from_o babylon_n and_o the_o comfort_n that_o be_v here_o proclaim_v it_o be_v derive_v from_o a_o double_a spring_n 1._o from_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o from_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n who_o be_v the_o marrow_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o from_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v amplify_v two_o way_n from_o the_o herald_n that_o proclaim_v it_o and_o by_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v proclaim_v 1._o by_o the_o herald_n that_o proclaim_v it_o namely_o john_n the_o baptist_n call_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v straight_o in_o the_o desert_a a_o way_n for_o our_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v amplify_v by_o the_o place_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v proclaim_v namely_o in_o zion_n or_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o 9th_o verse_n o_o zion_n that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n get_v thou_o up_o into_o the_o high_a mountain_n o_o jerusalem_n that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n lift_v up_o thy_o voice_n with_o strength_n lift_v it_o up_o be_v not_o afraid_a say_v to_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n behold_v your_o god_n then_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v describe_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o his_o terror_n to_o his_o enemy_n 2._o by_o his_o mild_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o his_o own_o people_n by_o his_o terror_n towards_o his_o enemy_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n the_o 10_o ver_fw-la behold_v the_o lord_n will_v come_v with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o his_o arm_n shall_v rule_v for_o he_o behold_v his_o reward_n be_v with_o he_o and_o his_o work_n before_o he_o then_o he_o be_v describe_v here_o by_o his_o meek_a and_o mild_a carriage_n towards_o his_o people_n in_o the_o word_n i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o etc._n etc._n let_v i_o first_o open_v the_o term_n of_o the_o text_n and_o then_o come_v to_o some_o point_n of_o instruction_n he_o shall_v feed_v the_o government_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o towards_o his_o choose_a be_v express_v by_o three_o name_n he_o be_v call_v a_o ruler_n a_o leader_n and_o a_o shepherd_n he_o be_v call_v a_o ruler_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o hebrew_n in_o micah_n 5.2_o but_o thou_o bethlehem_a ephratah_n though_o thou_o be_v little_a among_o the_o thousand_o of_o judah_n yet_o out_o of_o thou_o shall_v he_o come_v forth_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o israel_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a now_o jesus_n christ_n rule_v three_o way_n 1._o by_o his_o commanding-power_n 2._o by_o his_o compelling-power_n 3._o by_o his_o perswading-power_n he_o have_v a_o commanding-power_n all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n matth._n 18.35_o he_o have_v a_o compelling-power_n those_o my_o enemy_n which_o will_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v hither_o and_o slay_v they_o before_o i_o luk._n 19.27_o then_o he_o have_v likewise_o a_o perswading-power_n gen._n 9.27_o god_n shall_v persuade_v japhet_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem._n two_o his_o government_n be_v express_v by_o this_o name_n he_o be_v a_o leader_n to_o his_o people_n now_o christ_n be_v a_o leader_n to_o his_o people_n three_o way_n 1._o by_o teach_v of_o his_o people_n his_o very_a enemy_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o mar._n 12.14_o we_o know_v thou_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n he_o teach_v they_o by_o go_v before_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o good_a example_n john_n 13.15_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v he_o lead_v they_o likewise_o by_o draw_v of_o they_o cant._n 1.4_o draw_v i_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o then_o as_o he_o be_v a_o ruler_n and_o a_o leader_n so_o he_o be_v a_o shepherd_n his_o government_n be_v comprise_v under_o this_o name_n he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n where_o under_o the_o name_n of_o feed_v be_v comprise_v all_o the_o necessary_a attendance_n and_o accommodation_n that_o conduce_v to_o the_o safety_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o flock_n such_o as_o provide_v of_o they_o pasture_n and_o protect_v of_o they_o from_o the_o danger_n and_o mischief_n of_o wolf_n and_o lion_n and_o beast_n of_o prey_n and_o likewise_o in_o prevent_v their_o straggle_a and_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o cure_v of_o those_o disease_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o sheep_n all_o these_o be_v mean_v by_o feed_v oh_o the_o richness_n and_o compleatness_n of_o this_o precious_a redeemer_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o because_o he_o be_v both_o the_o ruler_n leader_n and_o shepherd_n the_o prince_n and_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o saviour_n and_o all_o he_o