such_o a_o time_n when_o sharp_a affliction_n press_v hard_a upon_o you_o it_o must_v indeed_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o even_o nature_n itself_o seem_v to_o promp_v man_n to_o look_v up_o towards_o god_n when_o they_o be_v under_o extreme_a difficulty_n and_o some_o for_o fashion_n will_v do_v it_o soon_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o great_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o ungodly_a man_n be_v usual_o take_v from_o the_o creature_n they_o hope_v the_o tide_n will_v turn_v and_o matter_n go_v better_a with_o they_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o keep_v they_o from_o sink_v sometime_o they_o trust_v in_o their_o riches_n sometime_o in_o their_o friend_n sometime_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o management_n in_o short_a they_o will_v turn_v their_o eye_n every_o way_n for_o satisfaction_n and_o ease_n rather_o than_o towards_o god_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a they_o be_v estrange_v from_o he_o and_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o take_v up_o with_o he_o for_o their_o only_a soul-satisfying_a portion_n and_o happiness_n they_o like_v not_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o but_o shun_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n unsuitable_a to_o they_o they_o will_v rather_o weary_v themselves_o with_o a_o thousand_o fruitless_a attempt_n to_o sin_v rest_n in_o the_o creature_n than_o seek_v it_o in_o he_o who_o alone_o can_v give_v it_o perhaps_o when_o they_o be_v force_v and_o even_o fire_v out_o of_o all_o other_o refuge_n they_o will_v then_o come_v cry_v to_o god_n but_o what_o can_v such_o a_o constrain_a show_n of_o devotion_n signify_v vtumur_n deo_fw-la fruunâ—ur_fw-la creaturis_fw-la they_o will_v as_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n but_o their_o heart_n their_o love_n and_o delight_n be_v upon_o the_o creature_n as_o for_o the_o true_o godly_a the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o their_o hope_n and_o comfort_n be_v of_o a_o more_o divine_a original_a lord_n what_o waâ—â—_n i_o for_o my_o hope_n be_v in_o thou_o although_o the_o fig_n tree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n etc._n etc._n yet_o will_v i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n hab._n 3.17_o 18._o some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n and_o some_o in_o horse_n but_o we_o will_v remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n psal_n 20.7_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n listen_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o â—sal_n 4_o 6_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n heb._n troublesome_a perplex_v thought_n within_o i_o try_v comfort_n delight_v my_o soul_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n teâ—châ—th_v believer_n to_o lay_v open_a their_o complaint_n to_o their_o heavenly_a father_n to_o cast_v their_o câ—re_n upon_o he_o to_o place_v their_o happiness_n in_o he_o to_o fetch_v their_o comfort_n from_o he_o and_o this_o as_o matter_n of_o choice_n not_o mere_o out_o oâ—_n constraint_n the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o strong_a tower_n the_o righteous_a â—â—â—neth_n into_o it_o and_o be_v safe_a prov._n 19.10_o psal_n 94.32_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o defence_n and_o my_o god_n be_v the_o râ—ck_n of_o my_o refuge_n they_o know_v they_o elf_n to_o be_v stranger_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o expect_v no_o great_a matter_n from_o it_o heaven_n be_v their_o home_n their_o treasure_n their_o hope_n their_o joy_n their_o heart_n be_v there_o of_o this_o we_o have_v full_a proof_n in_o the_o context_n as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a question_n you_o may_v try_v your_o state_n i_o know_v there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o grace_n all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a will_v not_o be_v alike_o able_a to_o answer_v what_o have_v be_v propose_v nor_o will_v i_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a sincere_a christian_n there_o may_v be_v great_a failures_n and_o imperfection_n but_o that_o which_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o be_v strict_o to_o observe_v what_o be_v the_o prevail_a bent_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o all_o this_o but_o i_o have_v one_o question_n more_o fit_a for_o the_o strong_a to_o try_v themselves_o by_o though_o the_o weak_a be_v not_o unconcern_v in_o it_o neither_o quest_n 10._o do_v you_o love_n god_n as_o god_n for_o himself_o above_o yourselves_o or_o any_o other_o object_n whatsoever_o that_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n we_o ought_v thus_o to_o love_n god_n be_v past_a dispute_n unless_o we_o will_v renounce_v at_o once_o both_o reason_n and_o religion_n mark_n 12.30_o thou_o shall_v 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 etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a commandment_n mat._n 22.38_o and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n total_o without_o any_o limitation_n or_o restriction_n with_o all_o our_o power_n mind_n and_o will_v with_o a_o love_n transcend_v either_o that_o of_o ourselves_o or_o our_o neighbour_n i_o suppose_v you_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o god_n must_v be_v love_v better_a than_o your_o neighbour_n and_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v love_v as_o yourselves_o therefore_o god_n must_v be_v love_v better_a than_o yourselves_o too_o thus_o the_o necessitaâ—_n praecepti_fw-la be_v plain_a but_o since_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n than_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n otherwise_o none_o can_v be_v save_v without_o perfect_a obedience_n therefore_o here_o arise_v a_o great_a question_n before_o we_o viz._n whether_o such_o a_o love_n to_o god_n as_o god_n above_o ourselves_o oâ—_n our_o own_o happiness_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o necessary_a necessitate_v medii_fw-la that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v account_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n who_o do_v not_o thus_o love_n god_n better_o than_o himself_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o shall_v be_v digest_v into_o the_o follow_a particular_n with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n 1._o it_o be_v very_o odd_a and_o dangerous_a to_o say_v that_o that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n who_o love_v not_o god_n as_o god_n do_v not_o this_o sound_n very_o absurd_o and_o strange_o we_o will_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o ear_n which_o as_o elihu_n say_v triâ—â—_n word_n job_n 34.3_o 2._o it_o be_v clear_a by_o far_a than_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n that_o god_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o better_a than_o ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n beside_o i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o undervalue_v your_o judgement_n as_o to_o think_v that_o you_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o have_v this_o proâ—ed_a to_o you_o nor_o will_v i_o so_o far_o overuâ—ue_v your_o piety_n as_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o press_v it_o upon_o you_o that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o 3._o therefore_o we_o love_v not_o god_n as_o god_n if_o we_o love_v he_o not_o better_a than_o ourselves_o or_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n