o inordinate_a love_n unto_o present_a thing_n that_o esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o they_o that_o concernment_n in_o they_o as_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o their_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v with_o some_o their_o relation_n with_o some_o their_o enjoyment_n with_o most_o both_o in_o conjunction_n be_v a_o idol_n which_o they_o set_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o secret_o bow_v down_o unto_o about_o these_o be_v their_o hope_n and_o fear_n exercise_v on_o they_o be_v their_o love_n in_o they_o be_v their_o delight_n they_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o their_o own_o concern_v count_v all_o lose_v that_o be_v not_o spend_v on_o they_o and_o all_o time_n misspend_v that_o be_v not_o engage_v about_o they_o yet_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v they_o judge_v to_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o their_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v they_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o valuation_n they_o have_v of_o their_o relation_n and_o enjoyment_n they_o suppose_v to_o be_v lawful_a within_o the_o bound_n which_o they_o have_v assign_v unto_o it_o their_o care_n about_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n it_o require_v much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n to_o fix_v right_a boundary_n unto_o our_o affection_n and_o their_o act_n about_o earthly_a thing_n but_o let_v man_n plead_v and_o pretend_v what_o they_o please_v i_o shall_v offer_v one_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v and_o this_o be_v that_o when_o man_n be_v so_o confident_a in_o the_o good_a state_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o their_o act_n towards_o earthly_a thing_n as_o that_o they_o will_v oppose_v their_o engagement_n into_o they_o unto_o know_a duty_n of_o religion_n piety_n and_o charity_n they_o be_v go_v into_o a_o sinful_a excess_n be_v there_o a_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a that_o require_v their_o liberality_n and_o bounty_n you_o must_v excuse_v they_o they_o have_v family_n to_o provide_v for_o when_o what_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o as_o unto_o a_o due_a provision_n for_o their_o family_n nor_o be_v what_o will_v lessen_v their_o inheritance_n or_o portion_n one_o penny_n in_o the_o issue_n be_v they_o call_v to_o a_o attendance_n on_o season_n of_o religious_a duty_n they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o business_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v leisure_n for_o any_o such_o occasion_n so_o by_o all_o way_n declare_v that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o prevalent_a predominant_a affection_n unto_o earthly_a thing_n this_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o lifeless_a sapless_a useless_a professor_n who_o approve_v themselves_o in_o their_o condition_n while_o it_o be_v visible_o unspiritual_a and_o wither_a the_o heart_n will_v have_v something_o whereon_o in_o a_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n it_o will_v fix_v itself_o and_o its_o affection_n this_o in_o all_o its_o perpetual_a motion_n it_o seek_v for_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o and_o every_o man_n have_v a_o edge_n the_o edge_n of_o his_o affection_n be_v set_v one_o way_n or_o other_o though_o it_o be_v more_o keen_a in_o some_o than_o other_o and_o whereas_o all_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o the_o heart_n can_v fix_v upon_o or_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o its_o affection_n unto_o be_v distribute_v by_o the_o apostle_n into_o thing_n above_o and_o thing_n beneath_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o thing_n earthly_a if_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o view_n and_o prospect_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o to_o cause_v our_o heart_n to_o cleave_v unto_o they_o and_o delight_v in_o they_o let_v we_o pretend_v what_o we_o will_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o predominant_a affection_n unto_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n herein_o lie_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o multitude_n at_o this_o present_a season_n for_o let_v man_n profess_v what_o they_o will_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o frame_n their_o eternal_a state_n be_v in_o hazard_v every_o moment_n and_o person_n be_v engage_v in_o it_o in_o great_a variety_n of_o degree_n and_o we_o may_v cast_v they_o under_o two_o head_n 1._o some_o do_v not_o at_o all_o understand_v that_o thing_n be_v amiss_o with_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v much_o to_o be_v blame_v they_o plead_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v all_o lawful_a thing_n which_o their_o heart_n do_v cleave_v unto_o and_o which_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o regard_n may_v they_o not_o delight_v in_o their_o own_o relation_n especial_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o other_o break_v and_o cancel_v all_o duty_n and_o bond_n of_o relation_n in_o the_o service_n of_o and_o provision_n they_o make_v for_o their_o lust_n may_v they_o not_o be_v careful_a in_o good_a and_o honest_a way_n of_o diligence_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o most_o either_o lavish_a their_o time_n away_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o bestial_a lust_n or_o heap_v they_o up_o by_o deceit_n and_o oppression_n may_v they_o not_o contrive_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o their_o child_n in_o the_o world_n to_o add_v the_o other_o hundred_o or_o thousand_o pound_n unto_o their_o advancement_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o as_o good_a condition_n as_o other_o see_v he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n who_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o family_n by_o such_o reason_n and_o secret_a thought_n do_v many_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o earthly_a mindedness_n and_o so_o fix_v they_o be_v in_o the_o approbation_n of_o themselves_o that_o if_o you_o urge_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n you_o shall_v loose_v their_o acquaintance_n if_o they_o do_v not_o become_v your_o enemy_n for_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n yea_o they_o will_v avoid_v one_o duty_n that_o lie_v not_o against_o their_o earthly_a interest_n because_o it_o lead_v unto_o another_o they_o will_v not_o engage_v in_o religious_a assembly_n or_o be_v constant_a unto_o their_o duty_n in_o they_o for_o fear_v duty_n of_o charity_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o expect_v from_o they_o on_o what_o ground_n such_o person_n can_v satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v spiritually-minded_n i_o know_v not_o i_o shall_v leave_v only_o one_o rule_n with_o person_n that_o be_v thus_o mind_v where_o our_o love_n unto_o the_o world_n have_v prevail_v by_o its_o reason_n plea_n and_o pretence_n to_o take_v away_o our_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n over_o our_o own_o heart_n lest_o we_o shall_v inordinate_o love_v it_o there_o it_o be_v assure_o predominant_a in_o we_o 2._o other_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o heart_n at_o least_o be_v jealous_a and_o afraid_a lest_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o their_o heart_n do_v cleave_v inordinate_o unto_o these_o thing_n hence_o they_o endeavour_v to_o contend_v against_o this_o evil_a sometime_o by_o force_v themselves_o unto_o such_o act_n of_o piety_n or_o charity_n as_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o frame_n and_o sometime_o by_o labour_v a_o change_n of_o the_o frame_n itself_o especial_o they_o will_v do_v so_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o awaken_v they_o by_o trial_n and_o affliction_n such_o as_o write_v vanity_n and_o emptiness_n on_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o strive_v not_o lawful_o and_o so_o obtain_v not_o what_o they_o seem_v to_o aim_v at_o this_o disease_n with_o many_o be_v mortal_a
temptation_n in_o some_o and_o the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n in_o other_o there_o may_v be_v a_o season_n wherein_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a wise_a ordering_n of_o all_o thing_n towards_o we_o and_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o his_o holy_a bless_a end_n may_v suffer_v a_o lust_n or_o corruption_n to_o break_v loose_a in_o the_o heart_n to_o strive_v tempt_v suggest_v and_o tumultuate_v unto_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o disquietude_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o fall_v in_o conjunction_n with_o some_o vigorous_a temptation_n it_o may_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o surprise_v the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v into_o actual_a sin_n unto_o his_o defilement_n and_o amazement_n in_o this_o case_n no_o man_n can_v say_v he_o be_v tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n temp_v no_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v but_o yet_o temptation_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o they_o be_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v afflictive_a corrective_a or_o penal_a be_v order_v and_o dispose_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a of_o that_o nature_n and_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o and_o where_o he_o will_v have_v the_o power_n of_o any_o corruption_n to_o be_v afflictive_a in_o any_o instance_n two_o thing_n may_v safe_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o 1._o he_o withhold_v the_o supply_n of_o that_o grace_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v he_o can_v give_v in_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o efficacious_a grace_n to_o repel_v any_o temptation_n to_o subdue_v any_o or_o all_o our_o lust_n and_o sin_n for_o he_o can_v and_o do_v work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n ordinary_o he_o do_v so_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o although_o their_o lust_n may_v rebel_v and_o war_n they_o can_v defile_v or_o prevail_v but_o unto_o the_o continual_a supply_n of_o this_o actual_a prevail_a grace_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v when_o it_o may_v have_v a_o tendency_n unto_o his_o holy_a end_n he_o may_v and_o do_v withhold_v it_o when_o it_o may_v be_v a_o proud_a soul_n be_v to_o be_v humble_v a_o careless_a soul_n to_o be_v awaken_v a_o unthankful_a soul_n to_o be_v convince_v and_o rebuke_v a_o backslide_a soul_n to_o be_v recover_v a_o froward_a selfish_a passionate_a soul_n to_o be_v break_v and_o meeken_v he_o can_v leave_v they_o for_o a_o season_n unto_o the_o sore_a exercise_n of_o a_o prevalent_a corruption_n which_o under_o his_o holy_a guidance_n shall_v contribute_v great_o unto_o his_o bless_a ends._n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o temptation_n of_o paul_n 2_o cor._n 11.7_o 8_o 9_o if_o a_o man_n through_o disorder_n and_o excess_n be_v contract_v many_o habitual_a distemper_n of_o body_n which_o gradual_o and_o insensible_o tend_v unto_o his_o death_n it_o may_v be_v a_o advantage_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o violent_a fever_n which_o threaten_v immediate_o to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n for_o he_o will_v hereby_o be_v thorough_o awaken_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o danger_n and_o not_o only_a labour_n to_o be_v free_v from_o his_o fever_n but_o also_o for_o the_o future_a to_o watch_v against_o those_o disorder_n and_o excess_n which_o cast_v he_o into_o that_o condition_n and_o sometime_o a_o loose_a careless_a soul_n that_o walk_v in_o a_o secure_a formal_a profession_n contract_v many_o spiritual_a disease_n which_o tend_v unto_o death_n and_o ruin_n no_o argument_n or_o consideration_n can_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o awaken_v himself_o to_o shake_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o to_o betake_v himself_o unto_o a_o more_o diligent_a and_o humble_a walk_v before_o god_n in_o this_o state_n it_o may_v be_v through_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n he_o be_v surprise_v into_o some_o open_a actual_a sin_n hereon_o through_o the_o vigorous_a act_n of_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n and_o the_o stir_n of_o any_o spark_n of_o grace_n which_o yet_o remain_v he_o be_v amaze_v terrify_v and_o stir_v up_o himself_o to_o seek_v after_o deliverance_n 2._o god_n may_v and_o do_v in_o his_o providence_n administer_v object_n and_o occasion_n of_o man_n lust_n for_o their_o trial._n he_o will_v place_v they_o in_o such_o relation_n in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o provoke_v their_o affection_n passion_n desire_n and_o inclination_n unto_o those_o object_n that_o be_v suit_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o state_n any_o lust_n will_v quick_o get_v such_o power_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n as_o to_o manage_v continual_a solicitation_n unto_o sin_n it_o will_v not_o only_o dispose_v the_o affection_n towards_o it_o but_o multiply_v thought_n about_o it_o and_o darken_v the_o mind_n as_o unto_o those_o consideration_n which_o ought_v to_o prevail_v unto_o its_o mortification_n in_o this_o condition_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n however_o this_o state_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o habitual_a prevalency_n of_o any_o secret_a sin_n or_o corruption_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o direct_o intend_v it_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v inquire_v how_o we_o may_v know_v this_o difference_n namely_o that_o be_v between_o the_o occasional_a prevalency_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o corruption_n in_o conjunction_n with_o a_o temptation_n and_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n habitual_o and_o constant_o comply_v withal_o or_o indulge_v in_o the_o mind_n i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n whether_o we_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o they_o or_o no._n for_o the_o end_n why_o god_n suffer_v any_o corruption_n to_o be_v such_o a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n such_o a_o thorn_n and_o briar_n be_v to_o awaken_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n out_o of_o their_o security_n and_o to_o humble_v they_o for_o their_o pride_n and_o negligence_n the_o more_o severe_a be_v their_o apprehension_n concern_v it_o the_o more_o effectual_a it_o will_v be_v unto_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v good_a it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o soul_n shall_v apprehend_v more_o of_o what_o be_v sinful_a in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o corruption_n than_o of_o what_o be_v afflictive_a in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o temptation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v conceive_v as_o a_o predominant_a lust_n if_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o grace_n remain_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v not_o rest_v until_o in_o some_o measure_n it_o be_v subdue_v it_o will_v also_o immediate_o put_v it_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o itself_o which_o will_v issue_v in_o deep_a self-abasement_n the_o principal_a end_n design_v but_o 2._o for_o the_o relief_n of_o they_o that_o may_v be_v perplex_v in_o their_o mind_n about_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o apparent_a difference_n between_o these_o thing_n a_o lust_n or_o corruption_n arise_v up_o or_o break_v forth_o into_o a_o violent_a temptation_n be_v the_o continual_a burden_n grief_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o it_o be_v and_o as_o the_o temptation_n for_o the_o most_o part_n which_o befall_v such_o a_o person_n will_v give_v he_o no_o rest_n from_o its_o reiterated_a solicitation_n so_o he_o will_v give_v the_o temptation_n no_o rest_n but_o will_v be_v continual_o conflict_v with_o it_o and_o contend_v against_o it_o it_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o amazement_n at_o itself_o and_o continual_a self-abhorrency_a that_o any_o such_o seed_n of_o filth_n and_o folly_n shall_v be_v yet_o remain_v in_o it_o with_o they_o in_o who_o any_o sin_n be_v ordinary_o prevalent_a it_o be_v otherwise_o according_a to_o their_o light_n and_o renew_v occasional_a conviction_n they_o have_v trouble_v about_o it_o they_o can_v but_o have_v so_o unless_o their_o conscience_n be_v utter_o sear_v but_o this_o trouble_v respect_n principal_o if_o not_o sole_o its_o gild_n and_o effect_n they_o know_v not_o what_o may_v ensue_v on_o their_o compliance_n with_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o another_o beyond_o this_o they_o like_v it_o well_o enough_o and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o it_o it_o be_v of_o this_o latter_a sort_n of_o person_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v at_o present_a 2._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o perplex_v solicitation_n of_o any_o lust_n and_o the_o conquer_a predominancy_n of_o it_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v present_a with_o we_o will_v be_v solicit_v and_o press_v unto_o sin_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n even_o where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o especial_a temptation_n as_o that_o speak_v of_o before_o so_o be_v the_o case_n state_v so_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o operation_n of_o it_o describe_v rom._n 1._o gal._n 5._o and_o sometime_o a_o