shall_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arms._n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o all_o his_o sheep_n that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v lose_v as_o he_o say_v in_o that_o heavenly_a prayer_n john_n 17.11_o while_o i_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o world_n i_o keep_v they_o in_o thy_o name_n those_o that_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v keep_v and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v lose_v but_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v ay_o but_o he_o have_v the_o most_o tender_a and_o pitiful_a compassion_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v his_o lamb_n that_o be_v young_a beginner_n babe_n in_o christ_n those_o he_o gather_v in_o his_o arm_n so_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o those_o he_o carry_v in_o his_o bosom_n that_o be_v he_o deal_v favourable_o with_o they_o those_o he_o cherish_v with_o all_o indulgence_n he_o do_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a read_v matth._n 12.20_o then_o he_o gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a or_o those_o that_o give_v suck_v the_o hebrew_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sigfy_v both_o either_o those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a or_o those_o that_o give_v suck_v the_o prophet_n here_o in_o the_o text_n allude_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o jacob_n deal_v with_o his_o flock_n see_v what_o a_o compassionate_a man_n that_o good_a man_n be_v as_o you_o may_v read_v gen._n 33.13_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o herd_n that_o be_v with_o young_a they_o be_v with_o i_o and_o if_o man_n shall_v over-drive_a they_o but_o one_o day_n all_o the_o flock_n will_v die_v what_o a_o care_n have_v jacob_n of_o all_o his_o flock_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a so_o the_o lord_n christ_n he_o gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a that_o be_v weak_a christian_n such_o as_o be_v easy_o offend_v such_o as_o be_v deject_v and_o discourage_v such_o as_o be_v full_a of_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n he_o gentle_o lead_v they_o that_o be_v he_o exercise_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pity_n and_o patience_n and_o compassion_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o they_o in_o all_o their_o affliction_n he_o be_v afflict_v with_o they_o isa_n 63.9_o he_o have_v sympathize_v bowel_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v full_a of_o infirmity_n his_o bowel_n be_v trouble_v as_o it_o be_v for_o they_o jer._n 31.20_o be_v ephraim_n a_o dear_a son_n be_v he_o a_o pleasant_a child_n for_o since_o i_o speak_v against_o he_o i_o do_v earnest_o remember_v he_o still_o therefore_o my_o bowel_n be_v trouble_v for_o he_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o here_o be_v gentleness_n in_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o patience_n in_o suffer_v of_o they_o in_o a_o word_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v a_o meek_a a_o gentle_a a_o mild_a a_o compassionate_a saviour_n that_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a verse_n he_o be_v of_o a_o very_a sweet_a amiable_a pliable_a disposition_n as_o god_n have_v fit_v he_o with_o a_o body_n so_o he_o have_v fit_v he_o with_o a_o heart_n to_o be_v a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a redeemer_n the_o word_n be_v thus_o open_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o they_o especial_o present_v to_o your_o view_n 1._o christ_n relation_n to_o his_o people_n two_o his_o mild_a carriage_n towards_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n 1._o christ_n relation_n to_o his_o people_n that_o you_o have_v in_o these_o word_n he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n two_o you_o have_v his_o meek_n mildred_n and_o gracious_a carriage_n towards_o they_o he_o do_v both_o protect_v they_o and_o feed_v they_o and_o pity_v they_o and_o gather_v they_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o
that_o to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o very_a awaken_n truth_n but_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n make_v it_o clear_a to_o you_o and_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o it_o first_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o many_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o true_a religion_n to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n second_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o many_o that_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n three_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o many_o that_o come_v very_o near_o to_o heaven_n yet_o to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n i_o shall_v prove_v these_o three_o and_o let_v your_o heart_n go_v along_o with_o i_o and_o oh_o that_o you_o and_o i_o can_v follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o tremble_a for_o the_o first_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o many_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o two_o instance_n for_o