as_o such_o because_o as_o god_n he_o be_v infinite_o better_a than_o we_o be_v or_o can_v be_v god_n be_v the_o universal_a self_n originate_v independent_a unchangeable_a good_a but_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v particular_a limit_v derive_v and_o entire_o dependent_a upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v set_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o isa_n 40.25_o 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v deep_o implant_v in_o our_o nature_n a_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o it_o both_o in_o order_n to_o our_o preservation_n and_o government_n this_o it_o be_v which_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o be_v suppose_v in_o all_o the_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o this_o principle_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v extirpate_v but_o it_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o keep_v within_o its_o due_a bound_n or_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n in_o order_n to_o the_o best_a and_o high_a ends._n 5._o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o by_o the_o apostasy_n our_o self-love_n be_v become_v inordinate_a perverse_a and_o therefore_o exceed_o sinful_a so_o that_o self-denial_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_n towards_o our_o recovery_n mat._n 16.24_o we_o be_v fall_v from_o god_n to_o ourselves_o and_o be_v for_o set_v up_o our_o own_o little_a carnal_a support_v self-interest_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o full_a and_o proper_a interest_n that_o he_o have_v in_o we_o that_o be_v we_o will_v be_v god_n to_o ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a fundamental_a disorder_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o old_a man._n this_o have_v disjoint_v we_o and_o render_v we_o offensive_a to_o god_n and_o
every_o false_a way_n psa_fw-la 119.104_o so_o vers_fw-la 106._o i_o have_v swear_v and_o i_o will_v perform_v it_o that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n psal_n 17_o 5._o hold_v up_o my_o go_n in_o thy_o path_n that_o my_o foot_n step_v slio_n not_o your_o prevail_a habit_n and_o consequent_o your_o state_n must_v be_v know_v by_o your_o behaviour_n in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n than_o it_o must_v appear_v whether_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n or_o your_o own_o corruption_n be_v predominant_a in_o you_o whether_o his_o command_n or_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o fâ—esh_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n with_o you_o that_o be_v whether_o you_o be_v sincere_a christian_n or_o self-deceiving_a hypocrite_n it_o be_v true_a in_o lead_n the_o best_a of_o man_n through_o surprise_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o temptation_n may_v be_v overtake_v even_o with_o gross_a sin_n but_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o it_o they_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o it_o but_o renew_v their_o repentance_n and_o double_a theiâ—_n waâ—er_o their_o will_n be_v habitual_o more_o against_o sin_n thâ—n_v for_o it_o they_o endeavour_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v denominate_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n but_o with_o the_o unregenerate_a the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o they_o love_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o leave_v they_o quest_n 6_o do_v you_o love_v to_o be_v plain_o deal_v with_o as_o to_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o your_o soul_n be_v you_o for_o awaken_n convince_a search_a light_n or_o have_v he_o rather_o sleep_v on_o and_o take_v your_o rest_n be_v you_o earnest_o desirous_a to_o know_v your_o duty_n better_a in_o order_n to_o practice_n have_v you_o no_o sin_n which_o you_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o find_v out_o have_v you_o discover_v none_o which_o you_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o leave_v do_v you_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v prudent_o and_o faithful_o reprove_v he_o that_o hate_v reproof_n be_v brutish_a shall_v die_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n faithful_a be_v the_o wound_n of_o a_o friend_n let_v the_o righteous_a smite_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n and_o let_v he_o reprove_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o excellent_a oâ—le_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 141.5_o it_o be_v a_o woeful_a sign_n when_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v foothe_v up_o and_o flatter_v in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o woe_n be_v to_o those_o who_o humour_v they_o therein_o and_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n ezek._n 13.10_o joh._n 3.19_o 20._o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lâ—st_v his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v for_o a_o home_n and_o close_a application_n of_o the_o most_o search_a powerful_a convince_a truth_n and_o for_o judge_v himself_o impartial_o by_o they_o hypocrite_n indeed_o be_v forward_o to_o judge_n other_o they_o can_v espy_v mote_n in_o their_o brother_n eye_n buâ—_n o_o how_o favourable_a be_v they_o to_o themselves_o how_o ready_a to_o cloak_n and_o extenuate_v their_o own_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n your_o cause_n be_v naught_o when_o you_o will_v have_v it_o shuffle_v over_o without_o search_v quest_n 7._o do_v you_o earnest_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v after_o great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v it_o put_v to_o your_o choice_n whether_o have_v you_o rather_o be_v as_o holy_a as_o abraham_n david_n daniel_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n you_o have_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o or_o as_o great_a and_o successful_a in_o the_o world_n as_o cesar_n alexander_n scipio_n or_o any_o the_o like_a etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o plain_a question_n but_o it_o be_v worth_a your_o while_n to_o put_v it_o close_o to_o your_o own_o conscienceâ—_n sensible_n thing_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v very_o strong_a impression_n upon_o we_o while_o spiritual_a object_n though_o infinite_o more_o excellent_a be_v but_o cold_o or_o indifferent_o regard_v if_o you_o be_v true_o gracious_a you_o will_v certain_o desire_v to_o be_v more_o yea_o to_o be_v perfect_o so_o and_o your_o desire_n will_v be_v second_v with_o answerable_a endeavour_n as_o for_o inward_a habitual_a holiness_n you_o will_v still_o be_v take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o soul_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o more_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n this_o you_o will_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o your_o religious_a exercise_n viz._n that_o you_o may_v get_v more_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o through_o christ_n that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v carry_v out_o more_o earnest_o purtly_a and_o strong_o towards_o he_o in_o short_a that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o inward_a with_o he_o and_o near_o to_o he_o and_o that_o whatever_o you_o find_v in_o yourselves_o contrary_a to_o he_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o root_v out_o mortify_v and_o destroy_v you_o will_v even_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n mat._n 5.6_o all_o