they_o in_o this_o world_n whatever_o trouble_v and_o disquietment_n they_o be_v exercise_v withal_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n be_v a_o satisfactory_a refreshment_n unto_o they_o for_o therein_o they_o behold_v all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a the_o infinite_a centre_n of_o all_o perfection_n wicked_a man_n will_v have_v god_n to_o be_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o be_v nothing_o that_o god_n be_v real_o and_o true_o please_v they_o wherefore_o they_o either_o frame_v false_a notion_n of_o he_o in_o their_o mind_n as_o psal._n 50.21_o or_o they_o think_v not_o of_o he_o at_o all_o at_o least_o as_o they_o ought_v unless_o sometime_o they_o tremble_v at_o his_o anger_n and_o power_n some_o benefit_n they_o suppose_v may_v be_v have_v by_o what_o he_o can_v do_v but_o how_o there_o can_v be_v any_o delight_n in_o what_o he_o be_v they_o know_v not_o yea_o all_o their_o trouble_n arise_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o be_v what_o he_o be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o relief_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o can_v make_v any_o abatement_n of_o his_o power_n his_o holiness_n his_o righteousness_n his_o omnipresence_n but_o his_o saint_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v give_v thanks_o at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o when_o we_o can_v delight_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o of_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n it_o give_v we_o a_o threefold_a evidence_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v 1._o in_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v a_o gracious_a interest_n in_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n whereon_o we_o can_v say_v with_o rejoice_v in_o ourselves_o this_o god_n thus_o holy_a thus_o powerful_a thus_o just_a good_a and_o gracious_a be_v our_o god_n and_o he_o will_v be_v our_o guide_n unto_o death_n so_o the_o psalmist_n under_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o own_o frailty_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o year_n comfort_n and_o refresh_v himself_o with_o thought_n of_o god_n eternity_n and_o immutability_n with_o his_o interest_n in_o they_o psal._n 102.23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o god_n himself_o propose_v unto_o we_o his_o infinite_a immutability_n as_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o may_v except_v safety_n and_o deliverance_n mal._n 3.6_o when_o we_o can_v thus_o think_v of_o god_n and_o what_o he_o be_v with_o delight_n it_o be_v i_o say_v a_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v a_o gracious_a covenant_n interest_n even_o in_o what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o which_o none_o have_v but_o those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v begin_v to_o be_v wrought_v in_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o we_o approve_v of_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o more_o than_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n whatever_o whatever_o notion_n man_n may_v have_v of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n holiness_n righteousness_n and_o purity_n they_o be_v all_o but_o barren_a jejune_n and_o fruitless_a unless_o there_o be_v a_o similitude_n and_o conformity_n unto_o they_o wrought_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o soul_n without_o this_o they_o can_v rejoice_v in_o the_o thought_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n wherefore_o when_o we_o can_v do_v so_o when_o such_o meditation_n of_o god_n be_v sweet_a unto_o we_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v some_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o image_n of_o those_o perfection_n and_o that_o we_o rejoice_v in_o they_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n 3._o they_o be_v so_o also_o in_o that_o they_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o do_v discern_v and_o judge_v that_o our_o eternal_a blessedness_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o full_a manifestation_n and_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o what_o he_o be_v and_o of_o all_o his_o divine_a excellency_n this_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n take_v for_o grant_v but_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o they_o know_v not_o they_o understand_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n who_o heart_n be_v here_o deep_o affect_v with_o delight_n in_o they_o they_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o manifestation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n will_v give_v eternal_a rest_n satisfaction_n and_o complacency_n unto_o their_o soul_n no_o wicked_a man_n can_v look_v upon_o it_o otherwise_o than_o a_o torment_n to_o abide_v for_o ever_o with_o eternal_a holiness_n isa._n 33.14_o and_o we_o ourselves_o can_v have_v no_o present_a prospect_n into_o the_o fullness_n of_o future_a glory_n when_o god_n shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o but_o through_o the_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o we_o have_v here_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o as_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o divine_a perfection_n i_o will_v therefore_o press_v this_o unknown_a this_o neglect_a duty_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o of_o we_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n who_o be_v visible_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o eternity_n the_o day_n be_v come_v wherein_o what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o that_o be_v as_o manifest_v and_o exert_v in_o christ_n shall_v alone_o be_v as_o we_o hope_v the_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v more_o necessary_a for_o we_o more_o useful_a unto_o we_o than_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o thought_n and_o contemplation_n the_o benefit_n we_o may_v have_v hereby_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v some_o of_o they_o only_o may_v be_v name_v as_o 1._o we_o shall_v have_v the_o best_a trial_n of_o ourselves_o how_o our_o heart_n real_o stand_v affect_v towards_o god_n for_o if_o upon_o examination_n we_o find_v ourselves_o not_o real_o to_o delight_v and_o rejoice_v in_o god_n for_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o that_o all_o perfection_n be_v eternal_o resident_a in_o he_o how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o but_o if_o we_o can_v true_o rejoice_v at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o holiness_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o what_o he_o be_v our_o heart_n be_v upright_o with_o he_o 2._o this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v effectual_o take_v off_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n from_o thing_n here_o below_o one_o spiritual_a view_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n beauty_n and_o holiness_n will_v have_v more_o efficacy_n to_o raise_v the_o heart_n unto_o a_o contempt_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n than_o any_o other_o evidence_n whatever_o 3._o it_o will_v increase_v the_o grace_n of_o be_v heavenly_a mind_v in_o we_o on_o the_o ground_n before_o declare_v 4._o it_o be_v the_o best_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v it_o be_v the_o only_a preparation_n for_o the_o future_a full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n this_o will_v gradual_o lead_v we_o into_o his_o presence_n take_v away_o all_o fear_n of_o death_n increase_v our_o longing_n after_o eternal_a rest_n and_o ever_o make_v we_o groan_v to_o be_v unclothe_v let_v we_o not_o than_o cease_v labour_v with_o our_o heart_n until_o through_o grace_n we_o have_v a_o spiritual_o sensible_a delight_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o remembrance_n and_o thought_n of_o what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o 2._o in_o thought_n of_o god_n his_o saint_n rejoice_v at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o will_v be_v unto_o they_o herein_o have_v they_o regard_v unto_o all_o the_o holy_a relation_n that_o he_o have_v take_v on_o himself_o towards_o they_o with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o covenant_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o that_o purpose_n be_v some_o of_o the_o last_o word_n of_o david_n 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n in_o the_o prospect_n he_o have_v of_o all_o the_o distress_n that_o be_v to_o befall_v his_o family_n he_o triumphant_o rejoice_v in_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o god_n have_v make_v with_o he_o in_o these_o thought_n his_o saint_n take_v delight_n they_o be_v sweet_a unto_o they_o and_o full_a of_o refreshment_n their_o meditation_n of_o he_o be_v sweet_a and_o they_o be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n psal._n 104.34_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o they_o that_o be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_v they_o not_o only_o think_v much_o of_o god_n but_o they_o take_v delight_n in_o these_o thought_n they_o be_v sweet_a unto_o they_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o have_v no_o solid_a joy_n nor_o delight_n but_o in_o their_o thought_n of_o god_n which_o therefore_o they_o retreat_n unto_o continual_o they_o do_v so_o especial_o on_o great_a occasion_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v apt_a to_o divert_v they_o from_o they_o as_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v receive_v a_o signal_n mercy_n with_o the_o matter_n whereof_o he_o be_v exceed_o affect_v
be_v in_o their_o proper_a exercise_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o we_o have_v no_o sufficiency_n in_o ourselves_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n must_v be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o person_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n more_o general_o grant_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o than_o this_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o none_o more_o neglect_v in_o daily_a practice_n man_n profess_v they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o and_o yet_o go_v about_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o they_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n 3._o remember_v that_o i_o have_v not_o at_o present_a treat_v of_o solemn_a state_v meditation_n concern_v which_o other_o rule_n and_o instruction_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v by_o solemn_a or_o state_v meditation_n i_o intend_v the_o thought_n of_o some_o subject_a spiritual_a and_o divine_a with_o the_o fix_v force_v and_o order_v our_o thought_n about_o it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o affect_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o by_o this_o design_n it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o our_o principal_a aim_n be_v to_o learn_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o declare_v it_o unto_o other_o and_o so_o also_o from_o prayer_n whereof_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a object_n but_o in_o meditation_n it_o be_v the_o affect_v of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o mind_n with_o love_n delight_n and_o humiliation_n at_o present_a i_o have_v only_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v and_o that_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o our_o thought_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o habitual_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n or_o of_o what_o sort_n the_o constant_a course_n of_o our_o thought_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n this_o person_n may_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n for_o who_o be_v yet_o unskilful_a in_o and_o unable_a for_o state_v meditation_n for_o there_o be_v require_v thereunto_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o ability_n as_o some_o through_o their_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v incapable_a of_o but_o as_o unto_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o insist_v on_o it_o be_v not_o unattainable_a by_o any_o in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o it_o be_v but_o the_o frequent_a act_n of_o they_o that_o i_o intend_v wherefore_o do_v your_o heart_n and_o affection_n lead_v you_o unto_o many_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v they_o spring_v up_o in_o you_o as_o water_n in_o a_o well_o of_o live_a water_n be_v you_o ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o entertain_v such_o thought_n and_o to_o be_v conversant_a with_o they_o as_o opportunity_n do_v offer_v itself_o do_v you_o labour_v to_o have_v in_o a_o readiness_n what_o be_v useful_a for_o you_o with_o respect_n unto_o temptation_n and_o duty_n be_v god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o ordinary_a retreat_n of_o your_o soul_n though_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o carry_v on_o a_o orderly_o state_v meditation_n in_o your_o mind_n yet_o you_o may_v be_v spiritual_o mind_v a_o man_n may_v not_o have_v a_o capacity_n and_o ability_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o great_a trade_n of_o merchandise_n in_o the_o world_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o commodity_n and_o season_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nation_n of_o it_o with_o those_o contrivance_n and_o account_n which_o belong_v unto_o such_o trade_n may_v be_v above_o his_o comprehension_n and_o he_o may_v quick_o ruin_v himself_o in_o undertake_v such_o a_o employment_n yet_o may_v the_o ability_n of_o this_o man_n serve_v he_o well_o enough_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o retail_n trade_n in_o a_o private_a shop_n wherein_o perhaps_o he_o may_v thrive_v as_o well_o and_o get_v as_o good_a a_o estate_n as_o any_o of_o those_o who_o great_a capacity_n lead_v they_o forth_o unto_o more_o large_a and_o hazardous_a employment_n so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o in_o this_o case_n the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o enable_v they_o unto_o state_v meditation_n they_o can_v cast_v thing_n into_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o nor_o frame_v the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n into_o word_n significant_a and_o expressive_a yet_o as_o unto_o frequency_n of_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n thereunto_o they_o may_v thrive_v and_o be_v skilful_a beyond_o most_o other_o of_o great_a natural_a ability_n howbeit_o because_o even_o state_v meditation_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n yea_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o our_o spiritual_a thought_n do_v profitable_o act_v themselves_o i_o shall_v have_v regard_n thereunto_o in_o the_o follow_a direction_n wherefore_o 4._o whatever_o principle_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o a_o ready_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n or_o otherwise_o without_o great_a diligence_n nor_o without_o great_a difficulty_n it_o be_v show_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o this_o grace_n between_o the_o essence_n substance_n or_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o we_o will_v not_o exclude_v man_n from_o under_o many_o fail_n or_o infirmity_n and_o the_o useful_a degree_n of_o it_o wherein_o it_o have_v its_o principal_a exercise_n as_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o life_n natural_a and_o its_o act_n in_o a_o weak_a disease_v sickly_a body_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o good_a constitution_n and_o in_o a_o vigorous_a health_n suppose_v the_o first_o the_o reality_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o or_o implant_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o new_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n yet_o unto_o the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o as_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n our_o own_o diligent_a care_n watchfulness_n and_o spiritual_a strive_v in_o all_o holy_a duty_n be_v require_v unless_o the_o most_o fruitful_a ground_n be_v manure_v it_o will_v not_o bring_v forth_o a_o useful_a crop_n let_v not_o any_o think_v that_o this_o frame_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n unto_o and_o a_o readiness_n for_o all_o holy_a thought_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n will_v befall_v he_o and_o continue_v with_o he_o he_o know_v not_o how_o as_o good_a it_o be_v for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n without_o industry_n or_o a_o weak_a man_n to_o be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a without_o food_n and_o exercise_n as_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v without_o a_o earnest_a endeavour_n after_o it_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o be_v requisite_a thereunto_o and_o we_o may_v name_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n without_o which_o such_o a_o holy_a frame_n will_v not_o be_v attain_v as_o 1._o a_o continual_a watch_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o and_o on_o the_o soul_n against_o the_o incursion_n of_o vain_a thought_n and_o imagination_n especial_o in_o such_o season_n wherein_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o obtain_v advantage_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o make_v a_o inroad_n into_o the_o mind_n if_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o give_v they_o entertainment_n if_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o lodge_v within_o in_o vain_a shall_v we_o hope_v or_o desire_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v herein_o consist_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o frequent_o so_o emphatical_o charge_v on_o we_o all_o namely_o to_o watch_n mark_v 3.37_o unless_o we_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n herein_o we_o shall_v be_v betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o all_o such_o thought_n be_v but_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v its_o desire_n in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o however_o they_o may_v be_v disappoint_v as_o unto_o actual_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v we_o in_o charge_n prov._n 4.23_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n 2._o careful_a avoidance_n of_o all_o society_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v apt_a under_o various_a pretence_n to_o draw_v and_o seduce_v the_o mind_n unto_o a_o earthly_a or_o sensual_a frame_n if_o man_n will_v venture_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n or_o may_v find_v by_o observation_n that_o they_o seduce_v and_o draw_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o and_o will_v not_o watch_v unto_o
fail_v with_o look_v upward_o o_o lord_n i_o be_o oppress_v undertake_v for_o i_o isa._n 38.14_o when_o the_o soul_n labour_v sincere_o for_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o sink_v into_o break_a confuse_a thought_n under_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o own_o weakness_n yet_o if_o he_o look_v to_o god_n for_o relief_n his_o chatter_a and_o mourn_v will_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n and_o profitable_a unto_o himself_o 2._o supply_v the_o brokenness_n of_o your_o thought_n with_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n according_a as_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o or_o your_o defect_n in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o do_v require_v so_o be_v it_o with_o hezekiah_n in_o the_o instance_n before_o mention_v where_o his_o own_o meditation_n be_v weak_a and_o break_a he_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o o_o lord_n i_o be_o oppress_v undertake_v for_o i_o and_o meditation_n be_v proper_o a_o mixture_n of_o spiritual_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o the_o thought_n and_o conception_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o desire_n and_o supplication_n thereon_o it_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a to_o have_v some_o special_a design_a subject_n of_o meditation_n in_o our_o thought_n i_o have_v at_o large_a declare_v before_o what_o thing_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o that_o be_v spiritually-minded_n but_o they_o may_v be_v more_o peculiar_o consider_v as_o the_o matter_n of_o design_a meditation_n and_o they_o may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o some_o especial_a spiritual_a experience_n that_o we_o have_v late_o have_v or_o some_o warning_n we_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n or_o something_o wherewith_o we_o have_v be_v peculiar_o affect_v in_o the_o read_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o what_o we_o find_v the_o present_a posture_n and_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o soul_n to_o require_v or_o that_o which_o supply_v all_o most_o frequent_o the_o person_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n if_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v peculiar_o design_v antecedent_o unto_o this_o duty_n and_o a_o season_n be_v seek_v for_o it_o with_o respect_n thereunto_o the_o mind_n will_v be_v fix_v and_o keep_v from_o wander_v after_o variety_n of_o subject_n wherein_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o lose_v itself_o and_o bring_v nothing_o to_o perfection_n last_o be_v not_o discourage_v with_o a_o apprehension_n that_o all_o that_o you_o can_v attain_v unto_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o little_a so_o contemptible_a as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o persist_v in_o it_o nor_o be_v weary_v with_o the_o difficulty_n you_o meet_v withal_o in_o its_o performance_n you_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o only_o in_o this_o matter_n who_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n who_o will_v it_o be_v that_o none_o shall_v despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v in_o this_o duty_n a_o