this_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v those_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o hear_v they_o because_o they_o open_v the_o law_n they_o be_v expounder_n of_o the_o law_n and_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o hear_v they_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v as_o they_o do_v they_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o piety_n these_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n go_v exceed_v far_o i_o will_v show_v you_o how_o far_o they_o go_v in_o these_o six_o particular_n first_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v very_o diligent_a in_o read_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o give_v themselves_o so_o much_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o can_v tell_v exact_o almost_o every_o verse_n in_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n nay_o they_o can_v tell_v you_o how_o often_o every_o letter_n in_o the_o hebrew_n alphabet_n be_v repeat_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o example_n the_o letter_n aleph_fw-la be_v repeat_v three-hundred_n seventy-seven_a time_n in_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n second_o they_o be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n they_o pray_v in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o make_v long_a prayer_n for_o a_o pretence_n to_o devour_v widow_n house_n matth._n 23.14_o three_o to_o prayer_n they_o add_v fast_v also_o hear_v what_o one_o of_o they_o say_v luke_n 18.12_o i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o tame_n of_o the_o body_n four_o they_o be_v very_o strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n insomuch_o that_o they_o quarrel_v with_o our_o saviour_n because_o his_o disciple_n do_v but_o pluck_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n nay_o they_o be_v so_o superstitious_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n that_o if_o one_o have_v get_v a_o thorn_n in_o his_o foot_n they_o will_v not_o pull_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o sabbath-day_n for_o fear_v of_o break_v the_o sabbath_n five_o they_o be_v very_o industrious_a in_o teach_v of_o other_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v a_o proselyte_n matth._n 23.15_o they_o will_v have_v take_v any_o pain_n to_o win_v other_o to_o the_o same_o sect_n or_o religion_n with_o themselves_o six_o they_o be_v very_o exact_a and_o unblameable_a in_o their_o outward_a conversation_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v free_a from_o more_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o stare_v a_o man_n in_o the_o face_n god_n i_o thank_v thou_o say_v the_o pharisee_fw-mi that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n luke_n 18.11_o nay_o they_o separate_v themselves_o from_o notorious_a sinner_n they_o will_v not_o come_v into_o the_o company_n of_o drunkard_n and_o sabbath-breaker_n they_o be_v of_o the_o strict_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n their_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o strait_a sect_n act_v 26.5_o which_o know_v i_o from_o the_o beginning_n if_o they_o will_v testify_v that_o after_o the_o most_o strait_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o live_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v general_o conceive_v among_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o two_o man_n in_o all_o the_o world_n that_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n a_o scribe_n be_v one_o and_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o other_o and_o yet_o those_o professor_n for_o all_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 5.20_o let_v i_o give_v you_o another_o example_n of_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n which_o you_o read_v of_o in_o matth._n 25_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o five_o virgin_n be_v wise_a and_o five_o be_v foolish_a by_o virgin_n there_o be_v mean_v professor_n and_o they_o be_v call_v virgin-professor_n because_o they_o be_v not_o taint_v or_o defile_v with_o any_o gross_a or_o scandalous_a sin_n even_o those_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n they_o notwithstanding_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o be_v wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n christ_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o those_o virgin-professor_n fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n matth._n 25.10_o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v the_o door_n of_o heaven_n the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v shut_v against_o they_o so_o you_o see_v the_o first_o branch_n prove_v 2._o let_v i_o prove_v the_o second_o branch_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o many_o that_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o and_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n in_o matth._n 7.22_o 23_o many_o will_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o than_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n mark_v how_o confident_a they_o be_v have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o thy_o name_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n luke_n 13.26_o to_o who_o jesus_n christ_n will_v say_v depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n get_v you_o out_o of_o my_o sight_n i_o can_v abide_v to_o look_v upon_o you_o these_o be_v confident_a what_o a_o deal_n of_o confidence_n express_v they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v as_o real_o acquaint_v with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o any_o be_v lord_n lord_n have_v not_o we_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n &_o c_o again_o in_o rom._n 2.