the_o affliction_n you_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v as_o nothing_o to_o you_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o remain_a corruption_n especial_o averseness_n from_o god_n as_o for_o holiness_n of_o life_n you_o will_v lay_v out_o yourselves_o for_o god_n your_o time_n your_o strength_n your_o all_o will_v be_v at_o his_o service_n as_o account_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o worth_a live_n for_o but_o the_o promote_a of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o please_a of_o his_o will._n you_o will_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o joyful_o embrace_v opportunity_n put_v into_o your_o hand_n to_o testify_v your_o love_n by_o obedience_n though_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v a_o loser_n or_o a_o sufferer_n by_o it_o yea_o you_o will_v seek_v for_o such_o opportunity_n and_o contrive_v with_o yourselves_o how_o you_o may_v be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o your_o god_n but_o if_o as_o to_o these_o matter_n you_o be_v cold_a and_o careless_a you_o may_v well_o suspect_v yourselves_o to_o be_v false_a and_o unsound_a at_o the_o bottom_n quest_n 8._o do_v you_o hearty_o love_n and_o value_v all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a as_o such_o be_v your_o delight_n in_o the_o excellent_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n do_v you_o love_v the_o society_n and_o converse_n of_o such_o person_n be_v you_o hearty_o concern_v for_o their_o welfare_n and_o ready_a to_o relieve_v their_o want_n and_o necessity_n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o that_o man_n who_o shat_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o his_o brother_n 1_o joh._n 3.17_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n rise_v against_o those_o who_o be_v more_o strict_a and_o serious_a than_o themselves_o they_o can_v hardly_o afford_v they_o a_o good_a word_n or_o look_v but_o put_v nickname_n upon_o they_o and_o can_v wish_v they_o be_v root_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n other_o there_o be_v who_o though_o not_o so_o desperate_o malignant_a do_v yet_o think_v that_o less_o care_n and_o strictness_n may_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o be_v offend_v to_o see_v they_o make_v so_o much_o ado_n about_o religion_n but_o all_o those_o who_o true_o love_v god_n love_v his_o holy_a image_n wherever_o they_o can_v discern_v it_o love_v those_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o love_v those_o that_o love_v he_o as_o such_o so_o that_o love_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v principal_o and_o ultimate_o refer_v unto_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v love_v in_o they_o and_o they_o for_o his_o sake_n 1_o joh._n 3.14_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n but_o then_o you_o must_v observe_v it_o be_v not_o every_o low_a degree_n of_o love_n to_o the_o godly_a even_o as_o such_o that_o will_v prove_v your_o sincerity_n but_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o prevail_a degree_n of_o love_n to_o they_o as_o will_v argue_v the_o predominancy_n of_o your_o love_n to_o god_n himself_o upon_o who_o account_n they_o be_v love_v take_v these_o together_o and_o they_o will_v help_v to_o prove_v and_o illustrate_v each_o other_o thus_o chap._n 5.2_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o love_v the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n so_o then_o love_v to_o the_o brethren_n be_v a_o more_o remote_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n and_o must_v itself_o be_v try_v by_o this_o more_o immediate_a one_o viz._n love_n to_o god_n himself_o quest_n 9_o what_o way_n do_v your_o thought_n most_o natural_o turn_v for_o support_v in_o a_o hour_n of_o trouble_n whence_o do_v that_o fetch_v your_o great_a relief_n at_o
not_o our_o own_o self_n but_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o then_o will_v the_o rich_a and_o mighty_a sense_n of_o those_o glorious_a word_n be_v feel_v and_o therefore_o understand_v 1_o joh._n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n eph._n 3.19_o the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v he_o this_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o end_n of_o vision_n and_o therefore_o rather_o to_o be_v call_v beatific_a than_o it_o the_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v in_o order_n to_o those_o of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o divine_a glory_n in_o the_o complete_a blessedness_n of_o his_o holy_a one_o the_o end_n of_o both_o it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o a_o great_a divine_a mr._n baxter_n you_o be_v deceive_v if_o you_o think_v that_o any_o one_o notion_n speak_v more_o to_o you_o of_o heaven_n and_o of_o your_o ultimate_a end_n than_o the_o love_n of_o god._n then_o will_v the_o weary_a soul_n be_v at_o rest_n and_o never_o more_o disturb_v with_o fruitless_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o thing_n which_o can_v profit_v it_o have_v now_o find_v its_o centre_n no_o more_o of_o break_a cistern_n it_o be_v get_v to_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n it_o can_v now_o say_v i_o be_o at_o ease_n i_o have_v enough_o i_o have_v all_o if_o all_o love_n have_v or_o rather_o be_v complacency_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o as_o st._n augustine_n and_o many_o other_o after_o he_o observe_v o_o how_o pleasant_a wilâ—_n it_o be_v perfect_o to_o love_v so_o perfect_a so_o glorious_a a_o object_n the_o god_n of_o love_n fit_v we_o for_o it_o the_o more_o we_o love_v he_o the_o near_a be_v we_o to_o heaven_n be_v sure_a you_o remember_v that_o or_o else_o i_o lose_v my_o labour_n you_o your_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o vital_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o acteâ—â—_n both_o in_o the_o working_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o wiâ—â—_n and_o make_v they_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a and_o will_v be_v eveâ—_n ready_a to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n everâ—_n thing_n of_o duty_n will_v be_v con-natural_a to_o it_o 2._o the_o perfect_v soul_n shall_v receive_v everlasting_a influence_n and_o communication_n from_o god_n it_o be_v most_o enlarged_a capacity_n shall_v be_v complete_o fill_v as_o in_o the_o first_o formation_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n we_o be_v first_o actâ—â—_n by_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o then_o act_v towards_o he_o and_o by_o so_o act_v be_v fit_v to_o receive_v more_o from_o he_o so_o will_v it_o be_v when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n the_o glorious_a perfect_v soul_n be_v a_o creature_n still_o and_o therefore_o hold_v its_o all_z in_o full_a dependence_n upon_o its_o god_n it_o offer_v nothing_o to_o he_o but_o what_o it_o have_v first_o receive_v from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o fountain_n 〈◊〉_d that_o bless_a life_n by_o which_o it_o live_v in_o his_o light_n it_o see_v light_a and_o by_o the_o continual_a effusion_n of_o hâ—â—_n love_n shed_v abroad_o upon_o it_o it_o be_v constrain_v to_o loâ—â—_n he_o his_o mighty_a hand_n enable_v it_o to_o bear_v this_o weighâ—_n of_o glory_n the_o light_n wherein_o it_o rejoice_v be_v that_o of_o hâ—â—_n countenance_n and_o his_o attractive_a love_n determine_v it_o 〈◊〉_d himself_o it_o own_v he_o in_o all_o and_o be_v ever_o wrap_v up_o 〈◊〉_d the_o high_a admiration_n of_o condescend_v