ready_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o he_o that_o can_v bring_v into_o this_o treasure_n only_o the_o mite_n of_o break_a desire_n and_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n so_o they_o be_v his_o best_a shall_v not_o come_v behind_o they_o who_o cast_v into_o it_o out_o of_o their_o great_a abundance_n in_o ability_n and_o skill_n to_o faint_v and_o give_v out_o because_o we_o can_v arise_v unto_o such_o a_o height_n as_o we_o aim_v at_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o pride_n and_o unbelief_n he_o who_o find_v himself_o to_o gain_v nothing_o by_o continual_a endeavour_n after_o holy_a fix_a meditation_n but_o only_o a_o live_a active_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n be_v a_o sufficient_a gainer_n by_o all_o his_o pain_n cost_n and_o charge_n but_o ordinary_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o constancy_n in_o the_o duty_n will_v give_v ability_n for_o it_o those_o who_o conscientious_o abide_v in_o its_o performance_n shall_v increase_v in_o light_n wisdom_n and_o experience_n until_o they_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v it_o with_o great_a success_n these_o few_o plain_a direction_n may_v possible_o be_v of_o some_o use_n unto_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n when_o they_o find_v a_o disability_n in_o themselves_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n wherein_o those_o who_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v aught_o to_o be_v peculiar_o exercise_v part_n ii_o chap._n xi_o the_o seat_n of_o spiritual-mindedness_a in_o the_o affection_n the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o they_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n use_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o call_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n from_o the_o world_n in_o the_o account_n give_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a it_o be_v reduce_v unto_o there_o head_n the_o first_o be_v the_o habitual_a frame_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o its_o affection_n the_o second_o be_v the_o usual_a exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o its_o thought_n meditation_n and_o desire_v about_o heavenly_a thing_n whereunto_o three_o be_v add_v the_o complacency_n of_o mind_n in_o that_o relish_n and_o savour_n which_o it_o find_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o think_v and_o meditate_a on_o the_o second_o of_o these_o have_v hitherto_o alone_o be_v speak_v unto_o as_o that_o which_o lead_v the_o way_n unto_o the_o other_o and_o give_v the_o most_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o the_o state_n inquire_v after_o therein_o consist_v the_o stream_n which_o rise_v in_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o affection_n run_v into_o a_o holy_a rest_n and_o complacency_n of_o mind_n the_o first_o and_o last_o i_o shall_v now_o handle_v together_o and_o therein_o comprehend_v the_o account_n of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a spiritual_a affection_n whereby_o the_o soul_n adhear_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n take_v in_o such_o a_o savour_n and_o relish_v of_o they_o as_o wherein_o it_o find_v rest_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v the_o peculiar_a spring_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o further_o explain_v and_o confirm_v the_o great_a contest_v of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v about_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o poor_a worm_n which_o we_o call_v man._n that_o the_o world_n shall_v contend_v for_o they_o be_v no_o wonder_n it_o be_v the_o best_a that_o it_o can_v pretend_v unto_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o high_a ambition_n than_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o affection_n of_o men._n and_o as_o they_o â—y_a under_o the_o curse_n it_o can_v do_v we_o no_o great_a mischief_n than_o â—y_a â—_o prevail_a in_o this_o design_n but_o that_o the_o holy_a god_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o contest_v and_o strive_v for_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o infinite_a condescension_n and_o grace_n this_o he_o do_v express_o my_o son_n say_v he_o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n prov._n 23.26_o it_o be_v our_o affection_n he_o ask_v for_o and_o comparative_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v accept_v of_o nothing_o from_o we_o without_o they_o the_o most_o fat_a and_o costly_a sacrifice_n will_v not_o be_v accept_v if_o it_o be_v without_o a_o heart_n all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o his_o word_n all_o the_o design_n of_o his_o effectual_a grace_n be_v suit_v unto_o and_o prepare_v for_o this_o end_n namely_o to_o recover_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n unto_o himself_o so_o he_o express_v himself_o concern_v his_o word_n deut._n 10.12_o and_o now_o israel_n what_o do_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o to_o love_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o as_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o declare_v it_o unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n deut._n 30.6_o and_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o paint_v it_o put_v on_o its_o face_n all_o the_o great_a promise_v it_o make_v all_o the_o false_a appearance_n and_o attire_n it_o clothes_v itself_o withal_o by_o the_o help_n of_o satan_n have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o draw_v and_o keep_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n unto_o itself_o and_o if_o the_o world_n be_v prefer_v before_o god_n in_o this_o address_n which_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o for_o our_o affection_n we_o shall_v just_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n unto_o eternity_n and_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o who_o we_o
have_v reject_v prov._n 1.24_o 25_o 31._o our_o affection_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n our_o all_o they_o be_v all_o we_o have_v to_o give_v or_o bestow_v the_o only_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o if_o we_o may_v give_v away_o ourselves_o from_o ourselves_o and_o become_v another_o other_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n even_o the_o most_o noble_a of_o they_o be_v suit_v to_o receive_v in_o unto_o our_o own_o advantage_n by_o our_o affection_n we_o can_v give_v away_o what_o we_o be_v and_o have_v hereby_o we_o give_v our_o heart_n unto_o god_n as_o he_o require_v wherefore_o unto_o he_o we_o give_v our_o affection_n unto_o who_o we_o give_v our_o all_o ourselves_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o to_o who_o we_o give_v they_o not_o what_o ever_o we_o give_v upon_o the_o matter_n we_o give_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o what_o we_o do_v unto_o or_o for_o other_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a valuable_a or_o praiseworthy_a in_o it_o procceds_o from_o the_o affection_n wherewith_o we_o do_v it_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o other_o without_o a_o animate_v affection_n be_v but_o a_o contempt_n of_o they_o for_o we_o judge_v they_o real_o unworthy_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o they_o to_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a upon_o their_o importunity_n without_o pity_n or_o compassion_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o saint_n without_o love_n and_o kindnesss_n with_o other_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v thing_n of_o no_o value_n thing_n that_o recommend_v we_o neither_o unto_o god_n nor_o man_n it_o be_v so_o in_o general_n with_o god_n and_o the_o world_n whatsoever_o we_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whatever_o duty_n we_o perform_v on_o his_o command_n whatever_o we_o undergo_v or_o suffer_v for_o his_o namesake_n if_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o cleave_v of_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o by_o our_o affection_n it_o be_v despise_v by_o he_o he_o own_v we_o not_o as_o if_o a_o man_n will_v give_v all_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o house_n for_o love_n it_o will_v utter_o be_v coutemn_v cant._n 5._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v buy_v nor_o purchase_v with_o riches_n so_o if_o a_o man_n will_v give_v to_o god_n all_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o house_n without_o love_n it_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v despise_v and_o however_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o may_v be_v diligent_a industrous_a and_o sedulous_a in_o and_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o if_o it_o have_v not_o our_o affection_n we_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n we_o belong_v not_o unto_o it_o they_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o all_o sincerity_n which_o be_v the_o jewel_n of_o divine_a and_o humane_a conversation_n the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o praiseworthy_a whatever_o man_n pretend_v as_o their_o affection_n be_v so_o be_v they_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o deceitful_a interposition_n of_o the_o mind_n on_o various_a reason_n and_o pretence_n between_o man_n affection_n and_o their_o profession_n whereby_o a_o man_n appear_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v not_o sincerity_n be_v the_o open_a avowment_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o man_n affection_n which_o render_v they_o good_a and_o useful_a affection_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o helm_n in_o the_o ship_n if_o it_o be_v lay_v hold_v on_o by_o a_o skilful_a hand_n he_o turn_v the_o whole_a vessel_n which_o way_n he_o please_v if_o god_n have_v the_o powerful_a hand_n of_o his_o grace_n upon_o our_o affection_n he_o turn_v our_o soul_n unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o institution_n instruction_n in_o mercy_n affection_n trial_n all_o sort_n of_o providence_n and_o hold_v they_o firm_a against_o all_o wind_n and_o storm_n of_o temptation_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hurry_v they_o on_o pernicious_a danger_n such_o a_o soul_n alone_o be_v tractable_a and_o pliable_a unto_o all_o intimation_n of_o god_n will._n all_o other_o be_v stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a stout_a heart_a and_o far_o from_o righteousness_n and_o when_o the_o world_n have_v the_o hand_n on_o our_o affection_n it_o turn_v the_o mind_n with_o the_o whole_a industry_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o its_o interest_n and_o concern_v and_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o contend_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o its_o disposal_n it_o will_v prevail_v at_o last_o on_o all_o these_o consideration_n it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o consider_v a_o right_a how_o thing_n be_v state_v in_o our_o affection_n and_o what_o be_v the_o prevail_a bent_n of_o they_o iron_n sharpen_v iron_n so_o a_o man_n sharpen_v the_o countenance_n of_o his_o friend_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 27.17_o every_o man_n have_v his_o edge_n which_o may_v be_v sharpen_v by_o outward_a help_n and_o advantage_n the_o predominant_a inclination_n of_o a_o man_n affection_n be_v his_o edge_n according_a as_o that_o be_v set_v so_o he_o cut_v and_o work_n that_o way_n he_o be_v sharp_a and_o keen_a but_o blunt_a unto_o all_o other_o thing_n now_o because_o it_o must_v be_v that_o our_o affection_n be_v either_o spiritual_a or_o earthly_a in_o a_o prevail_a degree_n that_o either_o god_n have_v our_o heart_n or_o the_o world_n that_o our_o edge_n be_v towards_o heaven_n or_o towards_o thing_n here_o below_o before_o i_o come_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o opperation_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n i_o shall_v consider_v and_o propose_v some_o of_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o to_o call_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o the_o desirable_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o as_o they_o be_v wight_o and_o cogent_a such_o as_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o the_o great_a contempt_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o they_o serve_v to_o press_v and_o enforce_v those_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o which_o be_v to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v first_o he_o have_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o instance_n pour_v contempt_n on_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o comparison_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a all_o thing_n here_o below_o be_v at_o first_o make_v beautiful_a and_o in_o order_n and_o be_v declare_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v exceed_o good_a and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o be_v and_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o use_n whereunto_o they_o be_v design_v they_o be_v then_o desirable_a unto_o man_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o will_v have_v be_v a_o blessing_n without_o danger_n of_o temptation_n for_o they_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o love_n unto_o he_o but_o since_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n weherby_o the_o world_n fall_v under_o the_o curse_n &_o into_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n the_o thing_n of_o it_o in_o his_o managment_n be_v become_v effectual_a mean_n to_o draw_v off_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n from_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o as_o sum_v up_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 2.15_o 16_o that_o alone_o strive_v for_o our_o affection_n to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o they_o sin_n and_o satan_n do_v but_o woe_n for_o the_o world_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o god_n by_o they_o do_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_a the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o the_o principle_n way_n whereby_o he_o work_v in_o they_o be_v by_o promise_n of_o satisfaction_n unto_o all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o a_o proposal_n of_o whatever_o be_v dreadful_a and_o terrible_a in_o the_o want_n of_o they_o be_v now_o in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o use_v unto_o this_o end_n through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n god_n have_v show_v by_o various_a instance_n that_o they_o be_v all_o vain_a empty_a unsatisfactory_a and_o every_o way_n to_o be_v despise_v in_o comparison_n of_o thing_n eternal_a first_o he_o do_v it_o most_o eminent_o and_o signal_o in_o the_o life_n death_n and_o cross_n of_o christ._n what_o can_v be_v see_v or_o find_v in_o this_o world_n after_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v spend_v his_o life_n in_o it_o not_o have_v where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n and_o after_o he_o go_v out_o of_o it_o on_o the_o cross._n have_v there_o be_v aught_o of_o real_a worth_n in_o thing_n here_o below_o certain_o he_o have_v enjoy_v if_o not_o crown_n and_o empire_n which_o where_o all_o in_o his_o power_n yet_o such_o good_n and_o posession_n as_o man_n of_o sober_a reason_n and_o moderate_a affeon_n do_v esteem_v a_o competency_n but_o thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o dispose_v to_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o
of_o value_n or_o use_v in_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o support_v nature_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o service_n unto_o god_n wherein_o they_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o eternity_n he_o never_o attain_v he_o never_o enjoy_v more_o than_o daily_o supply_v of_o bread_n out_o of_o the_o store_n of_o providence_n and_o which_o alone_o he_o have_v instruct_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o math._n 8.20_o in_o his_o cross_n the_o world_n proclaim_v all_o its_o good_a quality_n and_o all_o be_v power_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o that_o believe_v its_o naked_a face_n to_o view_v and_o contemplate_v nor_o be_v it_o now_o one_o jot_n more_o comely_a than_o it_o be_v when_o it_o have_v get_v christ_n on_o the_o cross._n hence_o be_v that_o inference_n and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 6.14_o but_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n whereby_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n since_o i_o have_v believe_v since_o i_o have_v have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n i_o have_v do_v with_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v a_o dead_a thing_n unto_o i_o nor_o have_v i_o any_o affection_n for_o it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o old_a covenant_n and_o the_o new_a for_o they_o be_v many_o of_o they_o about_o temporal_a thing_n the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o life_n those_o of_o the_o new_a be_v most_o of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a god_n will_v not_o call_v off_o the_o church_n whole_o from_o a_o regard_n unto_o these_o thing_n until_o he_o have_v give_v a_o demonstration_n of_o their_o emptiness_n vanity_n and_o insufficiency_n in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n 2_o cor._n 4.16_o 17_o 18._o whither_o so_o fast_o my_o friend_n what_o mean_v this_o rise_n so_o early_o and_o go_v to_o bed_n late_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n why_o this_o diligence_n why_o these_o contrivance_n why_o these_o save_n and_o hoarding_n of_o riches_n and_o wealth_n to_o what_o end_n be_v all_o this_o care_n and_o council_n alas_o say_v one_o it_o be_v to_o get_v that_o which_o be_v enough_o in_o and_o of_o this_o world_n for_o i_o and_o my_o child_n to_o prefer_v they_o to_o raise_v a_o estate_n for_o they_o which_o if_o not_o so_o great_a as_o other_o may_v yet_o be_v a_o competency_n to_o give_v they_o some_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o life_n and_o some_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n fair_a pretence_n neither_o shall_v i_o ever_o discourage_v any_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o industry_n in_o their_o lawful_a calling_n but_o yet_o i_o know_v that_o with_o many_o this_o be_v but_o a_o pretence_n and_o cover_n for_o a_o shameful_a engagement_n of_o their_o affection_n unto_o the_o world_n wherefore_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v persuade_v sometime_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n behold_v how_o he_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n poor_a despise_a reproach_v persecute_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o all_o by_o this_o world_n whatever_o be_v your_o design_n and_o aim_n let_v his_o cross_n continual_o interpose_v between_o your_o affection_n and_o this_o world_n if_o you_o be_v believer_n your_o hope_n be_v within_o a_o few_o day_n to_o be_v with_o he_o for_o evermore_o unto_o he_o you_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o yourselves_o and_o what_o you_o have_v do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v it_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o to_o declare_v what_o you_o have_v save_v of_o this_o world_n what_o you_o have_v gain_v what_o you_o have_v preserve_v and_o embrace_v yourselves_o in_o and_o what_o you_o have_v leave_v behind_o you_o be_v this_o any_o part_n of_o his_o employment_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n have_v he_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n for_o any_o such_o course_n wherefore_o no_o man_n can_v set_v his_o affection_n on_o thing_n here_o below_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n unto_o the_o pattern_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v any_o measure_n influence_v