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o to_o that_o boast_a jew_n thou_o rest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v thy_o boast_n of_o god_n and_o know_v his_o will_n and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a be_v instruct_v out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v confident_a that_o thou_o thyself_o be_v a_o guide_n of_o the_o blind_a a_o light_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o darkness_n a_o instructor_n of_o the_o foolish_a a_o teacher_n of_o babe_n which_o have_v the_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n thou_o therefore_o which_o teach_v another_o teach_v thou_o not_o thyself_o such_o a_o one_o as_o teach_v other_o and_o teach_v not_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o be_v stark_o naught_o so_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o confident_a of_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o come_v short_a of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o second_o branch_n 3._o let_v i_o prove_v the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o come_v very_o near_o to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n let_v i_o give_v you_o some_o example_n for_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o you_o read_v of_o matth._n 19_o 20_o 21_o when_o our_o saviour_n bid_v he_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n say_v he_o lord_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v keep_v from_o my_o youth_n up_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o as_o to_o his_o outward_a
of_o grape_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o cluster_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o cherry_n on_o a_o tree_n it_o show_v there_o be_v some_o life_n in_o the_o tree_n one_o cherry_n upon_o a_o tree_n it_o show_v there_o be_v life_n as_o well_o as_o if_o there_o be_v twenty_o pound_n upon_o it_o one_o cherry_n show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o live_a tree_n and_o a_o man_n will_v not_o cut_v down_o that_o tree_n the_o lord_n christ_n will_v cherish_v the_o least_o beginning_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n he_o will_v not_o quench_v it_o but_o blow_v it_o up_o into_o a_o flame_n look_v as_o physician_n deal_v with_o disease_a patient_n they_o do_v not_o administer_v purge_v potion_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o distemper_n but_o according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o patient_n so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n deal_v with_o his_o own_o child_n not_o according_a to_o the_o disease_n and_o distemper_n that_o be_v in_o they_o not_o according_a to_o the_o distemper_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o strength_n he_o will_v not_o lay_v on_o they_o more_o than_o he_o will_v give_v they_o strength_n to_o bear_v these_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o point_n because_o this_o be_v child_n bread_n and_o dog_n be_v ready_a to_o snatch_v at_o it_o that_o yet_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o therefore_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o point_n there_o be_v these_o three_o query_n that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v first_o what_o a_o infirmity_n be_v second_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o infirmity_n three_o what_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o symptom_n of_o those_o infirmity_n first_o what_o a_o infirmity_n be_v a_o infirmity_n brief_o in_o the_o soul_n be_v this_o some_o sickness_n or_o indisposition_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o grace_n or_o a_o infirmity_n be_v this_o when_o the_o purpose_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v upright_o but_o a_o man_n want_v strength_n to_o perform_v that_o purpose_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a matth._n 26.41_o when_o a_o man_n can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o rom._n 7.18_o when_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v right_a but_o either_o through_o some_o violence_n of_o corruption_n or_o strength_n of_o temptation_n a_o man_n be_v divert_v and_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o the_o needle_n in_o the_o seaman_n compass_n you_o know_v if_o it_o be_v right_a it_o will_v stand_v always_o northward_o and_o the_o bent_n of_o it_o will_v be_v towards_o the_o north-pole_n be_v jog_v and_o trouble_v it_o may_v sometime_o be_v put_v out_o of_o frame_n and_o order_n yet_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o