goodness_n it_o be_v more_o sensible_a than_o ever_o of_o its_o own_o nothingness_n as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all._n as_o heaven_n be_v a_o state_n of_o the_o high_a advancement_n so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o deep_a humility_n the_o near_a they_o be_v to_o god_n say_v one_o the_o more_o apprehensive_a of_o their_o distance_n for_o as_o the_o same_o reverend_a person_n mr._n howe_n observe_v elsewhere_o the_o distance_n even_o of_o a_o glorify_a creature_n from_o the_o glorious_a god_n be_v still_o infinite_o great_a than_o between_o it_o and_o the_o silly_a worm_n the_o minute_a atom_n of_o dust_n hence_o we_o find_v that_o even_o the_o seraphim_n veil_v their_o face_n before_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n isa_n 6.2_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o cast_v their_o crown_n before_o his_o throne_n worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o rev._n 4.10_o 11._o chap._n 5.14_o thus_o run_v the_o triumphant_a praise_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n noâ—_n unto_o we_o o_o lord_n not_o unto_o we_o but_o unto_o thy_o name_n give_v glory_n such_o be_v the_o exercise_n such_o the_o fruition_n of_o those_o bless_a soul_n who_o have_v wash_v their_o robe_n and_o make_v they_o white_a in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n rev._n 7.14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n such_o be_v the_o glory_n to_o which_o they_o be_v advance_v though_o they_o be_v sometime_o afar_o off_o as_o well_o as_o we_o now_o they_o be_v near_o indeed_o they_o stand_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n dwell_v among_o they_o they_o know_v he_o love_v he_o and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o feel_v by_o inward_a sweet_a vital_a experience_n that_o they_o be_v know_v of_o he_o belove_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o live_v in_o they_o as_o for_o the_o adjunct_n and_o concurrent_a circumstance_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o bless_a state_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v the_o place_n be_v glorious_a the_o throne_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n â—sa_fw-la 66.1_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n thus_o the_o great_a mediator_n rev._n 3.21_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o 〈◊〉_d also_o overcome_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o moon_n will_v be_v needless_a â—here_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n 〈◊〉_d the_o light_n thereof_o chap._n 21.23_o the_o society_n will_v be_v suitable_a even_a angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n all_o who_o happiness_n will_v be_v we_o and_o we_o they_o for_o narrow_a selfishness_n have_v no_o place_n there_o but_o that_o which_o crown_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v this_o blessedness_n shall_v be_v eternal_a rev._n 3.12_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o o_o bless_a word_n and_o thrice_o bless_a state_n happy_a they_o that_o be_v safe_a land_v all_o danger_n be_v over_o with_o they_o for_o ever_o i_o can_v name_v it_o without_o fear_n of_o miss_v it_o yet_o i_o have_v hope_n the_o lord_n forgive_v the_o remnant_n of_o unbelief_n faintness_n and_o impatience_n that_o be_v in_o we_o we_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o crown_n without_o overcome_v god_n help_v we_o patient_o to_o wait_v and_o quiet_o to_o trust_v our_o almighty_a alwise_a and_o most_o gracious_a guide_n thou_o shall_v guide_v i_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v i_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n psal_n 73.24_o if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o let_v he_o follow_v i_o and_o where_o i_o be_o there_o shall_v also_o my_o servant_n be_v if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o he_o will_v my_o father_n honour_n john_n 12.26_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o be_v slothful_a but_o follow_v of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n heb._n 6.12_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o poor_a weak_a imperfect_a account_n of_o the_o heavenly_a felicity_n nevertheless_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o inser_n how_o utter_o unfit_a the_o best_a of_o we_o be_v and_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n still_o be_v by_o nature_n for_o this_o blessen_v state_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v amiss_o to_o make_v some_o enquiry_n how_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v so_o corrupt_v and_o ill-disposed_a to_o its_o supreme_a happiness_n and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o both_o these_o brief_o because_o it_o will_v prepare_v you_o to_o understand_v whaâ—_n be_v to_o come_v after_o 1._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o unregenerate_a person_n as_o such_o and_o therefore_o all_o of_o they_o be_v utter_o unfit_a for_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o most_o evident_a truth_n he_o that_o run_v may_v real_a it_o even_o they_o themselves_o may_v easy_o discern_v it_o be_v they_o not_o blind_v and_o befool_v by_o their_o lust_n onâ—_n will_v think_v it_o shall_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d escape_v their_o notice_n how_o averse_a their_o heart_n be_v from_o god_n christ_n holiness_n and_o by_o consequence_n from_o heaven_n though_o something_o
god_n who_o have_v thus_o first_o love_v we_o and_o so_o to_o effect_v the_o reconciliation_n on_o our_o part_n study_v this_o well_o the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n be_v contain_v in_o it_o as_o christ_n as_o mediator_n be_v the_o summary_n mean_v and_o way_n to_o the_o father_n to_o bring_v man_n home_o to_o his_o creator_n so_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o mediate_a grace_n to_o work_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o mr._n baxter_n haâ—_n it_o no_o other_o grace_n or_o duty_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n nor_o will_v prove_v our_o salvation_n any_o further_a than_o iâ—_n participate_v of_o predominant_a love_n to_o god_n but_o thiâ—_n predominant_a love_n be_v always_o a_o evidence_n of_o life_n ibid._n three_o the_o same_o power_n which_o have_v bring_v the_o work_n thus_o far_o do_v maintain_v and_o keep_v alive_a the_o principle_n of_o grace_n implant_v in_o the_o soul_n our_o spiritual_a life_n no_o less_o than_o the_o natural_a depend_v upon_o the_o continual_a influx_n of_o its_o almighty_a author_n in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v not_o only_o as_o man_n but_o as_o christian_n or_o new_a men._n the_o strength_n of_o that_o habitual_a grace_n subject_v in_o we_o will_v never_o hold_v our_o without_o daily_a influence_n of_o efficient_a grace_n still_o work_v upon_o we_o thus_o we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 1_o pet._n 1.5_o and_o preserve_v unto_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n 2_o tim._n 4.18_o we_o know_v what_o woeful_a work_n our_o first_o parent_n make_v when_o their_o concern_v be_v leave_v in_o their_o own_o hand_n how_o shameful_o they_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o ruin_v at_o once_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n and_o this_o through_o the_o mere_a mutability_n of_o their_o nature_n though_o upright_o and_o innocent_a as_o it_o come_v out_o of_o god_n hand_n what_o then_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o we_o who_o have_v not_o