with_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o cross._n my_o love_n be_v crucify_a say_v a_o holy_a martyr_n of_o old_a he_o who_o his_o soul_n love_v be_v so_o and_o in_o he_o his_o love_n unto_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o do_v you_o therefore_o find_v your_o affection_n ready_a to_o be_v engage_v unto_o or_o too_o much_o entangle_v with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v your_o desire_n of_o increase_a they_o your_o hope_n of_o keep_v they_o your_o fear_n of_o lose_v they_o your_o love_n unto_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o operative_a in_o your_o mind_n possess_v your_o thought_n and_o influence_v your_o conversation_n turn_v aside_o a_o little_a and_o by_o faith_n contemplate_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o bless_a glass_n will_v it_o be_v where_o you_o may_v see_v what_o contemptible_a thing_n they_o be_v which_o you_o perplex_v yourselves_o about_o oh_o that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v love_v or_o esteem_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o power_n riches_n good_n or_o reputation_n of_o it_o who_o have_v have_v a_o spiritual_a view_n of_o they_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o circumstance_n mention_v be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o especial_a work_n he_o have_v to_o do_v as_o the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v poor_a and_o want_v all_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v i_o confess_v it_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o do_v all_o along_o make_v a_o allowance_n for_o honest_a industry_n in_o our_o calling_n but_o this_o follow_v avoidable_a hereon_o that_o what_o he_o do_v forego_v and_o trample_v on_o for_o our_o sake_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o affection_n nor_o can_v such_o affection_n prevail_v in_o we_o if_o he_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n second_o he_o have_v do_v the_o same_o in_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o general_o with_o all_o that_o have_v be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o and_o instrumental_a unto_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o since_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v great_a work_n to_o do_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o of_o the_o great_a use_n unto_o his_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n the_o lay_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o who_o will_v not_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v provide_v for_o they_o if_o not_o principality_n or_o popedom_n yet_o at_o least_o archbishopric_n and_o bishopric_n with_o other_o good_a ecclesiastical_a dignity_n and_o preferment_n hereby_o may_v they_o have_v be_v make_v meet_a to_o converse_v with_o prince_n and_o have_v be_v free_v from_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o infinite_a wisdom_n do_v otherwise_o dispose_v of_o they_o and_o their_o concern_v in_o this_o world_n for_o as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v they_o with_o the_o common_a affliction_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n which_o he_o make_v use_n of_o to_o take_v off_o the_o sweetness_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n so_o they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o poverty_n distress_n persecution_n and_o reproach_n god_n set_v they_o forth_o as_o example_n as_o unto_o other_o end_n namely_o of_o light_n grace_n zeal_n and_o holiness_n in_o their_o life_n so_o to_o manifest_v of_o how_o little_a concernment_n unto_o our_o own_o blessedness_n or_o a_o interest_n in_o his_o love_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o as_o also_o that_o the_o want_n of_o they_o all_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o high_a participation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n 1_o cor._n 4.9.11_o 12_o 13._o for_o i_o think_v that_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o we_o the_o apostle_n last_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o death_n for_o we_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o unto_o angel_n and_o to_o men._n even_o unto_o this_o present_a hour_n we_o both_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o be_v naked_a and_o be_v buffet_v and_o have_v no_o certain_a dwelling-place_n and_o labour_v work_v with_o our_o own_o hand_n be_v revile_v we_o bless_v be_v persecute_v we_o suffer_v it_o be_v defame_v we_o entreat_v we_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n unto_o this_o day_n and_o if_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o be_v not_o of_o weight_n with_o other_o undoubted_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o with_o
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
be_v two_o other_o head_n of_o thing_n that_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o way_n mean_n arguing_n and_o enticement_n which_o the_o world_n make_v use_v of_o to_o draw_v keep_v and_o secure_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n unto_o itself_o second_o the_o secret_a powerful_a efficacy_n of_o grace_n in_o take_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o these_o thing_n turn_v and_o draw_v it_o unto_o god_n with_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v use_v of_o in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o wherein_o we_o must_v show_v what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o conquer_a grace_n wherein_o the_o heart_n be_v final_o prevail_v on_o to_o choose_v and_o adhere_v unto_o god_n in_o love_n immutable_a but_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v handle_v in_o any_o measure_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o importance_n without_o such_o length_n of_o discourse_n as_o i_o can_v not_o here_o divert_v unto_o i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a subject_n before_o we_o chap._n xii_o what_o be_v require_v in_o and_o unto_o our_o affection_n that_o they_o may_v be_v spiritual_a a_o threefold_a work_n on_o the_o affection_n describe_v to_o declare_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o be_v spiritually-minded_n and_o what_o they_o contribute_v thereunto_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o declare_v what_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v spiritual_a wherein_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n second_o what_o be_v their_o act_n when_o they_o be_v so_o spiritual_a three_o what_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o that_o frame_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n how_o our_o affection_n be_v concern_v in_o or_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o frame_n of_o mind_n inquire_v after_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v without_o spiritual_a affection_n we_o can_v be_v spiritually-minded_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o this_o use_n three_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o their_o principle_n second_o their_o object_n three_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o application_n unto_o their_o proper_a object_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o principle_n first_o as_o unto_o the_o principle_n act_v in_o they_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o spring_n of_o our_o be_v spiritually-minded_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v change_v renew_v and_o in-laid_a with_o grace_n spiritual_n and_o supernatural_a to_o clear_v the_o sense_n hereof_o we_o must_v a_o little_a consider_v what_o be_v their_o state_n by_o nature_n and_o then_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o as_o unto_o a_o change_n or_o a_o renovation_n for_o they_o be_v like_a unto_o some_o thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v poisonous_a but_o be_v correct_v and_o receive_v a_o due_a temperament_n from_o a_o mixture_n of_o other_o ingredient_n become_v medicinal_a and_o of_o excellent_a use._n first_o by_o nature_n our_o affection_n all_o of_o they_o be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o man_n no_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v fall_v under_o great_a disorder_n and_o depravation_n by_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n than_o our_o affection_n be_v in_o and_o by_o they_o be_v the_o heart_n whole_o go_v and_o turn_v off_o from_o god_n tit._n 3.3_o it_o be_v a_o long_a work_n to_o set_v forth_o this_o depravation_n of_o our_o affection_n nor_o do_v it_o belong_v unto_o our_o present_a design_n some_o few_o thing_n i_o shall_v brief_o observe_v concern_v it_o to_o make_v way_n unto_o what_o be_v propose_v concern_v their_o change_n first_o this_o be_v the_o only_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o the_o fall_v evident_a in_o and_o unto_o reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a among_o the_o heathen_a both_o see_v it_o and_o complain_v of_o it_o they_o find_v a_o weakness_n in_o the_o mind_n but_o see_v nothing_o of_o its_o darkness_n and_o depravation_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a but_o they_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o this_o disorder_n and_o tumult_n of_o the_o affection_n in_o thing_n moral_a which_o render_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt._n this_o great_o aggravate_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o who_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o in_o themselves_o see_v it_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n second_o they_o be_v as_o deprave_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o lust_n both_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o lust_n or_o evil_a concupiscence_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o irregular_a motion_n and_o act_v of_o our_o affection_n as_o deprave_a defile_v corrupt_a rom._n 7.9_o hence_o no_o one_o sin_n can_v be_v mortify_v without_o a_o change_n wrought_v in_o the_o affection_n three_o they_o be_v the_o spring_n root_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o actual_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n mat._n 15.9_o the_o evil_a heart_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o it_o with_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o they_o be_v excite_v and_o act_v gen._n 6.5_o these_o be_v they_o which_o at_o this_o time_n fill_v the_o whole_a world_n with_o wickedness_n darkness_n confusion_n and_o terror_n and_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o be_v their_o force_n and_o efficacy_n from_o these_o effect_n so_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o plague_n be_v most_o evident_a when_o we_o see_v thousand_o die_v of_o it_o every_o week_n four_o they_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o soul_n apply_v itself_o unto_o all_o sinful_a object_n and_o act_n hence_o be_v they_o call_v our_o member_n our_o earthly_a member_n because_o as_o the_o body_n apply_v itself_o unto_o its_o operation_n by_o its_o member_n so_o do_v the_o soul_n apply_v itself_o unto_o what_o belong_v unto_o it_o by_o its_o affection_n rom._n 6.13_o col._n 3.5_o five_o they_o will_v not_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o mind_n its_o light_n or_o conviction_n rebellion_n against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o very_a form_n whereby_o their_o corruption_n act_v itself_o job_n 24.13_o let_v the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o its_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v what_o they_o will_v they_o reject_v they_o and_o lead_v the_o soul_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o inclination_n hence_o no_o natural_a man_n whatsoever_o do_v in_o any_o measure_n answer_v the_o light_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o he_o see_v and_o approve_v of_o better_a thing_n follow_v those_o that_o be_v worse_o and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a spiritual_a judgement_n than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v give_v up_o unto_o themselves_z and_o their_o own_o evil_a affection_n rom._n 1.26_o many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o depravation_n which_o our_o affection_n be_v fall_v under_o by_o sin_n these_o may_v suffice_v as_o unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n in_o general_n this_o depravation_n of_o our_o affection_n by_o nature_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o two_o head_n first_o a_o utter_a aversation_n from_o god_n and_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o this_o lie_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o that_o dislike_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v fill_v withal_o yea_o they_o do_v not_o only_o produce_v a_o aversation_n from_o they_o and_o dislike_n of_o they_o but_o they_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o enmity_n against_o they_o therefore_o man_n say_v in_o their_o heart_n unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n what_o be_v the_o almighty_a that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o or_o what_o profit_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o job_n 21.14_o 15._o see_v rom._n 1.28_o chap._n 8._o 7_o 8._o second_o a_o inordinate_a cleave_v unto_o thing_n vain_a earthly_a and_o sensual_a cause_v the_o soul_n to_o engage_v into_o the_o pursuit_n of_o they_o as_o the_o horse_n rush_n into_o the_o battle_n while_o our_o affection_n be_v in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n we_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v spiritually-minded_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o engage_v they_o into_o a_o adherence_n unto_o or_o delight_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o this_o state_n they_o may_v be_v two_o way_n wrought_v upon_o and_o yet_o not_o so_o renew_v as_o to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o this_o end_n first_o there_o may_v be_v various_a temporary_a impression_n make_v on_o they_o sometime_o there_o be_v so_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n hereon_o man_n may_v hear_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o sometime_o it_o be_v so_o by_o
soul_n and_o body_n 1_o thes._n 5.23_o when_o we_o say_v that_o we_o be_v sanctify_v in_o part_n only_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o any_o part_n power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v unsanctify_v but_o only_o that_o the_o work_n be_v not_o absolute_o perfect_a in_o any_o of_o they_o all_o sin_n may_v retain_v power_n in_o some_o one_o affection_n as_o anger_n fear_v or_o love_v as_o unto_o actual_a eruption_n and_o effect_n more_o than_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o one_o affection_n may_v be_v more_o eminent_o sanctify_v in_o some_o than_o in_o other_o for_o it_o may_v have_v advantage_n unto_o this_o end_n from_o man_n natural_a temper_n and_o various_a outward_a circumstance_n hence_o some_o find_v little_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o other_o lust_n or_o corruption_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o meet_v withal_o in_o some_o one_o inordinate_a affection_n or_o corruption_n this_o it_o may_v be_v david_n have_v regard_n unto_o psal._n 18.23_o i_o have_v know_v person_n shine_v examplary_o in_o all_o other_o grace_n who_o have_v be_v scarce_o free_a from_o give_v great_a scandal_n by_o the_o excess_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o easy_a provocation_n thereunto_o and_o yet_o they_o have_v know_v that_o the_o set_v themselves_o unto_o the_o sincere_a vigorous_a mortification_n of_o that_o disorder_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a pledge_n of_o their_o sincerity_n in_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o ourselves_o denial_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o our_o natural_a inclination_n lie_v strong_a towards_o howbeit_o as_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o affection_n where_o there_o be_v this_o work_n of_o renovation_n but_o it_o be_v sanctify_v and_o renew_v none_o of_o they_o be_v leave_v absolute_o unto_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o advantage_n mention_v sin_n do_v great_o contend_v to_o use_v some_o of_o they_o unto_o its_o interest_n and_o service_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n yet_o be_v they_o enable_v unto_o &_o make_v meet_v for_o gracious_a act_n and_o do_v in_o their_o proper_a season_n put_v forth_o themselves_o according_o there_o be_v no_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n have_v receive_v the_o great_a damage_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o field_n wherein_o the_o contest_v be_v manage_v between_o sin_n and_o grace_n but_o have_v its_o spiritual_a use_n and_o exercise_n when_o the_o mind_n be_v renew_v there_o be_v some_o so_o inordinate_o subject_a to_o anger_n and_o passion_n therein_o as_o if_o they_o be_v absolute_o under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o yet_o do_v they_o also_o know_v how_o to_o be_v angry_a and_o sin_v not_o in_o be_v angry_a at_o sin_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o yea_o what_o indignation_n yea_o what_o revenge_n 2_o cor._n 7.7_o yea_o god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o leave_v somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a of_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n in_o one_o affection_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o continual_a exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o other_o affection_n yet_o be_v they_o all_o sanctify_v in_o their_o degree_n that_o which_o be_v relieve_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o do_v relieve_v and_o therefore_o as_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v call_v the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v to_o be_v crucify_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o because_o of_o its_o adherence_n unto_o the_o whole_a person_n in_o all_o its_o power_n and_o faculty_n so_o the_o grace_n implant_v in_o our_o nature_n be_v call_v the_o new_a man_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o that_o be_v not_o season_v and_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n escape_v the_o taint_n of_o sin_n so_o nothing_o in_o our_o nature_n be_v accept_v from_o the_o renovation_n that_o be_v by_o grace_n he_o in_o who_o any_o one_o affection_n be_v utrer_o unrenewed_a have_v no_o one_o gracious_o renew_v in_o he_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o indulge_v to_o any_o deprave_a affection_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unavoidable_a impeachment_n of_o their_o sincerity_n think_v not_o to_o say_v with_o naaman_n god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o in_o this_o thing_n in_o all_o other_o i_o will_v be_v for_o he_o he_o require_v the_o whole_a heart_n and_o will_v have_v it_o or_o more_o the_o chief_a work_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o make_v all_o his_o affection_n in_o all_o their_o operation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_fw-la the_o life_n of_o god_n rom._n 6.17_o and_o he_o who_o be_v wise_a will_v keep_v a_o continual_a watch_n over_o those_o wherein_o he_o find_v the_o great_a reluctancy_n thereunto_o and_o every_o affection_n be_v original_o sanctify_v according_a unto_o the_o use_n it_o be_v to_o be_v of_o in_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o be_v entire_a for_o god_n to_o follow_v he_o whole_o to_o cleave_v unto_o he_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o have_v the_o heart_n circumcise_a to_o love_v he_o be_v to_o have_v all_o our_o affection_n renew_v and_o sanctify_v without_o which_o we_o can_v do_v none_o of_o they_o when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o double_a heart_n a_o heart_n and_o a_o heart_n which_o he_o abhor_v their_o heart_n be_v divide_v now_o shall_v they_o be_v