it_o be_v still_o northward_o this_o be_v a_o infirmity_n that_o be_v the_o first_o second_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o these_o infirmity_n there_o be_v divers_a cause_n you_o must_v know_v of_o our_o infirmity_n as_o first_o a_o infirmity_n may_v arise_v from_o want_n of_o age_n for_o want_v of_o time_n to_o gather_v strength_n the_o lord_n christ_n you_o must_v know_v have_v lamb_n in_o his_o fold_n as_o well_o as_o sheep_n and_o he_o have_v plant_n in_o his_o orchard_n as_o well_o as_o strong_a tree_n and_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o strong_a men._n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o write_v to_o you_o babe_n and_o little_a child_n because_o your_o sin_n be_v pardon_v for_o his_o namesake_n 1_o john_n 2.12_o observe_v there_o that_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v bestow_v not_o only_o upon_o young_a man_n that_o be_v strong_a to_o resist_v temptation_n not_o only_o upon_o age_a man_n that_o be_v well_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n but_o it_o be_v bestow_v even_o upon_o babe_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o little_a child_n because_o your_o sin_n be_v pardon_v for_o his_o namesake_n second_o our_o infirmity_n may_v arise_v also_o from_o a_o want_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n either_o when_o man_n want_v milk_n or_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o pet._n 2.2_o or_o have_v but_o little_a of_o it_o three_o infirmity_n may_v arise_v from_o some_o secret_a corruption_n that_o be_v undiscovered_a in_o our_o first_o conversion_n this_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o infirmity_n for_o that_o may_v both_o weaken_v the_o soul_n and_o exceed_o distemper_v and_o disquiet_v it_o four_o our_o infirmity_n may_v arise_v from_o forsake_v sound_n and_o solid_a truth_n and_o disquiet_v our_o thought_n with_o doubtful_a disputation_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o when_o man_n trouble_v their_o head_n with_o trifle_n or_o with_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n neglect_v the_o marrow_n of_o religion_n even_o as_o little_a child_n that_o forsake_v wholesome_a food_n and_o feed_v on_o green_a apple_n and_o so_o put_v their_o body_n into_o distemper_n five_o our_o infirmity_n may_v arise_v from_o this_o when_o our_o affection_n be_v too_o much_o carry_v out_o after_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v look_v how_o much_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v out_o after_o the_o world_n so_o much_o the_o weak_a it_o be_v the_o strong_a our_o love_n to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o weak_a be_v our_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n six_o our_o infirmity_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o not_o right_a order_n of_o our_o company_n dead_a company_n dead_a and_o barren_a company_n many_o time_n make_v dead_a and_o barren_a heart_n seven_o our_o infirmity_n may_v arise_v from_o our_o lose_v our_o first_o love_n remit_v of_o the_o zeal_n and_o intention_n and_o forwardness_n that_o once_o we_o have_v in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n when_o we_o grow_v loose_a and_o slothful_a in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o god_n and_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o we_o 2_o tim._n 1.6_o exercise_v you_o know_v increase_v strength_n but_o want_v of_o exercise_n many_o time_n occasion_n weakness_n when_o a_o man_n pray_v cold_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n cold_o communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n cold_o the_o more_o coldness_n there_o be_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n the_o more_o weakness_n there_o will_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n these_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o infirmity_n three_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o symptom_n of_o a_o infirmity_n brief_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o these_o four_o first_o where_o there_o be_v infirmity_n there_o be_v spiritual_a life_n though_o there_o be_v want_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o infirmity_n you_o know_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o a_o weak_a man_n a_o dead_a man_n that_o have_v not_o life_n and_o a_o weak_a man_n that_o have_v life_n and_o want_v strength_n it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o any_o wicked_a man_n that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n but_o he_o be_v a_o dead_a man_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n weak_o but_o he_o do_v it_o wicked_o observe_v what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o a_o bruise_a reed_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o yet_o have_v some_o life_n in_o it_o for_o a_o reed_n though_o it_o be_v exceed_o weak_a that_o it_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n yet_o by_o the_o side_n of_o the_o water_n it_o grow_v it_o have_v life_n in_o it_o make_v this_o sure_a to_o thyself_o that_o thou_o have_v life_n in_o thou_o or_o