only_o mutable_a nature_n but_o great_a remnant_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o sure_o if_o our_o stock_n of_o grace_n be_v leave_v only_o to_o our_o own_o management_n we_o shall_v soon_o turn_v bankrupt_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o grace_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a but_o supernatural_a principle_n not_o essential_a but_o a_o additional_a to_o our_o being_n not_o bear_v with_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o stranger_n or_o new_a comer_n in_o we_o and_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o whole_o dispossess_v of_o those_o object_n which_o be_v against_o its_o work_n nor_o deliver_v from_o those_o principle_n which_o have_v a_o enmity_n to_o it_o yea_o that_o we_o often_o lose_v some_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o shall_v quick_o lose_v the_o rest_n if_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o engage_v in_o our_o preservation_n and_o that_o faithfulness_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a 1_o cor._n 10.13_o this_o holy_a seed_n will_v soon_o come_v to_o nothing_o in_o so_o unkind_o a_o soil_n as_o our_o heart_n be_v be_v it_o not_o cherish_v and_o water_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o place_v it_o there_o this_o spark_n of_o divine_a light_n will_v quick_o be_v extinguish_v if_o not_o keep_v in_o and_o refresh_v by_o continual_a emanation_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v command_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n or_o above_o all_o keep_n prov._n 4.23_o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a that_o be_v we_o must_v put_v forth_o our_o utmost_a endeavour_n for_o god_n work_v by_o mean_n but_o if_o we_o trust_v to_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v fool_n prov._n 28.26_o i_o may_v allude_v to_o that_o psal_n 127.1_o except_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o city_n the_o watchman_n wake_v but_o in_o vain_a well_o then_o we_o must_v do_v our_o utmost_a to_o keep_v that_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o but_o how_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o dwell_v in_o we_o 2_o tim._n 1.14_o so_o judas_n 21._o keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o than_o vers_n 24_o 25._o he_o teach_v they_o to_o look_v high_a than_o their_o own_o endeavour_n in_o this_o matter_n now_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v you_o from_o fall_v to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n our_o saviour_n be_v glory_n and_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o power_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n four_o by_o the_o same_o almighty_a power_n the_o new_a creature_n be_v carry_v on_o gradual_o towards_o its_o design_a perfection_n phil._n 1.6_o be_v confident_a of_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o which_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v perform_v or_o finish_v it_n until_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o only_o keep_v whole_a in_o the_o soul_n but_o more_o abundant_a life_n give_v it_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o its_o merciful_a saviour_n joh._n 10.10_o i_o be_o come_v that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o more_o abundant_o that_o heavenly_a light_n which_o have_v shine_v in_o upon_o it_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o a_o perfect_a day_n prov._n 4.18_o the_o principle_n of_o holy_a love_n be_v cherish_v and_o blow_v up_o till_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a flame_n that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o wrought_v be_v good_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v but_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o work_n imperfect_a it_o shall_v be_v all_o very_a good_a before_o he_o have_v do_v with_o it_o as_o at_o the_o first_o creation_n gen._n 1.31_o god_n intend_v for_o his_o child_n not_o only_o a_o perfection_n of_o part_n but_o of_o degree_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o manifest_a tendency_n of_o that_o divine_a nature_n whereof_o he_o have_v make_v they_o partaker_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o agreeable_a than_o for_o those_o who_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a to_o desire_v more_o full_a and_o satisfy_v relish_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o have_v he_o give_v they_o those_o desire_v to_o abuse_v and_o torment_v they_o it_o can_v be_v sure_o those_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5.6_o yea_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a their_o long_n be_v so_o much_o the_o fit_a for_o large_a communication_n psal_n 81.10_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o ask_v great_a thing_n and_o with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a this_o leave_v a_o black_a note_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n make_v no_o progress_n but_o seem_v well_o enough_o content_a with_o the_o measure_n to_o which_o they_o have_v attain_v i_o tell_v you_o such_o person_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o own_o sincerity_n nay_o if_o this_o be_v their_o state_v constant_a habitual_a temper_n they_o may_v just_o be_v pronounce_v hypocrite_n he_o that_o think_v he_o have_v grace_n enough_o have_v certain_o not_o true_a save_a grace_n at_o all_o live_v nature_n as_o plant_n child_n etc._n etc._n thrive_v till_o they_o come_v to_o perfection_n piece_n of_o art_n or_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o image_n of_o a_o child_n a_o wither_a plant_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n or_o grow_v worse_o phil._n 3.14_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark._n sincerae_fw-la sanctitatis_fw-la inse_v parabile_fw-la signum_fw-la est_fw-la desiderium_fw-la sincerum_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la method_n theol._n part_n 3._o pag._n 216._o a_o sincere_a desire_n of_o perfection_n be_v a_o inseparable_a sign_n of_o sincere_a holiness_n be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o that_o man_n have_v any_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o sincere_a hearty_a love_n to_o he_o who_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o know_v he_o better_o and_o to_o love_v he_o more_o you_o that_o have_v experience_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v consider_v of_o it_o take_v advice_n and_o speak_v your_o mind_n but_o as_o for_o empty_a lifeless_a hypocrite_n i_o except_v against_o they_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n because_o they_o savour_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o have_v their_o judgement_n bribe_v and_o over-swayed_n by_o the_o fleshly_a interest_n we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o be_v always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o ill_a signification_n as_o to_o our_o state_n if_o such_o command_n weigh_v nothing_o with_o we_o but_o with_o the_o true_o godly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v incline_v they_o