find_v faulty_a hosea_n 10.2_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o change_v mention_v what_o ever_o be_v or_o may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o our_o affection_n when_o they_o be_v not_o spiritual_o renew_v that_o very_o change_v as_o unto_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v not_o universal_a it_o do_v not_o affect_v the_o whole_a mind_n in_o all_o its_o power_n and_o affection_n until_o a_o vital_a prevail_a principle_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v implant_v in_o the_o soul_n sin_n will_v not_o only_o radical_o adhere_v unto_o all_o the_o faculty_n power_n and_o affection_n but_o it_o will_v under_o any_o change_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o refer_v the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n in_o some_o of_o they_o unto_o itself_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o young_a man_n that_o come_v unto_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n mark_n 10.17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o thus_o there_o be_v many_o who_o in_o other_o thing_n be_v reduce_v unto_o moderation_n sobriety_n and_o temperance_n yet_o there_o remain_v in_o they_o the_o love_n of_o money_n in_o a_o predominant_a degree_n which_o to_o they_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v some_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a but_o they_o bridle_v not_o their_o tongue_n through_o anger_n envy_n hatred_n and_o the_o like_a their_o religion_n be_v in_o vain_a the_o most_o of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a way_n of_o profession_n pretend_v not_o only_o unto_o religion_n but_o unto_o zeal_n in_o it_o yet_o set_v no_o bound_n unto_o their_o affection_n unto_o earthly_a enjoyment_n some_o of_o old_a who_o have_v most_o eminent_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n subdue_v their_o passion_n and_o affection_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n unto_o and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o gospel_n some_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o mighty_a change_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o a_o superstitious_a devotion_n do_v yet_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o cain_n towards_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o principal_a devotionist_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o elsewhere_o we_o may_v see_v some_o go_v sober_o about_o the_o persecution_n and_o destruction_n of_o other_o christian_n some_o will_v cherish_v one_o secret_a lust_n or_o other_o which_o they_o can_v but_o know_v to_o be_v pernicious_a unto_o their_o soul_n some_o love_n the_o praise_n of_o man_n which_o will_v never_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v true_o spiritual_o mind_a so_o our_o saviour_n testify_v of_o some_o that_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o men._n this_o be_v the_o know_a vice_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n they_o have_v many_o of_o they_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o by_o severe_a exercise_n subdue_v their_o affection_n unto_o great_a moderation_n about_o temporary_a thing_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v all_o of_o they_o slave_n to_o vain_a glory_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n until_o by_o the_o public_a observation_n of_o it_o and_o some_o contradiction_n in_o their_o life_n unto_o their_o pretence_n unto_o virtue_n they_o lose_v that_o also_o among_o wise_a and_o considerative_a men._n and_o general_o if_o man_n not_o spiritual_o renew_v be_v able_a to_o search_v themselves_o they_o will_v find_v that_o some_o of_o their_o affection_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o change_n wrought_v in_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v a_o quiet_a habitation_n for_o sin_n where_o it_o exercise_v its_o
be_v content_a to_o loose_v their_o spiritual_a affection_n act_v themselves_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n embrace_v in_o their_o stead_n a_o carnal_a imaginary_a devotion_n hence_o two_o person_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n attend_v unto_o the_o same_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o equal_a delight_n on_o very_o distinct_a principle_n as_o if_o two_o man_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o same_o garden_n plant_v and_o adorn_v with_o all_o variety_n of_o herb_n and_o flower_n one_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o the_o other_o a_o skilful_a herbalist_n both_o may_v be_v equal_o delight_v the_o one_o with_o the_o colour_n and_o smell_v of_o the_o flower_n the_o other_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o various_a nature_n their_o use_n in_o pyhsical_a remedy_n or_o the_o like_a so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n for_o instance_n one_o may_v be_v delight_v with_o the_o outward_a administration_n another_o with_o its_o spiritual_a efficacy_n at_o the_o same_o time_n hence_o austin_n tell_v we_o that_o sing_v in_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v aside_o by_o athanasius_n at_o alexandria_n not_o the_o people_n sing_v of_o psalm_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o sing_v in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o some_o office_n of_o worship_n which_o begin_v then_o to_o be_v introduce_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v why_o he_o do_v it_o be_v that_o the_o modulation_n of_o the_o voice_n and_o musical_a june_n may_v not_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o that_o spiritual_a affection_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o sacred_a duty_n what_o there_o be_v of_o real_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v that_o order_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o be_v suit_v and_o useful_a unto_o spiritual_a affection_n because_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v internal_o renew_v behold_v your_o order_n col._n 2.5_o every_o thing_n of_o god_n appointment_n be_v both_o helpful_a and_o delightful_a unto_o they_o none_o can_v say_v with_o high_a rapture_n of_o admiration_n how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n o_o lord_n psal._n 84.1_o 2._o then_o they_o who_o affection_n be_v renew_v yet_o be_v not_o their_o delight_n terminate_v on_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o second_o man_n may_v be_v delight_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o outward_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n because_o in_o they_o they_o comply_v with_o and_o give_v some_o kind_n of_o satisfaction_n unto_o their_o conviction_n when_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v unto_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o duty_n namely_o of_o those_o wherein_o divine_a worship_n do_v consist_v it_o will_v give_v the_o mind_n no_o rest_n or_o peace_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o let_v they_o be_v attend_v unto_o in_o the_o season_n which_o light_n conviction_n and_o custom_n call_v for_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v as_o that_o the_o mind_n shall_v find_v present_a ease_n and_o refreshment_n in_o it_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v wont_v unto_o this_o relief_n it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n it_o will_v not_o only_o not_o omit_v they_o but_o it_o will_v delight_v in_o they_o as_o those_o which_o bring_v they_o in_o great_a advantage_n hence_o many_o will_v not_o omit_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n every_o morning_n who_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v resolve_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o sedulous_o endeavour_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o way_n answerable_a unto_o their_o own_o prayer_n yet_o all_o that_o be_v in_o our_o prayer_n beyond_o our_o endeavour_n to_o answer_v it_o in_o a_o conformity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o gift_n in_o answer_n to_o conviction_n other_o find_v they_o a_o allay_v of_o trouble_n in_o they_o like_o that_o which_o sick_a person_n may_v find_v by_o drink_v cold_a water_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o flame_n be_v assuage_v for_o a_o season_n by_o it_o they_o make_v they_o as_o a_o antidote_n against_o the_o poison_n and_o sting_n of_o sin_n which_o alay_v its_o rage_n but_o can_v expel_v its_o venom_n or_o these_o duty_n be_v unto_o they_o like_o the_o sacifice_n for_o sin_n under_o the_o law_n they_o give_v a_o guilty_a person_n present_a ease_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v they_o make_v not_o man_n perfect_a they_o take_v not_o away_o utter_o a_o conscience_n condemn_v for_o sin_n present_o on_o the_o first_o omission_n of_o duty_n a_o sense_n of_o sin_n again_o return_v on_o they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o the_o fact_n but_o as_o the_o person_n himself_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n then_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v repeat_v for_o a_o renew_a propitiation_n this_o give_v that_o carnal_a people_n such_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o sacrifice_n that_o they_o trust_v unto_o they_o for_o righteousness_n life_n and_o salvation_n so_o it_o be_v with_o person_n who_o be_v constant_a in_o spiritual_a duty_n mere_o from_o conviction_n the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n give_v they_o a_o present_a relief_n and_o ease_n though_o it_o heal_v not_o their_o wound_n it_o assuage_v their_o pain_n and_o dispel_v their_o present_a fear_n hence_o be_v they_o frequent_v in_o they_o and_o that_o oft_o time_n not_o without_o delight_n because_o they_o find_v ease_v thereby_o and_o their_o condition_n be_v somewhat_o dangerous_a who_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o sin_n do_v betake_v themselves_o for_o relief_n unto_o their_o prayer_n which_o have_v discharge_v they_o be_v much_o at_o ease_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n although_o they_o have_v obtain_v no_o real_a sense_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n nor_o any_o strength_n against_o it_o it_o will_v be_v say_v do_v not_o all_o man_n the_o best_a of_o man_n perform_v all_o spiritual_a duty_n out_o of_o a_o conviction_n of_o their_o necessity_n do_v they_o not_o know_v it_o will_v be_v their_o sin_n to_o omit_v they_o and_o so_o find_v satisfaction_n in_o their_o mind_n upon_o their_o performance_n i_o say_v they_o do_v but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o perform_v a_o duty_n out_o of_o conviction_n of_o a_o necessity_n as_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n which_o conviction_n respect_v only_o the_o duty_n itself_o another_o thing_n to_o perform_v it_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o conviction_n of_o other_o sin_n or_o to_o quiet_a conscience_n under_o its_o trouble_n about_o they_o which_o latter_a we_o speak_v unto_o this_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o self_n self-satisfaction_n be_v the_o sole_a design_n of_o it_o by_o it_o man_n aim_v at_o some_o rest_n and_o quietness_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v attain_v but_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n in_o faith_n from_o a_o conviction_n of_o their_o necessity_n as_o god_n ordinance_n and_o their_o use_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o soul_n begin_v and_o end_v in_o god_n it_o seek_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o they_o nor_o find_v it_o from_o they_o but_o in_o and_o from_o god_n alone_o by_o they_o three_o the_o principal_a reason_n why_o man_n who_o affection_n be_v only_o change_v not_o spiritual_o renew_v do_v delight_n in_o holy_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v because_o they_o place_v their_o righteousness_n before_o god_n in_o they_o whereon_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o they_o know_v not_o they_o seek_v not_o after_o any_o other_o righteousness_n but_o what_o be_v of_o their_o own_o work_n out_o whatever_o notion_n they_o may_v have_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o they_o practical_o trust_v unto_o be_v their_o own_o and_o it_o discover_v itself_o so_o to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n on_o every_o trial_n that_o befall_v they_o yea_o when_o they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o pretend_v unto_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o quick_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o their_o principal_a trust_n be_v resolve_v into_o themselves_o now_o in_o all_o that_o they_o can_v plead_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n or_o obedience_n nothing_o carry_v a_o fair_a pretence_n unto_o a_o righteousness_n than_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n towards_o he_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o expect_v at_o their_o hand_n what_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n the_o best_a that_o they_o can_v do_v to_o please_v he_o which_o therefore_o they_o must_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o or_o nothing_o they_o secret_o suppose_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o righteousness_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o will_v answer_v for_o itself_o
their_o sloth_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n that_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievious_a it_o experss_v unbelief_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n tender_v such_o supply_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o render_v all_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n easy_a yea_o mercy_n and_o peace_n it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o who_o have_v with_o any_o sincerity_n and_o diligence_n engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o the_o pretend_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o themselves_o alone_o which_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o two_o head_n first_o a_o desire_n to_o retain_v some_o thing_n or_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o progress_n for_o unless_o the_o heart_n be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o esteem_v every_o thing_n as_o loss_n and_o dung_n so_o as_o we_o may_v win_v christ_n the_o work_n will_v be_v accomcompany_v with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n this_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v despise_v for_o christ._n but_o this_o difficulty_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o from_o our_o indisposition_n unto_o it_o and_o unfitness_n for_o it_o that_o which_o be_v a_o easy_a pleasant_a walk_n unto_o a_o find_v and_o healthy_a man_n be_v a_o toilsome_a journey_n to_o he_o that_o be_v disease_v and_o infirm_a in_o particular_a whilst_o man_n will_v retain_v a_o inordinate_a respect_n unto_o the_o world_n the_o vanity_n the_o pleasure_n the_o profit_n the_o contentment_n of_o it_o while_o self-love_n put_v a_o undue_a valuation_n on_o our_o person_n our_o relation_n our_o enjoyment_n our_o reputation_n do_v cleave_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v labour_v in_o the_o fire_n when_o we_o engage_v in_o this_o duty_n or_o rather_o we_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o sincere_o engage_v in_o it_o wherefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v cast_v off_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o run_v with_o joy_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o heb._n 12.1_o second_o it_o be_v because_o man_n dwell_v continual_o upon_o the_o entrance_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o first_o and_o low_a exercise_n of_o grace_n some_o be_v always_o begin_v at_o religion_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o thing_n be_v always_o difficult_a they_o design_v not_o to_o be_v complete_a in_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o give_v all_o grace_n their_o perfect_a work_n they_o do_v not_o with_o use_n habituate_v grace_n unto_o a_o readiness_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o which_o the_o apostle_n commend_v in_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a or_o complete_a heb._n 5.14_o hence_o he_o call_v such_o person_n babe_n and_o carnal_a comparative_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v strong_a man_n and_o spirival_n such_o person_n do_v not_o oblige_v themselves_o unto_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o what_o they_o judge_v necessary_a unto_o they_o in_o their_o present_a circumstance_n in_o particular_a they_o do_v not_o attempt_v a_o thorow-work_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o any_o sin_n but_o be_v hew_v and_o hack_v at_o it_o as_o their_o conviction_n be_v urgent_a or_o abate_v the_o wound_n whereof_o in_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n be_v quick_o heal_v they_o give_v not_o any_o grace_n its_o perfect_a work_n but_o be_v always_o make_v essay_n and_o so_o give_v over_o while_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o any_o they_o shall_v always_o be_v delude_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n as_o to_o the_o growth_n of_o their_o affection_n in_o spirituality_n and_o heavenliness_n remove_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o the_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v all_o the_o path_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v towards_o god_n to_o be_v pleasantness_n and_o peace_n this_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o may_v be_v affection_n true_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_o renew_v in_o some_o person_n who_o yet_o do_v not_o thrive_v in_o a_o assimulation_n and_o conformity_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n man_n take_v up_o with_o their_o present_a measure_n and_o thereon_o pretend_v either_o necessary_a occasion_n or_o discouragement_n from_o difficulty_n in_o attempt_v spiritual_a growth_n in_o the_o inward_a man._n but_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o if_o as_o they_o bring_v no_o honour_n unto_o christ_n so_o they_o have_v no_o solid_a peace_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n second_o as_o the_o evil_n proceed_v from_o folly_n so_o it_o be_v always_o the_o consequent_a of_o sin_n of_o many_o sin_n of_o various_a sort_n let_v we_o not_o dwell_v on_o heartless_a complaint_n that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v our_o affection_n lively_a and_o heavenly_a that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o inward_a man_n to_o thrive_v or_o grow_v let_v we_o not_o hearken_v after_o this_o or_o that_o relief_n or_o comfort_n under_o this_o consideration_n as_o many_o thing_n be_v usual_o insist_v on_o unto_o that_o purpose_n they_o may_v be_v of_o use_n when_o person_n be_v under_o temptation_n and_o not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o ordinary_a walk_v with_o god_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attend_v not_o retire_v unto_o the_o general_a reason_n of_o this_o evil_a state_n be_v our_o own_o sinful_a carelessness_n negligence_n and_o sloth_n with_o perhaps_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o some_o know_a lust_n or_o corruption_n and_o we_o do_v in_o vain_a seek_v after_o refresh_a cordial_n as_o though_o we_o be_v only_o spiritual_o faint_a when_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o lance_n and_o burn_n as_o nigh_o unto_o a_o lethargy_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o give_v instance_n of_o these_o sin_n which_o fail_v not_o effectual_o to_o obstruct_v the_o thrive_a of_o spiritual_a affection_n but_o in_o general_a when_o man_n be_v careless_a as_o unto_o that_o continual_a watch_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o keep_v over_o their_o heart_n while_o they_o be_v negligent_a in_o holy_a duty_n either_o as_o unto_o the_o season_n of_o they_o or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n when_o they_o be_v stranger_n unto_o holy_a meditation_n and_o self-examination_n while_o they_o inordinate_o pursue_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n or_o be_v so_o tender_a and_o delicate_a as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o undergo_v the_o hardship_n of_o a_o heavenly_a life_n either_o as_o unto_o the_o inward_a or_o outward_a man_n much_o more_o when_o they_o be_v vain_a in_o their_o conversation_n corrupt_v in_o their_o communication_n especial_o if_o under_o the_o predominant_a influence_n of_o any_o particular_a lust_n it_o be_v vain_a to_o think_v of_o thrive_a in_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o yet_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o all_o who_o ordinary_o and_o in_o their_o constant_a course_n be_v thriftless_a herein_o chap._n xvii_o decay_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n with_o the_o cause_n and_o danger_n of_o they_o advice_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o spiritual_a decay_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o what_o we_o have_v yet_o insist_v on_o and_o more_o opposite_a unto_o the_o growth_n of_o affection_n in_o conformity_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_o renew_v and_o this_o be_v their_o spiritual_a decay_n manifest_v itself_o in_o sensible_a and_o visible_a effect_n some_o there_o be_v yea_o many_o who_o upon_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n have_v make_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o vigorous_a active_a spiritual_a affection_n yea_o it_o be_v so_o with_o most_o it_o may_v be_v all_o who_o be_v real_o so_o convert_v god_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o youth_n in_o his_o people_n of_o the_o love_n of_o their_o espousal_n in_o some_o this_o vigiour_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n be_v from_o the_o real_a power_n of_o grace_n exert_v its_o efficacy_n on_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o their_o mind_n in_o other_o it_o be_v from_o other_o cause_n as_o for_o instance_n relief_n from_o conviction_n by_o spiritual_a illumination_n will_v produce_v this_o effect_n and_o this_o fall_v out_o unto_o their_o advantage_n of_o such_o person_n that_o general_o a_o change_n be_v wrought_v in_o their_o young_a day_n for_o than_o their_o affection_n in_o their_o natural_a power_n be_v active_a and_o bear_v great_a sway_n in_o the_o whole_a soul_n wherefore_o the_o change_n that_o be_v make_v be_v most_o eminent_a in_o they_o be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n but_o as_o man_n increase_v in_o age_n and_o thereon_o grow_v up_o in_o carnal_a wisdom_n