else_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o doctrine_n can_v belong_v to_o thou_o if_o so_o be_v thou_o have_v life_n in_o thou_o though_o thy_o grace_n be_v weak_a yet_o if_o thou_o have_v life_n it_o be_v but_o a_o infirmity_n but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o may_v i_o know_v i_o have_v life_n in_o i_o i_o answer_v you_o may_v know_v it_o thus_o first_o thou_o may_v know_v it_o by_o thy_o spiritual_a feel_n thou_o will_v feel_v what_o hurt_v thou_o thou_o will_v feel_v sin_n to_o be_v a_o great_a burden_n and_o thou_o will_v groan_v under_o it_o and_o thou_o will_v bemoan_v thyself_o like_o ephraim_n jer._n 31.18_o i_o have_v sure_o hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o thus_o thou_o have_v chastise_v i_o and_o i_o be_v chastise_v as_o a_o bullock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n sure_o after_o that_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v and_o after_o that_o
i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v because_o i_o do_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o my_o youth_n second_o thou_o may_v know_v it_o by_o that_o spiritual_a strife_n and_o combat_n and_o conflict_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o certain_o there_o will_v be_v a_o conflict_n in_o thy_o soul_n because_o there_o be_v two_o contrary_a principle_n there_o put_v water_n to_o water_n or_o fire_n to_o fire_n and_o there_o be_v no_o conflict_n but_o put_v water_n and_o fire_n together_o and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a conflict_n so_o corruption_n will_v not_o strive_v with_o corruption_n but_o where_o there_o be_v grace_n and_o corruption_n in_o one_o soul_n there_o will_v be_v a_o combat_n and_o conflict_n the_o flesh_n will_v lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 5.17_o three_o thou_o may_v know_v thou_o have_v life_n in_o thou_o by_o thy_o spiritual_a cry_n thou_o will_v cry_v out_o for_o deliverance_n from_o danger_n and_o evil_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n thou_o will_v make_v this_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o thy_o suit_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n from_o day_n to_o day_n o_o that_o once_o i_o may_v be_v free_v from_o a_o base_a whorish_a backsliding-heart_n that_o continual_o be_v depart_v from_o god_n four_o if_o thou_o have_v life_n certain_o that_o grace_n thou_o have_v though_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a though_o it_o be_v but_o little_a though_o it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o spark_n yet_o it_o shall_v prevail_v against_o corruption_n for_o wherever_o the_o lord_n christ_n enter_v into_o the_o soul_n to_o dwell_v there_o he_o come_v like_o a_o conqueror_n and_o he_o bring_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n matth._n 12.20_o that_o be_v his_o government_n shall_v be_v victorious_a over_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n grace_n like_o oil_n will_v be_v uppermost_a if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o thy_o heart_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v quench_v but_o it_o shall_v rather_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o and_o at_o last_o shall_v grow_v up_o into_o a_o flame_n as_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o come_v upon_o elijah_n offer_v 1_o king_n 18.38_o consume_v the_o burnt-sacrifice_n and_o the_o wood_n and_o the_o stone_n and_o the_o dust_n and_o lick_v up_o the_o water_n that_o be_v in_o the_o trench_n grace_n be_v a_o fire_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n though_o there_o be_v but_o a_o little_a spark_n of_o it_o at_o first_o yet_o by_o little_a and_o little_a it_o will_v lick_v up_o all_o the_o water_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o consume_v our_o sin_n grace_n will_v grow_v strong_a and_o strong_a and_o corruption_n weak_a and_o weak_a that_o be_v the_o first_o symptom_n of_o a_o infirmity_n if_o there_o be_v spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o spiritual_a life_n there_o be_v no_o infirmity_n second_o the_o second_o sign_n or_o symptom_n of_o a_o infirmity_n be_v this_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o infirmity_n when_o some_o particular_a action_n cross_v the_o main_a intention_n of_o the_o heart_n if_o thy_o eye_n be_v single_a if_o thy_o heart_n be_v upright_o if_o the_o bias_n and_o bent_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v towards_o god_n than_o all_o the_o obliquity_n or_o all_o the_o swerving_n in_o thy_o life_n be_v but_o look_v upon_o as_o infirmity_n for_o example_n a_o good_a archer_n that_o be_v handle_v his_o bow_n may-be_a his_o eye_n be_v right_a and_o his_o aim_n be_v right_a but_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o hand_n or_o the_o distemper_n of_o his_o bow_n he_o may_v miss_v the_o mark_n that_o be_v a_o infirmity_n so_o here_o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v right_a towards_o god_n commandment_n if_o thy_o intention_n be_v to_o please_v god_n if_o the_o bent_n and_o bias_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v god-ward_o not_o sin-ward_n than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o