uneasy_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o all_o about_o we_o till_o we_o be_v reduce_v and_o set_v right_o again_o so_o then_o this_o sensual_a corrupt_a self-love_n must_v be_v mortify_v but_o lawful_a and_o just_a self-love_n must_v be_v improve_v as_o be_v say_v before_o 6._o in_o assign_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o chief_a or_o ultimate_a end_n god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n must_v not_o be_v separate_v for_o our_o intention_n must_v take_v in_o both_o but_o then_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v consider_v as_o in_o full_a subordination_n to_o the_o former_a we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o desire_v our_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v therein_o who_o be_v well_o please_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o holy_a one_o our_o supreme_a end_n must_v fall_v in_o with_o he_o who_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o that_o he_o alone_o may_v have_v the_o glory_n 7._o therefore_o to_o love_n god_n only_o or_o chief_o for_o ourselves_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o our_o own_o happiness_n be_v great_o to_o affront_v and_o dishonour_v he_o by_o prefer_v ourselves_o before_o he_o the_o creature_n before_o the_o creator_n the_o silly_a interest_n of_o a_o crawl_a worm_n before_o the_o glorious_a all-comprehending_a interest_n of_o the_o supreme_a infinite_a majesty_n it_o be_v to_o invert_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n while_o we_o make_v ourselves_o the_o end_n and_o consider_v he_o but_o as_o a_o mean_n in_o order_n thereto_o as_o if_o we_o be_v better_o or_o more_o amiable_a than_o he_o or_o our_o happiness_n more_o valuable_a than_o his_o glory_n such_o profaneness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v but_o abhor_v know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o whole_a creation_n have_v no_o worth_n in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o its_o relation_n to_o he_o 8._o to_o love_n god_n with_o a_o pure_a raise_v transcendent_a superlative_a love_n for_o himself_o as_o the_o most_o amiable_a and_o perfect_a good_a from_o by_z and_o to_o who_o we_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o be_v and_o then_o to_o love_v ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o object_n for_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o holy_a love_n towards_o great_a measure_n whereof_o the_o best_a of_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o aspire_a be_v it_o not_o high_o reasonable_a that_o he_o who_o be_v best_a shall_v be_v most_o love_v that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n shall_v be_v our_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v aim_v at_o and_o intend_v he_o in_o all_o in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o the_o high_a and_o pure_a love_n of_o god_n urge_v these_o thing_n upon_o yourselves_o take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o frame_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n with_o your_o soul_n till_o the_o fire_n kindle_v and_o you_o be_v carry_v up_o above_o self_n to_o he_o and_o all_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o need_v not_o you_o nor_o your_o love_n neither_o can_v you_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o thereby_o job_n 22.2_o 3._o your_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o he_o psal_n 16.2_o the_o advantage_n be_v like_a to_o be_v your_o own_o and_o shall_v not_o the_o glory_n be_v he_o as_o carnal_a inordinate_a self-seeking_a be_v no_o better_a than_o self-destroying_a so_o to_o go_v our_o of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v estrange_v i_o from_o and_o lose_v to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v seek_v god_n live_v in_o he_o and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o advance_v our_o own_o interest_n while_o we_o seem_v to_o overlook_v it_o because_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o and_o our_o all_o in_o god_n with_o infinite_a advantage_n how_o much_o some_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v be_v carry_v out_o in_o holy_a zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n â—bove_o their_o own_o particular_a self-interest_n you_o may_v see_v exod_a 32.32_o numb_a 14.12_o rom._n 9.3_o which_o place_n i_o must_v not_o now_o stay_v to_o enlarge_v upon_o 9_o but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v immaterial_a and_o invisible_a be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o sense_n nor_o direct_o of_o sensitive_a passionate_a love_n therefore_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v inward_o deep_o predominant_o and_o therefore_o sincere_o for_o god_n though_o as_o to_o the_o passionate_a part_n we_o may_v find_v ourselves_o more_o sensible_o carry_v out_o towards_o other_o object_n because_o the_o nearness_n and_o sensibleness_n of_o the_o creature_n promote_v such_o sensible_a working_n in_o the_o low_a sensitive_a faculty_n and_o corporeal_a spirit_n as_o for_o example_n a_o sincere_a christian_a may_v be_v more_o feel_o affect_v towards_o a_o dear_a friend_n or_o relation_n or_o some_o other_o creature-enjoyment_n than_o towards_o god_n himself_o yet_o do_v it_o not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v more_o for_o these_o thing_n than_o for_o god_n because_o be_v he_o put_v to_o trial_n he_o will_v forsake_v all_o these_o enjoyment_n rather_o than_o forsake_v god_n or_o quit_v his_o interest_n in_o he_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n be_v more_o for_o god_n though_o the_o low_a sensitive_a appetite_n work_v most_o feel_o towards_o sensible_a object_n 10._o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o holiness_n to_o love_n god_n for_o himself_o as_o our_o absolute_o ultimate_a end_n and_o therefore_o better_a than_o ourselves_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v some_o secret_a conception_n or_o beginning_n of_o this_o love_n in_o a_o soul_n long_o before_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v perceive_v it_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_n of_o ourselves_o by_o what_o appear_v most_o sensible_o in_o we_o and_o to_o overlook_v what_o lie_v more_o deep_a and_o inward_a now_o as_o be_v say_v before_o love_v to_o self_n and_o to_o the_o creature_n operate_v in_o a_o more_o sensible_a passionate_a feel_a manner_n than_o holy_a intellectual_a love_n do_v because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n be_v not_o so_o near_o to_o our_o sense_n and_o passion_n as_o the_o creature_n be_v therefore_o because_o i_o will_v not_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o any_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a ezek._n 13.22_o nor_o give_v a_o advantage_n to_o satan_n to_o disquiet_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o weak_a sincere_a christian_n let_v i_o say_v to_o such_o as_o follows_z suppose_v that_o you_o be_v satisfy_v that_o god_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o amiable_a than_o yourselves_o and_o that_o he_o be_v your_o absolute_o supreme_a chief_a or_o ultimate_a end_n and_o therefore_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o as_o such_o above_o yourselves_o again_o if_o you_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o happiness_n which_o consist_v in_o so_o love_v he_o above_o any_o other_o happiness_n whatsoever_o though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o you_o love_v god_n for_o himself_o above_o yourselves_o but_o be_v it_o may_v be_v more_o sensible_o and_o feel_o concern_v for_o your_o own_o welfare_n that_o you_o may_v escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v than_o for_o his_o glory_n yet_o you_o he_o wail_v this_o and_o desire_v a_o heart_n to_o love_n god_n more_o for_o himself_o and_o to_o refer_v your_o own_o interest_n and_o all_o to_o he_o why_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o