and_o a_o great_a valuation_n of_o earthly_a thing_n with_o their_o care_n about_o they_o and_o converse_v in_o they_o they_o abate_v and_o decay_v in_o their_o spiritual_a affection_n every_o day_n they_o will_v abide_v in_o their_o profession_n but_o have_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n and_o folly_n unutterable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o any_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o religion_n wherein_o there_o be_v so_o many_o incomparable_a excellency_n to_o endear_v and_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o more_o and_o more_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o hide_v what_o experience_n make_v manifest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o what_o multitude_n proclaim_v concern_v themselves_o wherefore_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a evidence_n if_o not_o absolute_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n yet_o of_o the_o life_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o when_o man_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o in_o age_n do_v grow_v in_o a_o undervaluation_n of_o present_a thing_n in_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n in_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o bounty_n and_o decay_v not_o in_o any_o of_o they_o but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v usual_a that_o the_o entrance_n of_o man_n profession_n of_o religion_n and_o conversation_n unto_o god_n be_v attend_v with_o vigorous_a active_a affection_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o they_o who_o real_o and_o sincere_o believe_v it_o be_v say_v that_o on_o their_o believe_v they_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o of_o those_o who_o only_o have_v a_o work_n of_o conviction_n on_o they_o improve_v by_o temporary_a faith_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o in_o this_o state_n do_v many_o abide_v and_o thrive_v until_o their_o affection_n be_v whole_o transform_v into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o thing_n above_o but_o with_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n it_o be_v not_o so_o they_o fall_v into_o woeful_a decay_n as_o unto_o their_o affection_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o consequent_o in_o their_o whole_a profession_n and_o conversation_n their_o moisture_n become_v as_o the_o drought_n in_o summer_n they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o the_o life_n and_o act_n of_o they_o in_o themselves_o nor_o any_o comfort_n or_o refreshment_n from_o they_o they_o honour_v not_o the_o gospel_n with_o any_o fruit_n of_o love_n zeal_n or_o delight_n nor_o be_v useful_a any_o way_n unto_o other_o by_o their_o example_n some_o of_o they_o have_v have_v seem_v recovery_n and_o be_v yet_o again_o take_v into_o a_o lifeless_a frame_n warning_n afliction_n sickness_n the_o word_n have_v awaken_v they_o but_o they_o be_v fall_v again_o into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n so_o as_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v tree_n who_o fruit_n wither_v without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n some_o thing_n must_v be_v speak_v unto_o this_o woeful_a condition_n in_o general_n as_o that_o which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a unto_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a and_o contrary_a unto_o and_o obstructive_a of_o the_o growth_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n in_o a_o assimulation_n unto_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v may_v be_v apply_v unto_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o these_o decay_n though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o alike_o dangerous_a or_o perilous_a first_o there_o may_v be_v a_o time_n of_o temptation_n wherein_o a_o soul_n may_v apprehend_v in_o itself_o not_o only_o a_o decay_n in_o but_o a_o utter_a loss_n of_o all_o spiritual_a affection_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o believer_n may_v apprehend_v and_o judge_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v and_o forget_v they_o when_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o isaiah_n 49.14_o 15._o so_o they_o may_v under_o their_o temptation_n apprehend_v that_o they_o have_v forsake_v god_n when_o they_o have_v not_o do_v so_o as_o a_o man_n in_o the_o night_n may_v apprehend_v he_o have_v lose_v his_o way_n and_o be_v in_o great_a distress_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o proper_a road._n for_o temptation_n bring_v darkness_n and_o amazement_n and_o lead_v into_o mistake_v and_o a_o false_a judgement_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o find_v not_o it_o may_v be_v grace_n work_v in_o love_n joy_n and_o delight_n as_o former_o nor_o that_o activity_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o holy_a duty_n which_o spiritual_a affection_n give_v unto_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o grace_n work_v in_o godly_a sorrow_n by_o mourn_v humiliation_n and_o self-abasement_n no_o less_o effectual_o nor_o less_o acceptable_o unto_o god_n such_o as_o these_o i_o separate_v from_o the_o present_a consideration_n second_o there_o may_v be_v a_o decay_n in_o affection_n themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o act_n towards_o any_o object_n whatever_o at_o least_o as_o unto_o the_o outward_a symptom_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o on_o this_o ground_n their_o opperation_n towards_o spiritual_a thing_n may_v be_v less_o sensible_a so_o man_n in_o their_o young_a day_n may_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o express_v their_o sorrow_n by_o tear_n and_o their_o joy_n by_o sensible_a exaltation_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o spirit_n than_o in_o ripe_a year_n and_o this_o may_v be_v so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o decay_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o affection_n as_o renew_v but_o 1_o when_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v they_o can_v but_o mourn_v and_o have_v a_o godly-jealousy_n over_o themselves_o lest_o the_o decay_v they_o find_v shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o outward_a but_o the_o inward_a not_o in_o the_o natural_a but_o the_o spiritual_a man._n and_o they_o will_v labour_v that_o in_o all_o duty_n and_o at_o all_o time_n it_o may_v be_v with_o they_o as_o in_o day_n of_o old_a although_o they_o can_v attain_v strength_n in_o they_o that_o vigour_n of_o spirit_n that_o life_n joy_n peace_n and_o comfort_n which_o any_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o second_o there_o will_v be_v in_o such_o person_n no_o decay_n in_o holiness_n of_o life_n nor_o as_o unto_o diligence_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n if_o the_o decay_n be_v real_o of_o grace_n in_o the_o affection_n it_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o proportionable_a decay_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v but_o if_o it_o be_v only_o as_o unto_o the_o sensible_a act_n of_o natural_a affection_n no_o such_o decay_n will_v ensue_v three_o grace_n will_v in_o this_o case_n more_o vigorous_o act_v itself_o in_o the_o other_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o judgement_n and_o the_o will_n in_o their_o approbation_n of_o and_o firm_a adherence_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o four_o when_o man_n find_v or_o may_v find_v their_o affection_n yet_o quick_a active_a and_o intent_n on_o other_o thing_n as_o the_o lawful_a enjoyment_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o relieve_v themselves_o that_o the_o decay_v they_o find_v be_v in_o their_o affection_n as_o natural_a and_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v gracious_a if_o we_o see_v a_o man_n in_o his_o old_a age_n grow_v more_o in_o love_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o less_o in_o love_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o nature_n but_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n on_o these_o and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o other_o the_o like_a occasion_n there_o may_v be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o decay_n in_o spiritual_a affection_n when_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o at_o least_o not_o unto_o the_o degree_n that_o be_v apprehend_v but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o real_o as_o it_o be_v evident_o with_o many_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v with_o the_o most_o in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v a_o woeful_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o never_o enough_o to_o be_v lament_v it_o be_v that_o which_o lie_v in_o direct_a contradiction_n unto_o that_o spiritual-mindedness_a which_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n it_o be_v a_o consumption_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o threaten_v it_o with_o death_n every_o day_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o my_o design_n to_o treat_v of_o it_o in_o particular_a yet_o i_o can_v let_v it_o pass_v without_o some_o remark_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a almost_o epidemical_a among_o professor_n and_o prevalent_a in_o some_o unto_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o forsake_v of_o all_o power_n of_o spiritual_a life_n now_o beside_o all_o that_o folly_n and_o sin_n which_o we_o before_o discover_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o spirituality_n and_o heavenliness_n which_o in_o this_o case_n of_o their_o decay_n be_v more_o abominable_a there_o be_v a_o multiplication_n of_o evil_n wherewith_o this_o state_n of_o heart_n and_o
excellency_n in_o itself_o second_o a_o suitableness_n therein_o unto_o our_o condition_n state_n and_o desire_v after_o rest_n and_o blessedness_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v in_o god_n from_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o the_o latter_a be_v from_o what_o he_o be_v unto_o we_o in_o christ_n from_o both_o he_o be_v the_o only_a suitable_a object_n unto_o our_o affection_n under_o this_o apprehension_n do_v we_o love_v god_n for_o himself_o or_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n not_o exclusive_o unto_o our_o advantage_n therein_o for_o a_o desire_n of_o union_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v our_o only_a advantage_n be_v inseparable_a from_o this_o love_n it_o may_v be_v some_o can_v say_v that_o a_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o first_o foundation_n and_o cause_n of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n yet_o be_v they_o satisfy_v that_o they_o do_v love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v so_o god_n sometime_o call_v the_o skirt_n of_o his_o own_o love_n over_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n and_o efficacious_o draw_v it_o unto_o himself_o without_o a_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o a_o mere_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n it_o have_v receive_v so_o elijah_n pass_v by_o elisha_n and_o cast_v his_o mantle_n upon_o he_o as_o a_o transient_a act._n but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o communication_n of_o virtue_n thereby_o that_o he_o run_v after_o he_o and_o will_v not_o be_v defer_v though_o elijah_n say_v go_v back_o again_o for_o what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o 1_o king_n 19.19_o 20._o when_o god_n have_v so_o cast_v his_o love_n on_o any_o soul_n it_o follow_v after_o he_o with_o all_o its_o affection_n and_o whereas_o god_n may_v seem_v at_o some_o time_n to_o say_v go_v back_o again_o for_o what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o its_o answer_n be_v lord_n whether_o shall_v i_o go_v i_o can_v leave_v thou_o my_o heart_n be_v give_v up_o unto_o thou_o and_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o thou_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o such_o and_o to_o all_o other_o that_o if_o we_o will_v have_v refresh_v evidence_n of_o our_o love_n unto_o god_n that_o it_o be_v sincere_a if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o thrive_v and_o flourish_v befervent_a and_o constant_a we_o be_v to_o exercise_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o unto_o our_o soul_n in_o and_o by_o jesus_n christ._n nor_o can_v we_o cleave_v unto_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n whatever_o with_o sincere_a affection_n but_o under_o these_o notion_n of_o it_o first_o that_o it_o have_v a_o real_a worth_n or_o excellency_n in_o itself_o second_o that_o it_o be_v suitable_a and_o desirable_a unto_o we_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v to_o see_v how_o many_o walk_n at_o random_n in_o profession_n that_o know_v neither_o what_o they_o do_v nor_o where_o they_o go_v second_o as_o we_o must_v see_v a_o goodness_n and_o probableness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n absolute_o so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v fix_v our_o affection_n on_o they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n so_o we_o must_v see_v it_o comparative_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o give_v they_o a_o preference_n in_o our_o affection_n before_o and_o above_o they_o all_o the_o trial_n of_o love_n lie_v in_o the_o prevail_a degree_n on_o more_o or_o less_o if_o we_o love_v other_o thing_n father_n mother_n house_n land_n possession_n more_o than_o christ_n we_o do_v not_o love_v he_o at_o all_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o equality_n allow_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o we_o may_v equal_o love_v temporal_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o we_o love_v not_o christ_n more_o than_o all_o those_o thing_n we_o love_v he_o not_o at_o all_o wherefore_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v cleave_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n we_o must_v see_v a_o excellency_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a render_v they_o more_o desirable_a than_o all_o other_o thing_n whatever_o with_o what_o love_a countenance_n do_v man_n look_v upon_o their_o temporal_a enjoyment_n with_o what_o tenacious_a embrace_n do_v they_o cleave_v unto_o they_o they_o see_v that_o in_o they_o which_o be_v amiable_a which_o be_v desirable_a and_o suitable_a unto_o their_o affection_n let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o please_v if_o they_o see_v not_o a_o great_a goodness_n that_o which_o be_v more_o amiable_a more_o desirable_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o love_v they_o not_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n it_o be_v temporal_a thing_n that_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o affection_n our_o psalmist_n prefer_v jerusalem_n before_o his_o chief_a joy_n psal._n 137.6_o another_o affirm_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n mouth_n be_v better_a to_o he_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n psal._n 119.72_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n or_o the_o honeycomb_n psal._n 19.1_o for_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o it_o prov._n 8.11_o this_o be_v the_o only_a stable_n foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a affection_n a_o spiritual_a view_n and_o judgement_n of_o a_o goodness_n a_o excellency_n in_o they_o incomparable_o above_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v require_v thereunto_o and_o if_o the_o affection_n of_o many_o pretend_v high_o to_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v weigh_v in_o this_o balance_n i_o fear_v they_o will_v be_v find_v light_n and_o want_v however_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v of_o eternal_a importance_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v that_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o they_o desire_v in_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o do_v sincere_o value_v and_o esteem_v they_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n whatever_o and_o let_v not_o any_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o vain_a word_n and_o pretence_n while_o their_o esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o present_a enjoyment_n do_v evident_o engage_v all_o their_o affection_n their_o care_n their_o diligence_n their_o industry_n so_o as_o that_o a_o man_n of_o a_o discern_a spirit_n may_v even_o feel_v they_o turn_v into_o self_n while_o they_o be_v cold_a formal_a negligent_a about_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o must_v say_v how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o they_o much_o more_o when_o we_o see_v man_n not_o only_o give_v up_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o time_n and_o strength_n with_o the_o vigour_n of_o their_o spirit_n but_o sacrifice_v their_o conscience_n also_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o dignity_n honour_n preferment_n wealth_n and_o ease_n in_o the_o world_n who_o know_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o they_o perform_v religious_a duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o temporal_a advantage_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v discern_v and_o approve_v of_o a_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n above_o all_o other_o a_o due_a consideration_n be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v proceed_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o a_o infinite_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n so_o as_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v absolute_o come_v unto_o rest_n and_o complacency_n and_o find_v full_a assure_a satisfaction_n in_o they_o it_o be_v otherwise_o as_o unto_o all_o temporal_a thing_n man_n will_v very_o fain_o have_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v absolute_a rest_n and_o satisfaction_n unto_o all_o their_o affection_n but_o they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o all_o of_o they_o together_o can_v compose_v their_o mind_n in_o rest_n and_o peace_n for_o one_o hour_n they_o gain_v sometime_o a_o transport_v of_o affection_n and_o seem_v for_o a_o season_n to_o have_v fill_v the_o whole_a soul_n so_o as_o it_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o consider_v their_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n but_o a_o little_a composure_n of_o man_n thought_n show_v that_o they_o be_v but_o a_o diversion_n in_o a_o journey_n or_o labour_n they_o be_v no_o rest._n hence_o be_v they_o call_v break_v cistern_n that_o will_v hold_v no_o water_n let_v a_o man_n prize_v they_o at_o the_o high_a rate_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o the_o thought_n of_o whereof_o there_o have_v be_v prodigious_a instance_n let_v he_o possess_v they_o in_o abundance_n beyond_o whatever_o any_o man_n enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n or_o his_o own_o imagination_n can_v before_o hand_n reach_v unto_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o utmost_a peaceable_a continuance_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o â—hat_n his_o and_o their_o nature_n be_v