obliquity_n or_o swerving_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o action_n be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o infirmity_n as_o a_o traveller_n for_o example_n in_o his_o journey_n if_o he_o set_v his_o face_n the_o right_a way_n and_o he_o be_v inquire_v the_o way_n and_o willing_a to_o follow_v the_o way_n or_o if_o when_o he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n he_o check_v himself_o though_o he_o may_v miss_v of_o the_o way_n through_o ignorance_n or_o may_v be_v seduce_v by_o some_o that_o tell_v he_o wrong_n yet_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o a_o infirmity_n so_o here_o when_o thou_o can_v set_v thy_o face_n towards_o heaven_n as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v describe_v jer._n 50.5_o they_o shall_v ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o say_v come_v let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v when_o a_o man_n thus_o set_v his_o face_n towards_o heaven_n than_o his_o wander_n out_o of_o the_o way_n if_o they_o be_v beside_o the_o intention_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o mind_n be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o infirmity_n david_n be_v out_o of_o his_o way_n when_o in_o a_o fury_n he_o will_v be_v avenge_v on_o nabal_n for_o his_o churlishness_n when_o he_o say_v god_n do_v so_o to_o i_o and_o more_o also_o if_o i_o cut_v not_o off_o nabal_n and_o every_o one_o that_o belong_v to_o his_o family_n yet_o when_o abigail_n a_o wise_a woman_n come_v and_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o way_n how_o glad_a be_v he_o and_o stop_v his_o course_n and_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n which_o send_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o meet_v i_o and_o bless_v be_v thy_o advice_n and_o bless_v be_v thou_o which_o have_v keep_v i_o this_o day_n from_o come_v to_o shed_v blood_n and_o from_o avenge_a myself_o with_o my_o own_o hand_n 1_o sam._n 25.32_o 33._o see_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o sin_n of_o judas_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o peter_n judas_n you_o know_v he_o sin_v with_o deliberation_n and_o his_o intention_n be_v stark_a naught_o his_o intention_n and_o purpose_n of_o betray_v his_o master_n be_v to_o enrich_v himself_o he_o be_v a_o thief_n and_o nibble_v money_n out_o of_o his_o master_n bag_n therefore_o his_o intention_n be_v naught_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a look_v on_o peter_n when_o he_o thrice_o deny_v his_o master_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n too_o but_o it_o be_v without_o his_o intention_n or_o purpose_n certain_o peter_n have_v no_o intention_n at_o all_o to_o deny_v his_o master_n but_o it_o fare_v with_o he_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v write_v with_o his_o pen_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o write_v a_o straight_a line_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o body_n come_v and_o jogg_n he_o on_o the_o elbow_n so_o he_o make_v a_o crooked_a line_n against_o his_o will_n or_o as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v shoot_v at_o a_o mark_n but_o some_o body_n come_v and_o jogg_n his_o elbow_n and_o make_v his_o arrow_n to_o go_v awry_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o peter_n this_o be_v the_o second_o sign_n or_o symptom_n of_o a_o infirmity_n three_o that_o be_v a_o infirmity_n when_o a_o man_n judgement_n be_v keep_v sound_n and_o upright_o that_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o any_o sin_n when_o no_o sin_n have_v any_o allowance_n or_o approbation_n in_o his_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o john_n baptist_n his_o preach_a isa_n 40.4_o every_o valley_n shall_v be_v exalt_v and_o every_o mountain_n and_o hill_n shall_v be_v make_v low_a and_o the_o crooked_a shall_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o the_o rough_a place_n plain_a that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n baptist_n preach_v they_o will_v not_o look_v on_o crooked_a thing_n as_o plain_a or_o plain_a thing_n as_o crooked_a that_o be_v they_o will_v not_o defend_v or_o justify_v themselves_o in_o sin_n but_o look_v upon_o sin_n as_o sin_n and_o duty_n as_o duty_n and_o they_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o god_n as_o crooked_a but_o straight_o they_o be_v indeed_o crooked_a to_o they_o before_o because_o their_o judgement_n be_v not_o sound_a but_o now_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o straight_o and_o all_o his_o way_n to_o be_v equal_a way_n a_o child_n of_o god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o commend_v that_o duty_n which_o yet_o he_o can_v practice_v and_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o condemn_v that_o sin_n into_o which_o yet_o he_o often_o slip_v and_o fall_v and_o that_o because_o his_o judgement_n be_v right_a duty_n will_v be_v duty_n in_o his_o eye_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v sin_n in_o his_o eye_n though_o through_o infirmity_n he_o may_v fail_v in_o the_o one_o and_o fall_v into_o the_o