you_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o be_v discourage_v or_o cast_v down_o for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o you_o have_v the_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o this_o holy_a love_n to_o god_n for_o himself_o whereof_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax._n let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o to_o pray_v hard_o for_o further_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o your_o own_o heart_n to_o raise_v they_o more_o above_o self_n unto_o god_n that_o your_o spark_n may_v become_v a_o flame_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v even_o swallow_v up_o of_o holy_a love_n so_o will_v you_o find_v that_o comfort_n peace_n and_o assurance_n which_o you_o be_v so_o pensive_o seek_v and_o inquire_v after_o o_o learn_v at_o length_n to_o pore_v less_o upon_o your_o own_o poor_a dark_a droop_a soul_n and_o look_v more_o at_o he_o who_o be_v light_n and_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o for_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o the_o ignorant_a pretender_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n all_o this_o will_v seem_v to_o they_o more_o ado_n than_o needs_o nor_o be_v it_o difficult_a to_o confound_v their_o pretence_n without_o go_v thus_o high_a
â—â—steneth_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v heb._n 12.5_o 6._o direct_v 2._o take_v special_a care_n that_o no_o secret_a lust_n 〈◊〉_d indulge_v no_o wilful_a sin_n maintain_v nor_o allow_v 〈◊〉_d sin_n will_v breed_v doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n as_o natural_o as_o a_o putrify_a carcase_n do_v vermiâ—â—_n unless_o you_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n if_o 〈◊〉_d will_v make_v your_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o no_o woâ—â—â—â—_n if_o you_o feel_v the_o smart_n and_o anguish_n of_o they_o if_o you_o weaken_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n by_o contrary_a act_n you_o may_v thank_v yourselves_o that_o you_o can_v discerâ—_n the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o habit_n if_o you_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n who_o shall_v comfort_v you_o what_o can_v you_o expect_v but_o to_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o so_o disconsolate_a if_o you_o play_v at_o fast_o and_o loose_a with_o conscience_n and_o run_v counter_a to_o it_o dictate_v you_o may_v be_v sure_a 〈◊〉_d will_v wound_v you_o for_o your_o folly_n and_o pay_v you_o home_o for_o the_o affront_v you_o put_v upon_o it_o if_o you_o will_v harboâ—â—_n the_o enemy_n of_o your_o lord_n how_o can_v you_o look_v for_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n that_o darkness_n you_o labour_v under_o be_v self-contracted_n these_o cloud_n where_o of_o you_o complain_v be_v of_o your_o own_o raise_n if_o you_o set_v up_o your_o idol_n in_o your_o heart_n god_n will_v answer_v you_o according_a to_o your_o idol_n ezek._n 14.4_o in_o short_a if_o you_o will_v be_v make_v bold_a with_o sin_n that_o sin_n will_v cause_v sorrow_n and_o trouble_n if_o there_o be_v any_o life_n of_o grace_n to_o feel_v it_o indeed_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o you_o you_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o you_o be_v disquiet_v and_o not_o give_v up_o to_o searedness_n of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v away_o with_o your_o lust_n 〈◊〉_d you_o expect_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d the_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n direct_v 3._o though_o you_o want_v these_o special_a comfort_n of_o assurance_n do_v not_o overlook_v those_o general_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n that_o be_v still_o before_o you_o these_o be_v firm_a clear_a and_o certain_a how_o waver_v doubtful_a and_o dark_a soever_o your_o thought_n of_o your_o own_o particular_a case_n may_v be_v these_o be_v still_o at_o hand_n how_o far_o soever_o the_o evidence_n of_o your_o sincerity_n be_v to_o seek_v these_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n upon_o which_o your_o comfort_n must_v be_v build_v and_o therefore_o you_o â—â—â—d_v need_n to_o understand_v and_o digest_v they_o thorough_o and_o lay_v the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o deep_o in_o your_o â—ouls_n viz._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o that_o his_o love_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o poor_a sinner_n can_v be_v measure_v he_o have_v proclaim_v his_o name_n that_o be_v his_o nature_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o so_o psal_n 103.8_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a be_v anger_n and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n isa_n 55.7_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v or_o multiply_v to_o pardon_v vers_fw-la 8._o for_o my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n neither_o be_v your_o way_n my_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o etc._n etc._n q._n d._n quanto_fw-la sum_fw-la subâ—imior_fw-la tanto_fw-la &_o clementior_fw-la grot._fw-la by_o how_o much_o i_o be_o high_a than_o you_o by_o so_o much_o i_o be_o more_o merciful_a remember_v all_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v infinite_o better_a than_o they_o all_o how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o call_v his_o power_n omnipotence_n his_o wisdom_n or_o knowledge_n omniscience_n and_o yet_o entertain_v such_o poor_a narrow_a thought_n of_o his_o goodness_n be_v he_o not_o all-good_a as_o well_o as_o almighty_a and_o alwise_a be_v not_o his_o attribute_n all_o alike_o infinite_a be_v it_o not_o the_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o hide_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n from_o you_o and_o to_o fill_v you_o with_o black_a unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o that_o he_o may_v either_o quite_o keep_v you_o from_o he_o or_o make_v your_o walk_n with_o he_o uncomfortable_a therefore_o i_o say_v lay_v this_o dowâ—_n as_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n and_o according_o stay_v yourselves_o upon_o it_o viz._n that_o however_o it_o be_v yet_o 〈◊〉_d be_v good_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o infinite_a value_n and_o that_o he_o be_v full_a of_o to_o derness_n and_o pity_n to_o poor_a sinner_n whatever_o he_o 〈◊〉_d or_o suffer_v have_v a_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o man_n in_o it_o from_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n he_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man._n and_o his_o compassion_n to_o poor_a sinner_n be_v every_o where_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d earnest_o do_v he_o treat_v with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o reconcillation_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n how_o feel_o do_v he_o weep_v over_o they_o how_o affectionate_o do_v he_o pray_v even_o for_o those_o that_o persecute_a and_o hate_v he_o to_o the_o death_n he_o disdain_v not_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o mean_a person_n the_o poor_a and_o infirm_a have_v free_a access_n to_o he_o how_o ready_o do_v he_o sheâ—_n mercy_n to_o their_o body_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o belief_n and_o entertainment_n of_o that_o great_a mercy_n be_v bad_a in_o store_n for_o their_o soul_n 3._o pardon_v and_o life_n be_v free_o offer_v to_o you_o all_o without_o exception_n if_o you_o will_v accept_v