capable_a of_o yet_o will_v he_o not_o dare_v to_o pretend_v that_o all_o his_o affection_n be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v with_o they_o that_o they_o afford_v he_o perfect_a rest_n and_o peace_n shall_v he_o do_v so_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mind_n every_o day_n will_v convince_v he_o of_o his_o falsehood_n and_o his_o folly_n but_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n derive_v from_o and_o lead_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a which_o be_v therefore_o able_a to_o fill_v all_o our_o affection_n and_o to_o give_v they_o full_a satisfaction_n with_o rest_n and_o peace_n they_o all_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o goodness_n and_o blessedness_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o our_o affection_n do_v attain_v unto_o this_o fâ—ll_a rest_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o life_n but_o what_o they_o come_v short_a of_o therein_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o give_v this_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o affection_n themselves_z which_o be_v in_o part_n only_o renew_v and_o can_v take_v in_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o in_o another_o world_n they_o will_v receive_v but_o while_o we_o be_v here_o the_o more_o we_o receive_v they_o into_o our_o mind_n and_o soul_n the_o more_o firm_o we_o adhere_v unto_o they_o the_o near_a approach_n we_o make_v unto_o our_o rest_n and_o centre_n second_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o himself_o who_o essential_a wisdom_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o amiable_a excellency_n of_o his_o holy_a nature_n but_o of_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n and_o grace_n by_o jesus_n christ._n all_o spiritual_a truth_n all_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n whereby_o god_n reveal_v and_o communicate_v himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o approach_n unto_o he_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n through_o christ_n jesus_n i_o now_o intend_v all_o these_o be_v fill_v with_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v 1_o cor._n 2.7_o eph._n 3.10_o chap._n 1.8_o 9_o now_o wisdom_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v attractive_a of_o rational_a affection_n most_o man_n be_v brutish_a in_o they_o and_o their_o act_n for_o the_o most_o part_n pour_v they_o out_o on_o thing_n fleshly_a sensual_a and_o carnal_a but_o where_o they_o be_v at_o all_o reduce_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n nothing_o be_v so_o attractive_a of_o they_o so_o suit_v unto_o they_o which_o they_o delight_v in_o as_o that_o which_o have_v at_o least_o a_o appearance_n of_o wisdom_n a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n do_v command_v the_o affection_n of_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o hate_v and_o oppose_v he_o as_o common_o it_o be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v true_a wisdom_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o civil_a affair_n sober_a man_n can_v but_o approve_v of_o it_o like_v it_o delight_n in_o it_o &_o man_n of_o understanding_n do_v bewail_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o since_o craft_n falsehood_n treachery_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o villainy_n have_v drive_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n so_o be_v divine_a wisdom_n attractive_a of_o divine_a gracious_a affection_n the_o psalmist_n declare_v his_o admiration_n of_o and_o delight_n in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v make_v they_o all_o in_o wisdom_n psal._n 104.24_o those_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o draw_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o a_o delightful_a contemplation_n of_o they_o but_o all_o the_o treasure_n all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v lay_v up_o &_o lay_v forth_o in_o the_o great_a spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n unto_o we_o by_o he_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o fill_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n with_o holy_a admiration_n and_o delight_n and_o thereon_o they_o cleave_v unto_o they_o with_o all_o their_o affection_n when_o we_o see_v there_o be_v light_a in_o they_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v in_o darkness_n that_o wisdom_n be_v in_o they_o in_o they_o alone_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v fill_v with_o vanity_n and_o folly_n then_o be_v our_o soul_n true_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o they_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n unto_o the_o most_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v foolishness_n it_o be_v so_o of_o old_a as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v 1_o cor._n 1._o and_o so_o it_o continue_v yet_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n despise_v by_o they_o they_o can_v see_v neither_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n in_o it_o for_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v desire_v nor_o will_v ever_o any_o man_n have_v sincere_a spiritual_a affection_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n who_o have_v not_o a_o spiritual_a view_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o attract_v our_o soul_n by_o holy_a admiration_n unto_o unspeakable_a delight_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o general_o decline_v from_o any_o love_n unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o lose_v all_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v raise_v unto_o the_o admiration_n of_o this_o wisdom_n in_o divine_a revelation_n then_o will_v our_o affection_n cleave_v unto_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v three_o the_o act_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o their_o adherence_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v perfective_a of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n that_o which_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n do_v most_o debase_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n wherein_o it_o make_v the_o near_a approach_n unto_o brutality_n yea_o whereby_o it_o become_v in_o some_o respect_n more_o vile_a than_o the_o nature_n of_o beast_n be_v the_o give_v up_o of_o the_o affection_n unto_o thing_n sensual_a unclean_a base_a and_o unworthy_a of_o its_o more_o noble_a principle_n hence_o be_v man_n say_v to_o debase_v themselves_o unto_o hell_n isai._n 57.9_o and_o their_o affection_n do_v become_v vile_a so_o as_o that_o their_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o they_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o revenge_a justice_n punish_v man_n for_o the_o worst_a of_o sin_n rom._n 1.26_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o vile_a nothing_o more_o contemptible_a nothing_o more_o like_a to_o beast_n in_o baseness_n and_o to_o hell_n in_o punishment_n then_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o they_o who_o have_v enslave_v their_o nature_n unto_o brutish_a sensual_a affection_n i_o say_v vile_a affection_n fix_v on_o and_o cleave_v unto_o sensual_a object_n do_v debase_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o do_v both_o corrupt_v and_o enslave_v all_o the_o more_o noble_a faculty_n of_o it_o the_o very_a conscience_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v defile_v by_o they_o if_o you_o see_v a_o man_n who_o affection_n be_v set_v inordinate_o on_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v how_o he_o go_v off_o from_o his_o native_a worth_n and_o debase_v himself_o therein_o but_o the_o fix_v of_o spiritual_a affection_n on_o spiritual_a object_n be_v perfective_a of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n not_o that_o we_o can_v attain_v perfection_n by_o it_o but_o that_o therein_o our_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n this_o may_v be_v grant_v look_v how_o much_o vile_a affection_n fix_v on_o and_o furious_o pursue_v thing_n carnal_a and_o sensual_a do_v debase_v our_o nature_n beneath_o its_o rational_a constitution_n and_o make_v it_o degenerate_a into_o bestiality_n so_o much_o spiritual_a affection_n fix_v on_o and_o cleave_v unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a do_v exalt_v our_o nature_n above_o its_o mere_a natural_a capacity_n make_v a_o approach_n unto_o the_o state_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o as_o brutish_a affection_n when_o they_o have_v the_o reins_o as_o they_o say_v on_o their_o neck_n and_o be_v pursue_v with_o delight_n and_o greediness_n do_v darken_v the_o mind_n and_o disturb_v all_o the_o rational_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o whordom_n and_o wine_n and_o new-wine_n do_v take_v away_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o wickedness_n alter_v the_o understanding_n so_o holy_a affection_n fix_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n do_v elevate_v raise_v and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n with_o true_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o be_v understanding_n and_o again_o as_o the_o
power_n of_o vile_a affection_n fill_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n with_o tumult_n disorder_n fear_v and_o shame_v where_o man_n be_v not_o utter_o profligate_v so_o as_o that_o the_o mind_n thought_n and_o conscience_n of_o person_n under_o their_o power_n be_v a_o very_a hell_n for_o confusion_n and_o trouble_n so_o spiritual_a affection_n due_o exercise_v on_o their_o proper_a object_n do_v preserve_v all_o thing_n in_o order_n in_o the_o whole_a soul_n they_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n all_o thing_n be_v quiet_a and_o secure_a in_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v order_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o whole_a soul_n in_o all_o its_o faculty_n and_o all_o their_o operation_n while_o the_o affection_n be_v in_o a_o due_a prevail_a manner_n fix_v upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o hence_o many_o person_n after_o great_a turmoiling_n in_o the_o world_n after_o they_o have_v endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n therein_o have_v utter_o renounce_v all_o concernment_n in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thing_n above_o and_o that_o only_o many_o i_o confess_v of_o they_o be_v mistake_v as_o to_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o their_o devotion_n have_v various_a superstition_n impose_v on_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o craft_n of_o other_o but_o they_o miss_v it_o not_o in_o the_o principle_n that_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n be_v attainable_a only_o in_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o jam._n 4.1_o from_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o come_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o of_o your_o lust_n that_o be_v in_o your_o member_n whence_o be_v all_o the_o disorder_n in_o your_o mind_n your_o vexation_n and_o disquietment_n your_o passion_n break_v forth_o sometime_o into_o unseemly_a brawling_n be_v they_o not_o from_o hence_o the_o question_n be_v put_v unto_o yourselves_o and_o your_o own_o conscience_n namely_o from_o your_o lust_n that_o be_v the_o disorderly_a affection_n that_o tumultuate_v in_o you_o do_v but_o search_v yourselves_o and_o you_o will_v quick_o see_v whence_o all_o your_o trouble_n and_o disquietment_n do_v arise_v your_o lust_n or_o corrupt_v and_o inordinate_a affection_n do_v war_n in_o you_o continual_o incline_v you_o to_o thing_n earthly_a or_o sensual_a hence_o many_o be_v best_a and_o most_o at_o quiet_a when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n worst_a when_o at_o home_o in_o their_o family_n but_o never_o be_v they_o in_o such_o confusion_n as_o when_o they_o be_v force_v to_o retire_v into_o themselves_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o our_o affection_n on_o heavenly_a thing_n have_v quite_o another_o tendency_n and_o effect_n it_o so_o unite_v the_o mind_n unto_o they_o it_o so_o bring_v they_o unto_o it_o and_o give_v they_o such_o a_o subsistance_n in_o it_o as_o that_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o it_o be_v in_o a_o progress_n towards_o their_o perfection_n see_v 2_o cor._n 7.1_o true_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n with_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n in_o eternal_a thing_n in_o the_o mind_n holiness_n in_o the_o affection_n themselves_o liberty_n in_o the_o will_n power_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o conscience_n do_v in_o their_o measure_n all_o ensue_v hereon_o whatever_o taste_v we_o may_v have_v of_o these_o thing_n whatever_o temporary_a experience_n we_o have_v of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o flourish_v in_o we_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v with_o we_o in_o any_o constancy_n unless_o we_o be_v thus_o spiritual_o mind_a four_o in_o the_o future_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o present_a object_n of_o our_o spiritual_a affection_n do_v our_o eternal_a blessedness_n consist_v all_o man_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o a_o future_a eternal_a condition_n do_v desire_v when_o they_o depart_v hence_o to_o enter_v in_o blessedness_n and_o glory_n howbeit_o what_o that_o blessedness_n even_o as_o unto_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v they_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v not_o know_v how_o to_o desire_v it_o for_o heaven_n or_o blessedness_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o what_o we_o be_v here_o to_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o above_o all_o of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o affection_n as_o spiritual_o renew_v herein_o have_v they_o neither_o interest_n nor_o concern_v but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v life_n unto_o the_o affection_n of_o believer_n they_o know_v that_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n their_o eternal_a blessedness_n do_v consist_v how_o this_o be_v their_o happiness_n and_o glory_n how_o it_o will_v give_v they_o a_o everlasting_a overflow_a satisfaction_n and_o rest_n they_o understand_v in_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o it_o which_o they_o here_o receive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a object_n of_o their_o affection_n in_o this_o world_n and_o they_o go_v forth_o unto_o all_o other_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o more_o therefore_o their_o affection_n be_v fix_v on_o they_o the_o more_o they_o be_v keep_v up_o unto_o that_o due_a exercise_n the_o near_a approach_n they_o make_v unto_o this_o bless_a state_n when_o their_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o this_o persuasion_n when_o it_o be_v confirm_v in_o they_o by_o daily_a experience_n of_o that_o sweetness_n rest_v and_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o find_v in_o cleave_v unto_o god_n with_o fervent_a love_n and_o delight_n in_o vain_a shall_v any_o other_o object_n rise_v up_o in_o competition_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o unto_o themselves_o the_o more_o we_o love_v god_n the_o more_o like_a we_o be_v unto_o he_o and_o the_o more_o near_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o chap._n xx._n have_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n as_o renew_v by_o grace_n and_o those_o notion_n of_o their_o object_n under_o which_o they_o cleave_v unto_o they_o it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o way_n of_o the_o soul_n application_n of_o itself_o unto_o those_o object_n by_o its_o affection_n which_o belong_v also_o unto_o our_o be_v spiritually-minded_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n hereof_o in_o some_o few_o particular_n with_o brief_a observation_n on_o they_o first_o it_o be_v require_v that_o our_o adherence_n unto_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o love_n and_o delight_n be_v firm_a and_o stable_a the_o affection_n be_v the_o power_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o make_v application_n unto_o any_o thing_n without_o itself_o and_o cleave_v unto_o it_o this_o be_v their_o nature_n and_o use_n with_o reference_n unto_o thing_n spiritual_a transient_a thought_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o vanish_v desire_n may_v rise_v out_o of_o present_a conviction_n as_o they_o do_v with_o they_o who_o cry_v out_o unto_o our_o saviour_n lord_n give_v we_o evermore_o of_o this_o bread_n and_o immediate_o leave_v he_o such_o occasional_a thought_n and_o desire_n be_v common_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n yea_o the_o worst_a of_o they_o let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o let_v my_o end_n be_v as_o he_o fade_v satisfaction_n with_o joy_n and_o delight_n do_v often_o befall_v man_n in_o their_o attendance_n on_o the_o word_n who_o yet_o never_o come_v to_o have_v it_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n want_v unto_o the_o sincerity_n of_o these_o affection_n 1_o those_o in_o who_o they_o be_v never_o have_v a_o clear_a spiritual_a view_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v affect_v withal_o 2_o they_o have_v not_o a_o sincere_a love_n unto_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n but_o be_v only_o affect_v with_o some_o outward_a circumstance_n and_o concernment_n of_o they_o 3_o they_o find_v not_o a_o suitableness_n in_o they_o unto_o the_o roll_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n they_o do_v not_o practical_o they_o can_v true_o say_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n be_v light_a his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a or_o with_o the_o psalmist_n oh_o how_o do_v i_o love_v thy_o law_n 4_o their_o affection_n be_v transient_a unstable_a vanish_v as_o unto_o their_o exercise_n and_o operation_n they_o be_v on_o and_o off_o now_o please_v and_o anon_o displease_v earnest_n for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o then_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a hence_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o effect_v have_v no_o transform_a efficacy_n upon_o their_o soul_n they_o dwell_v not_o in_o they_o in_o their_o power_n but_o where_o our_o affection_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v sincere_a where_o they_o be_v the_o true_a genuine_a application_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o adherence_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v firm_a and_o stable_a love_n and_o delight_n be_v keep_v up_o unto_o such_o a_o constant_a exercise_n as_o render_v they_o immovable_a this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o