thereof_o upon_o the_o reasonable_a term_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o way_n be_v open_a whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o none_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o such_o as_o exclude_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a and_o final_a impenitency_n whatsoever_o doubt_n or_o difficulty_n arise_v before_o you_o still_o keep_v close_o to_o these_o three_o grand_a foundation_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n be_v your_o case_n as_o bad_a as_o it_o will_v it_o can_v be_v desperate_a unless_o you_o make_v it_o so_o by_o persist_v obstinare_o in_o it_o remember_v the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o redemption_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n you_o have_v these_o three_o altogether_o joh._n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n direct_v 4._o waste_v not_o your_o time_n in_o fruitless_a muse_n or_o heartless_a complaint_n about_o your_o doubtful_a uncertain_a state_n but_o fall_v forthwith_o to_o your_o certain_a duty_n what_o though_o you_o can_v tell_v whether_o as_o yet_o you_o have_v sincere_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o accept_v of_o he_o i_o hope_v you_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o you_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v though_o you_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o what_o be_v past_a your_o present_a duty_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a the_o door_n be_v open_a enter_z and_o live_v christ_n be_v willing_a if_o you_o be_v willing_a he_o offer_v his_o benefit_n to_o you_o he_o press_v they_o upon_o you_o and_o urge_v you_o to_o accept_v they_o come_v then_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n arise_v he_o call_v you_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n sigh_v and_o complain_v rid_v no_o business_n set_v yourselves_o to_o the_o work_n with_o all_o your_o might_n admit_v that_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o sincere_o close_v with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v not_o too_o late_o to_o do_v it_o now_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v do_v or_o you_o be_v undo_v 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to_o these_o i_o will_v say_v if_o as_o you_o profess_v you_o true_o love_v god_n whence_o be_v that_o you_o think_v no_o more_o of_o he_o and_o that_o you_o speak_v no_o more_o of_o he_o and_o delight_v no_o more_o in_o converse_n with_o he_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v when_o he_o be_v dishonour_v nor_o grieve_v for_o your_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o against_o he_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o religious_a duty_n be_v whole_o neglect_v by_o you_o and_o other_o so_o miserable_o trifle_v in_o and_o slubber_v over_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o your_o lust_n be_v so_o much_o indulge_v and_o that_o you_o keep_v in_o league_n with_o his_o enemy_n &_o c._n be_v this_o the_o love_n you_o speak_v of_o it_o may_v well_o become_v you_o to_o know_v yourselves_o better_a thus_o much_o for_o the_o use_v of_o examination_n chap._n xi_o the_o exhortation_n in_o several_a branch_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o wrought_v for_o heaven_n direct_v they_o what_o 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more_o faith_n in_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o our_o glorify_a head_n and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o exhortation_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n come_v come_v bestir_v yourselves_o what_o have_v you_o be_v do_v all_o this_o while_n what_o be_v you_o dream_v of_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n and_o to_o hasten_v your_o escape_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v while_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_n little_o know_v you_o but_o your_o glass_n may_v be_v almost_o run_v and_o yet_o alas_o your_o great_a work_n be_v undo_v let_v i_o say_v to_o you_o as_o gen._n 19.17_o escape_v for_o your_o life_n look_v not_o behind_o you_o lest_o you_o be_v consume_v if_o therefore_o you_o will_v be_v convert_v and_o save_v let_v i_o also_o press_v upon_o you_o the_o follow_a direction_n o_o lord_n my_o god_n i_o beseech_v thou_o send_v i_o good_a speed_n this_o day_n and_o grant_v that_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n may_v be_v break_v and_o the_o interest_n of_o thy_o son_n my_o lord_n be_v advance_v and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n may_v be_v hasten_v lord_n remember_v the_o request_n though_o too_o few_o and_o cold_a that_o have_v be_v put_v up_o to_o heaven_n both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o secret_a on_o this_o behalf_n and_o give_v a_o gracious_a answer_n even_o so_o amen_n direct_v 1._o set_a yourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o your_o spiritual_a concern_v exercise_v your_o most_o sober_a deliberate_a thought_n about_o they_o you_o will_v find_v one_o day_n that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o you_o not_o to_o have_v have_v reason_n than_o not_o to_o use_v it_o about_o the_o interest_n of_o your_o soul_n better_o i_o say_v that_o you_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o room_n of_o the_o mean_a guâ—t_n worm_n or_o mole_n in_o the_o creation_n than_o of_o man_n if_o you_o do_v not_o improve_v â—nd_n use_v your_o noble_a faculty_n â—o_o their_o proper_a ends._n you_o can_v think_v natural_o and_o easy_o early_o and_o late_o with_o much_o earnestness_n and_o constancy_n about_o other_o matâ—ers_n how_o to_o buy_v and_o sell_v and_o get_v gain_n and_o other_o such_o important_a trifle_n apardon_v the_o contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v of_o your_o own_o make_n but_o lâ—t_v i_o ask_v you_o have_v you_o no_o thought_n to_o spare_v about_o your_o eternal_a concern_v where_o you_o must_v dwell_v for_o ever_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o your_o immortal_a soul_n when_o they_o must_v abide_v in_o flesh_n no_o long_o do_v not_o these_o thing_n deserve_v to_o be_v think_v of_o what_o do_v you_o think_v your_o reason_n be_v give_v you_o for_o can_v you_o expect_v to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v without_o any_o endeavour_n of_o your_o own_o in_o order_n thereto_o or_o be_v it_o likely_a your_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v to_o any_o purpose_n unless_o your_o mind_n be_v first_o awaken_v to_o proceed_v rational_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o ask_v yourselves_o 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scripture_n account_v all_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v enemy_n to_o god_n yea_o enmity_n itself_o rom._n 8.7_o col._n 1.21_o they_o be_v say_v to_o contemn_v he_o despise_v he_o and_o to_o cast_v he_o behind_o their_o back_n they_o kick_v against_o he_o they_o hate_v and_o abhor_v he_o zeâ—h_n 11.8_o my_o soul_n loathe_v they_o and_o their_o soul_n also_o abhor_v i_o be_v not_o this_o think_v you_o a_o sinful_a state_n indeed_o and_o be_v it_o not_o in_o some_o respect_n so_o much_o the_o worse_o in_o that_o they_o profess_v or_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a with_o their_o mouth_n they_o show_v much_o love_n but_o in_o reality_n they_o do_v alienate_v themselves_o from_o he_o who_o have_v the_o most_o full_a and_o absolute_a propriety_n in_o they_o they_o rebel_v against_o their_o most_o