be_v exhort_v unto_o 1_o cor._n 15_o 58._o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n transient_a affection_n with_o their_o occasional_a operation_n deceive_v multitude_n oft_o time_n they_o be_v pregnant_a in_o their_o act_n as_o those_o that_o be_v most_o sincere_a and_o many_o effect_n in_o joy_n in_o mourning_n in_o complaint_n they_o will_v produce_v especial_o when_o excite_v by_o any_o outward_a affliction_n sickness_n and_o the_o like_a but_o their_o goodness_n be_v like_o the_o early_a cloud_n or_o morning_n dew_n let_v none_o therefore_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o operation_n of_o transient_a affection_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v they_o never_o so_o urgent_a or_o so_o pleasant_a or_o so_o frequent_a in_o their_o return_n those_o that_o be_v sincere_a be_v at_o all_o time_n firm_a and_o stable_a 2_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v find_v a_o spiritual_a relish_n and_o savour_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o so_o adhere_v unto_o the_o affection_n be_v the_o palate_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o taste_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o it_o receive_v or_o refuse_v and_o it_o will_v not_o long_o cleave_v unto_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o find_v not_o a_o savour_n and_o relish_v in_o something_o be_v speak_v before_o of_o that_o sweetness_n which_o be_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o the_o taste_n of_o they_o consist_v in_o a_o gracious_a sense_n of_o their_o suitableness_n unto_o the_o affection_n inclination_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n hence_o they_o have_v no_o relish_n unto_o man_n of_o carnal_a mind_n whoever_o therefore_o will_v know_v whether_o his_o affection_n do_v sincere_o adhere_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n let_v he_o examine_v what_o relish_n what_o sweetness_n what_o savour_n he_o find_v in_o they_o when_o he_o be_v please_v with_o they_o as_o the_o palate_n with_o suitable_a and_o proper_a food_n when_o he_o find_v that_o he_o receive_v nourishment_n by_o they_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n then_o do_v he_o adhere_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n this_o spiritual_a taste_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o experience_n it_o be_v not_o what_o we_o have_v hear_v or_o understand_v only_o but_o what_o we_o have_v try_v and_o taste_v whereof_o we_o have_v experience_n this_o make_v we_o long_o for_o what_o we_o have_v former_o enjoy_v and_o strengthen_v faith_n as_o unto_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o expect_v in_o every_o darkness_n in_o every_o damp_n of_o spirit_n under_o every_o apprehension_n of_o dreadness_n or_o the_o withdraw_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o soul_n know_v what_o it_o want_v and_o what_o it_o do_v desire_v oh_o say_v such_o a_o one_o that_o it_o be_v now_o with_o i_o as_o in_o former_a day_n i_o know_v he_o who_o then_o give_v i_o such_o refresh_a taste_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n who_o make_v every_o thing_n of_o himself_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o i_o can_v renew_v this_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o i_o he_o can_v give_v i_o a_o new_a spiritual_a appetite_n and_o relish_n and_o he_o can_v make_v all_o spiritual_a thing_n savoury_a unto_o i_o again_o as_o a_o man_n under_o a_o languish_v sickness_n or_o when_o he_o be_v chastened_a with_o strong_a pain_n so_o as_o that_o his_o soul_n abhor_v bread_n and_o his_o daily_a meat_n can_v remember_v what_o appetite_n he_o have_v with_o what_o gust_n and_o relish_v he_o be_v wont_a to_o take_v in_o his_o food_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o health_n which_o make_v he_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o condition_n and_o to_o desire_v a_o return_n unto_o it_o so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o sin_n sick_a soul_n it_o can_v find_v no_o relish_n no_o gust_n no_o sweetness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n he_o find_v no_o savour_n in_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o refreshment_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o yet_o in_o themselves_o be_v daily_a meat_n a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n and_o of_o wine_n well_o refine_v yet_o do_v it_o remember_v former_a day_n when_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v sweet_a unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o spiritual_a life_n yet_o remain_v it_o will_v stir_v he_o up_o to_o seek_v with_o all_o diligence_n after_o a_o recovery_n how_o be_v it_o with_o you_o who_o be_v now_o under_o spiritual_a decay_n who_o find_v no_o taste_n nor_o relish_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n unto_o who_o the_o word_n be_v not_o savoury_a nor_o other_o ordinance_n powerful_a call_v to_o mind_v how_o it_o have_v be_v with_o you_o in_o former_a day_n and_o what_o you_o find_v in_o these_o thing_n if_o so_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a if_o you_o have_v not_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o you_o have_v never_o yet_o have_v the_o least_o sincere_a love_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n for_o where_o that_o be_v it_o will_v give_v a_o spiritual_a relish_n of_o they_o if_o you_o have_v how_o be_v it_o you_o can_v give_v yourselves_o rest_v one_o moment_n without_o a_o endeavour_n after_o the_o heal_n of_o your_o backslide_n 3_o it_o be_v require_v that_o our_o affection_n be_v so_o set_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o continual_a spring_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o meditation_n no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o forsake_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v any_o sincere_a affection_n for_o what_o he_o think_v little_o on_o or_o not_o at_o all_o or_o that_o he_o can_v have_v a_o true_a affection_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o stir_v up_o and_o ingenerate_a in_o he_o continual_a thought_n about_o it_o let_v man_n try_v themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o relation_n or_o their_o enjoyment_n or_o the_o object_n of_o their_o predominant_a lust_n and_o they_o will_v find_v how_o thing_n be_v state_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o all_o man_n pretend_v to_o love_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o know_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o they_o little_o think_v of_o they_o or_o meditate_v upon_o they_o both_o their_o pretence_n and_o religion_n be_v vain_a where_o our_o affection_n be_v due_o place_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n so_o as_o that_o we_o be_v indeed_o spiritual_o mind_a they_o will_v be_v a_o constant_a spring_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o meditation_n but_o this_o also_o have_v be_v before_o speak_v unto_o four_o when_o our_o affection_n be_v thus_o apply_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o will_v be_v prevalent_a and_o victorious_a against_o solicitation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a or_o allurement_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o unto_o any_o other_o object_n the_o work_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a adversary_n be_v to_o solicit_v and_o tempt_v our_o affection_n to_o divert_v they_o from_o their_o proper_a object_n there_o be_v some_o temptation_n of_o satan_n that_o make_v a_o immediate_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n such_o be_v his_o injection_n of_o diabolical_a blasphemous_a thought_n concern_v god_n his_o be_v nature_n and_o will_v and_o the_o distress_n which_o he_o reduce_v man_n unto_o in_o their_o conscience_n through_o darkness_n and_o misrepresentation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o goodness_n but_o the_o high_a road_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a adversary_n be_v by_o the_o solicitation_n of_o our_o affection_n unto_o object_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o or_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o they_o evil_a and_o sinful_a of_o the_o first_o be_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o drunkenness_n uncleanness_n gluttony_n chamber_v and_o wantonness_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v all_o our_o inordinate_a love_n unto_o self_n our_o family_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o unto_o this_o end_n every_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o may_v make_v provision_n for_o lust_n be_v make_v use_n of_o herein_o consist_v the_o nature_n and_o efficacy_n of_o most_o of_o those_o temptation_n which_o we_o have_v to_o conflict_n withal_o solicitation_n they_o be_v of_o our_o affection_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o to_o divert_v they_o unto_o other_o thing_n hereby_o do_v our_o enemy_n endeavour_n to_o beguile_v we_o as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n with_o fair_a and_o false_a representation_n of_o other_o belove_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o preserve_v as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n in_o all_o their_o affection_n for_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o be_v beguile_v by_o the_o specious_a pretence_n wherewith_o we_o be_v solicit_v that_o our_o
be_v please_v to_o grant_v we_o through_o jesus_n christ._n and_o 2_o it_o will_v fix_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n upon_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n communicate_v such_o a_o inestimable_a mercy_n unto_o we_o as_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o relish_n of_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n he_o who_o be_v in_o this_o frame_n of_o mind_n will_v remember_v call_v over_o and_o ruminate_v upon_o all_o such_o gracious_a pledge_n of_o divine_a favour_n as_o david_n be_v often_o remember_v and_o call_v over_o what_o he_o receive_v in_o such_o place_n as_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o hermonite_n and_o at_o the_o hill_n missar_n psal._n 42._o this_o be_v the_o great_a way_n whereby_o this_o treasure_n may_v be_v preserve_v 3_o a_o person_n so_o mind_v and_o he_o alone_o will_v have_v a_o due_a valuation_n of_o such_o intimation_n and_o pledge_n of_o divine_a love_n those_o who_o be_v full_a of_o other_o thing_n who_o affection_n cleave_v unto_o they_o do_v never_o esteem_v heavenly_a mercy_n and_o privilege_n as_o they_o ought_v the_o full_a soul_n loathe_v the_o honeycomb_n and_o god_n be_v well_o please_v when_o a_o high_a valuation_n be_v put_v upon_o his_o kindness_n as_o he_o be_v great_o provoke_v by_o the_o contrary_a frame_n which_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o infinite_a patience_n can_v bear_v withal_o it_o be_v a_o high_a provocation_n of_o god_n when_o man_n be_v regardless_o of_o and_o unthankful_a for_o outward_a temporal_a mercy_n when_o they_o receive_v they_o and_o use_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v their_o own_o that_o they_o be_v lord_n of_o they_o at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o much_o more_o be_v he_o provoke_v with_o our_o regardlesness_n of_o the_o least_o of_o those_o mercy_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a purchase_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o eternal_a love_n and_o grace_n he_o alone_z who_o be_v spiritually-minded_n value_v prize_v and_o lay_v up_o these_o ininestimable_a jewel_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n 4_o such_o person_n only_o know_v how_o to_o use_v and_o improve_v all_o communication_n of_o a_o sense_n of_o divine_a love_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o grant_v unto_o we_o to_o lie_v by_o we_o without_o any_o use_n of_o they_o they_o be_v gracious_a provision_n wherewith_o we_o be_v furnish_v to_o enable_v we_o unto_o all_o other_o duty_n conflict_n and_o trial_n on_o all_o occasion_n be_v they_o to_o be_v call_v over_o for_o our_o spiritual_a relief_n and_o encouragement_n hereby_o be_v they_o safe_o retain_v for_o in_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o they_o they_o grow_v more_o bright_a in_o our_o mind_n every_o day_n and_o be_v ready_a for_o use_v in_o which_o posture_n they_o be_v safe_o preserve_v but_o these_o thing_n will_v yet_o be_v far_o manifest_v in_o the_o instance_n that_o ensue_v 2_o this_o frame_n of_o mind_n cast_v out_o all_o principle_n and_o cause_n of_o trouble_n and_o disquietment_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o life_n and_o peace_n there_o be_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n principle_n of_o contrariety_n and_o opposition_n unto_o spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n with_o sundry_a thing_n who_o abide_v and_o prevalency_n in_o we_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o i_o shall_v give_v only_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n hereof_o 1_o it_o will_v cast_v out_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n from_o our_o mind_n without_o this_o we_o can_v receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n nor_o perform_v any_o duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n jam._n 1.27_o this_o be_v that_o which_o stand_v in_o direct_a immediate_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n unto_o our_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a so_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o consistency_n in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o they_o expel_v on_o another_o like_a heat_n and_o cold._n and_o where_o there_o be_v this_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n there_o be_v neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n unclean_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n work_v tumultuate_a act_v themselves_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v either_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n to_o flourish_v in_o they_o or_o any_o solid_a peace_n to_o abide_v with_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v weaken_v by_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o spiritual_a act_n and_o make_v like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n where_o they_o be_v absolute_o predominant_a there_o be_v a_o hell_n within_o of_o darkness_n confusion_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n prepare_v man_n for_o a_o hell_n of_o punishment_n without_o unto_o eternity_n and_o according_a as_o they_o remain_v or_o have_v any_o prevalency_n in_o we_o so_o be_v spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n impair_v and_o obstruct_v by_o they_o now_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o its_o universal_a exercise_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o the_o relic_n of_o this_o filthiness_n and_o supersfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n it_o bring_v in_o a_o principle_n into_o the_o mind_n direct_o contrary_a unto_o that_o from_o whence_o they_o do_v proceed_v all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v describe_v lie_v in_o direct_a tendency_n unto_o the_o extirpation_n of_o these_o cause_n of_o filthiness_n which_o ruin_n life_n and_o peace_n nor_o will_v they_o by_o any_o other_o way_n be_v cast_v out_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o spiritual_a it_o will_v be_v carnal_a if_o it_o mind_v not_o thing_n above_o it_o will_v not_o fix_v itself_o inordinate_o on_o thing_n below_o 2_o that_o disorder_n which_o be_v by_o nature_n in_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a unto_o spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n be_v cast_v out_o or_o cure_v hereby_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a promise_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n that_o through_o the_o efficacy_n of_o gospel_n grace_n the_o lion_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o kid_n isaiah_n 11.6_o person_n of_o the_o most_o intemperate_a and_o outrageous_a passion_n shall_v be_v make_v meek_a and_o lovely_a where_o this_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n effect_v according_a unto_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o such_o passion_n in_o we_o we_o have_v not_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o evangelical_n grace_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a task_n to_o demonstrate_v how_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o passion_n be_v destructive_a of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o peace_n the_o contrariety_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o contradiction_n unto_o one_o another_o their_o violence_n impetuousness_n and_o restlessness_n their_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o take_v in_o provocation_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o frequent_o on_o none_o at_o all_o but_o what_o imagination_n present_v unto_o they_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n hereof_o can_v we_o think_v that_o life_n and_o peace_n do_v inhabit_v that_o soul_n wherein_o anger_n wrath_n envy_n excess_n in_o love_n unto_o earthly_a thing_n no_o dwell_v and_o on_o all_o occasion_n exert_v themselves_o there_o where_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a tumult_n fight_v and_o rebellion_n as_o there_o be_v where_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n nor_o of_o grace_n the_o nature_n and_o principal_a effect_n of_o this_o spiritual_a mindedness_n be_v to_o bring_v all_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o mind_n into_o that_o holy_a order_n wherein_o they_o be_v create_v this_o be_v that_o uprightness_n wherein_o god_n make_v we_o namely_o the_o whole_a bless_a order_n of_o all_o the_o power_n faculty_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o all_o their_o operation_n in_o order_n unto_o our_o live_n unto_o god_n and_o this_o be_v restore_v unto_o we_o by_o this_o grace_n this_o duty_n of_o be_v spiritual_o mind_a and_o wherein_o it_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o perfection_n which_o we_o have_v original_o for_o the_o remainder_n of_o that_o disorder_n which_o befall_v we_o by_o sin_n will_v still_o in_o part_n continue_v it_o be_v recompense_v by_o the_o act_n of_o that_o new_a principle_n of_o gospel_n grace_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o for_o every_o act_n of_o of_o our_o affection_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n exceed_v and_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n above_o that_o we_o can_v do_v or_o attain_v unto_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n uncorrupted_a hereby_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n bring_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o preserve_v in_o they_o 3_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o all_o inordinate_a love_n thereunto_o where_o this_o be_v in_o prevalent_a degree_n there_o be_v neither_o life_n nor_o peace_n and_o every_o